Aaron Rodgers has suggested losing to the Washington Commanders could be the ‘best thing’ for the Green Bay Packers and the quarterback still harbours hopes of reaching the playoffs.
The Packers were defeated 23-21 by the lowly Commanders to condemn the franchise to a losing record of 3-4 in 2022. Rodgers threw for 194 yards and two touchdowns but failed to breathe life into a youthful Green Bay offence which has struggled this season.
As a result, the Packers now sit second in the NFC North but are well off the pace set by the Minnesota Vikings, who have five wins and one defeat so far. The stagnant offence is piloted by Rodgers, and the four-time MVP has come under fire for his performances so far this campaign.
Rodgers has not surpassed 255 passing yards in a game all season and currently ranks 26th among quarterbacks in QBR (40.5). With only the Vikings establishing themselves as competition for the NFC North title while the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions flounder, the Packers' postseason hopes remain intact despite their precarious position.
Rodgers was bullish when asked if it felt plausible for the Packers to reach the playoffs, insisting: “You're god damn right it does. I’m not worried about this squad. In fact, this might be the best thing for us.
“This week, nobody’s going to give us a chance, going to Buffalo on ‘Sunday Night Football,’ with a chance to get exposed … Shoot, this might be the best thing for us.”
Rodgers’ patience was surely tested in the defeat on Sunday, as receiver Allen Lazard was forced off with a shoulder injury to pile onto the absence of Randall Cobb and rookie Christian Watson, while rookie Romeo Doubs finished with zero catches after a key third down drop. Amari Rodgers also muffed a punt that helped swing momentum in Washington's favour.
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After throwing 37 touchdown passes with four interceptions last season, the back-to-back MVP has just 11 passing touchdowns in seven games with three picks. His 94.9 passer rating in 2022 would be his third-worst in 15 years as an NFL starter.
The loss to the Commanders was the Packers’ third successive defeat after suffering against the New York Giants and New York Jets, and it is the first time the team have lost three successive matches under head coach Matt LaFleur. Their task hardly gets any easier when they travel to Buffalo to face the high-flying Bills on Sunday Night Football.
The Bills are considered by many to be the Super Bowl favourites and they even enjoyed a week’s rest after going through their bye in Week 7. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen is leading the way as the MVP favourite, so Sunday’s contest highlights the different places these two franchises - and quarterbacks - are in at the moment.
