Aaron Rodgers Says 'Hell Yeah' He's Ready for Packers to Start 'Airing It out' More
October 7, 2022
Green Bay Packers quarterback and two-time reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers suggested Friday that he would like to get more aggressive in the passing game.
According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, Rodgers was asked if he wanted to throw the ball more and take more chances, and he responded affirmatively while also cracking a joke at the expense of head coach Matt LaFleur: "Hell yeah, of course. Matt's kind of in a grumpy mood right now. When he gets a little bit of rest and will be in a better mood, we'll talk about airing it out a little bit more."
Rodgers' next opportunity to potentially ratchet up the passing game will come Sunday when the Packers face the New York Giants in London.
While Rodgers has the Packers off to a 3-1 start, he hasn't put up huge numbers, especially in comparison to what he did in each of the past two seasons.
The future Hall of Famer has completed 69.0 percent of his passes for 935 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions for a team that is 3-0 since losing its season-opening game to the Minnesota Vikings.
Although he has multiple touchdown passes in each of the past three games, Rodgers has not thrown for more than 255 yards in a contest this season.
It was clear entering the 2022 campaign that things likely wouldn't come as easily for Rodgers and the Green Bay offense after the trade of superstar wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Rather than making a move for another top-flight receiver, the Packers took a committee approach by signing veteran Sammy Watkins and drafting both Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
That has left Rodgers without a clear go-to wideout, and it is fair to say his production has suffered.
Rodgers seems to be getting more comfortable with the weapons he has, though, especially when it comes to Doubs, who leads the team with 19 receptions, 184 yards and two touchdowns.
The 38-year-old has also built up his connection with Allen Lazard, who has 12 grabs for 174 yards and two scores in three games.
The Packers are banking on Rodgers' comfort level with his receivers to continue to improve to the point that the offense will fire on all cylinders come playoff time.
This week may not be the easiest one for Rodgers and Co. to launch an all-out aerial assault, however, since the Giants are exceeding expectations with a 3-1 record and are eighth in passing defense.