Aaron Rodgers On Pace To Sack Dubious Record

Aaron Rodgers is on a record setting pace in 2009.  Unfortunately, much like Brett Favre's all time interception mark, the record the young Packers Quarterback is in danger of owning is not something he's likely to want. Through four games, Rodgers has been sacked a league high 20 times.

That puts him on pace for 80 on the year, which would break the all time record of 76 set by Houston Texans QB David Carr in the team's woeful 2002 inaugural campaign.  

Here's a snapshot of the current NFL record book:


Most Times Sacked, Season - Individual
76     David Carr, Houston, 2002
72     Randall Cunningham, Philadelphia, 1986
68     David Carr, Houston, 2005

So if the unthinkable happens and the Packers can't find a way to protect Rodgers, would surrendering 80 sacks make the team's quarterback protection the worst of all time?  Take heart, Packers fans...not even close! 

That dubious distinction goes to the 1986 Philadelphia Eagles who surrendered an NFL record 104 sacks spread out over three quarterbacks—Ron Jaworski, Randal Cunningham, and Matt Cavanaugh.  104 sacks!  An average of 6.5 per game!  

Taking a look at expanded sack records, that puts Carr's lackluster 2002 season third on the all time team list behind the aforementioned 1986 Eagles and the 1997 Cardinals, led by Jake Plummer, Kent Graham, and Stoney Case:


Most Times Sacked, Season - Team
104     Philadelphia, 1986
78     Arizona, 1997
76     Houston, 2002

The Packers are understandably concerned about their offensive line play heading into the bye week.  They've even brought in former standout Right Tackle Mark Tauscher for a workout in the hopes the veteran's surgically repaired knee will be ready go go after a ten month layoff.

Whether Tauscher can come in and contribute remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—if the Packers don't find a way to improve their line play, Aaron Rodgers won't be healthy long enough to supplant David Carr on the list of Quarterbacking futility. And with no viable backup options on the depth chart to replace an injured Rodgers, nothing would end the Packers' 2009 season faster.