Saving the best for last. That is the case for the 2021 positional breakdowns for the Green Bay Packers offense. Breakdowns of the tackles, tight ends, wide receivers, running backs, guards and centers have all been completed. Now, it is time to break down the 2021 Green Bay Packers quarterbacks.
Breakdown of the 2021 Green Bay Packers Quarterbacks
Now is a perfect time to break down the 2021 Green Bay Packers quarterbacks, with what news broke last week. Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers let it be known that he will be returning as the Green Bay Packers quarterback. With returning, it also appears, that Rodgers will have a new contract.
While Rodgers made some serious gaffes in regards to dealing with off-the-field issues, his 2021 play on the field was spot on. Rodgers was the leader of the Green Bay Packers quarterbacks room, which also consisted of Jordan Love and Kurt Benkert. In fact, in his 17th season, Rodgers still is the leader and the face of the organization.
Aaron Rodgers, Grade: A+
For the second consecutive year, Rodgers earned the right to be named the NFL MVP. In 2020, Rodgers threw for 4,299 yards with 48 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. He finished that season with a 121.5 passers rating.
This season, Rodgers threw for 4,115 yards with 37 touchdown passes and only four interceptions. He finished 2021 with a 111.9 passers rating. Those numbers, which Rodgers deeply cares about, helped propel him to his fourth NFL MVP award. Not only did Rodgers win the MVP, but he helped the Packers to a 13-4 regular-season record.
General manager Brian Gutekunst had no other choice but to do whatever it took to bring back Rodgers. Even with the off-the-field distractions (skipping OTAs and the “immunized” statement), Rodgers is too valuable to trade or let walk out the door. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league and the Packers have a player who is arguably the most talented in the NFL.
However, even with how well Rodgers played in the regular season, he did not do the same in the playoffs. In the Packers 13-10 playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Rodgers faltered. His overall numbers were not bad, 20 of 29 for 225 yards, but he failed to make any big plays. He did not throw for a touchdown in the game. Also, it seems that he fell back on some old habits. That being locking in on Davante Adams, and only Davante Adams. Even with being 38, the Packers still need Rodgers to be at his best if they are going to win. In the 49ers loss, he was not nearly his best.
Now, it’s on to 2022. Rodgers will return and so will one of his favorite Packers assistants. Matt LaFleur hired Tom Clements as the Packers new quarterbacks coach. Clements served as Rodgers first quarterbacks coach in the NFL. Credit to Gutekunst and LaFleur, they are doing everything they possibly can to make sure Rodgers is at his best in 2022.
Jordan Love, Grade: D+
Many will criticize the D+ grade that Love earned for 2021. But by no means does that grade reflect Love’s future. It just means when he saw playing time, he struggled.
In early November, against the Kansas City Chiefs, Love was forced into action after Rodgers tested positive for COVID. Love did not have the best of days, going 19 of 34 with 190 yards, one touchdown pass, and one interception.
Love would go on to see extensive playing time in week 17 against the Detroit Lions. Similar to the Chiefs game, Love struggled once again, registering a stat line of 10 of 17 for 134 yards with one touchdown pass. However, he also had two interceptions, one that occurred late in the game with the Packers driving.
His play in 2021 earned him the D+ grade. However, that does not mean he will not go on to have a productive career as a starting NFL quarterback. But, the question is, will it be with the Packers? With Rodgers announcing he is returning and the Packers reportedly giving him a new deal, it leaves Love’s Packers career in doubt.
Gutekunst could try to trade Love, getting what he can from it. However, that would mean Gutekunst would have to put aside his ego. It was Gutekunst who traded up in the first round to select Love. By trading him, most likely not for the value he spent on him, he would be admitting failure. The Packers could keep Love, and let him continue to develop and serve as Rodgers backup. It will be an interesting off-season for Love and the Packers.
Kurt Benkert, Grade: Incomplete
Benkert served as the number three Green Bay Packers quarterback. He spent most of the season on the Packers practice squad. He did take two snaps that were on kneel-downs against the Chicago Bears in week 14.
Even if Gutekunst trades Love, it is doubtful that Benkert has any chance to be the Packers primary backup next season. In fact, he might have a hard time making the Packers roster at all. If Love is traded, it would not be surprising to see the Packers sign a veteran free-agent quarterback like Teddy Bridgwater or even former Packer Tim Boyle. The Packers could also spend a later-round draft choice on a young quarterback, which would leave Benkert without a spot.
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