Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed the team’s loss to the New York Giants and looked ahead to Sunday’s game against the New York Jets while speaking with the “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday.
Here’s a recap of Rodgers’ appearance on the weekly show:
— Rodgers said he loved the entire London experience. He thought at least 70 percent of the crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were Packers fans. “Overall, really fun trip.”
— On the second half troubles on offense: Part of it was not having the ball. Didn’t start a second possession until into the fourth quarter. Also complimented Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. “I have a ton of respect for Wink…they are aggressive, they come after you…they threw a lot at us.”
— Rodgers called Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence a “premier player.” The Packers interior offensive line said he’s one of the best defenders they’ve faced this year.
— Rodgers said he wasn’t taking a shot at Jaire Alexander following the loss to the Giants. He said it’s his job as a “mouthpiece” for the team to create positive narratives in the locker room and refocus the team for Sunday’s game against the Jets.
— Rodgers said that “maybe” A.J. Dillon would have scored on the fourth down play. He said running against that look isn’t usually the right play. “Empty pressure, you’re not really thinking of handing it off.”
— Rodgers said he thinks his Hail Mary on the final play likely would have gotten to the end zone. He got hit instead. Said he needed to buy more time to let the receivers get to the end zone.
— Rodgers said he got “rocked” on the final play. His thumb is a “little banged up” but he doesn’t think the injury will affect his throwing this week.
— Rodgers said he wanted to run a very specific play on the third down play on the final drive. Said the Giants played the look well but he also believed it could have been a touchdown to Randall Cobb had the throw gotten through the line.
— On Cobb: “I felt like he was trending in this direction getting more opportunities.” Said he made the most of his chances against the Giants. Not expecting 13 targets. “I have a lot of trust in him, always have.” Said he looks healthy.
— Said the touchdown pass to Marcedes Lewis was an old play designed by Nathaniel Hackett. “Definitely wanted to get him a touch.” Said Lewis is one of the offense’s top 11 players. “Dominates” in the run game. Hopes he can get more looks in the red zone.
— Rodger said he wants more opportunities for Allen Lazard.
— Rodgers on embracing expectations: “When we come up short, we’re going to be accountable, but we’re not going to panic.”
— Rodgers said he isn’t a fan of reviewing roughing the passer penalties. Didn’t work with pass interference. Admitted it’s “tough to play defense” given the new penalties and policing of the quarterback position.
