Morning Buzz: What's wrong with Rodgers?
Welcome to your game-day edition of Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a cup of coffee (or maybe something a little stronger if you’re tailgating already) and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.
Much has been made about Aaron Rodgers’ sub-par play over the course of the last year or so, and many theories have been floated as to why the former two-time league MVP has looked downright ordinary. But nothing as definitive as this morning’s column from Bob McGinn has been written on the subject.
Bob looks at everything, and I mean everything, that has gone wrong with Rodgers’ game. From the shocking drop in Rodgers’ numbers to film study of the quarterback’s eroding mechanics, you name it, Bob has taken a look. Be sure to read it.
Sticking with the offensive side of the ball, Pete Doughtery writes that the Packers have lost their quick-strike ability. It’s something that has been noticed by personnel people across the league, including an NFL scout that Pete talked to for his column.
The Packers are 3-1 and again look like a contender in the NFC. But Rodgers ranks No. 19 in the NFL in passer rating, and like last season the Packers still aren’t the yardage (No. 25 in the NFL) and scoring (No. 12) machine they’d been for most of Rodgers’ career.
“We’re all trying to figure it out,” the scout said. “I look at Green Bay and say, ‘They’re going to be better with Jordy Nelson (back), they’re going to be better with Randall Cobb (healthy).
“… I just don’t see those chunk plays. Any time you ever watched the Packers with Rodgers it was going to be the big play. He was going to hit a tight end, he was going to hit a screen, he was going to hit one of the receivers, throw the ball to Randall Cobb, who was going to tight-rope the sideline. I haven’t seen that from these guys.”
Tom Silverstein has the latest on the injury front for the Packers, including James Starks being out due to his knee injury.
Joe Thomas was close to an afterthought coming into training camp this summer. Now, he’s playing so well he’s getting more and more playing time. Michael Cohen has a great look at the surprising play of the young linebacker.
The Packers activated Mike Pennel and Demetri Goodson coming off suspensions.
Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks do a nice breakdown of the Packers' run defense using coaches tape for NFL Network.
With Starks hurt and Eddie Lacy dealing with an ankle injury, the Packers could turn to their wide receivers to pick up the slack in the backfield.
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers don’t seem worried about the passing offense:
The Packers are wearing their throwback uniforms today.
NFL Media takes a Next Gen Stats look at the biggest showdown in today’s game.
Here’s the ring Brett Favre will receive during today’s halftime ceremony.
Packer Report has a series of matchup videos for today’s game.