Packers’ Rodgers looks to continue hot streak from October into November
During the first half of the season, Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Packers’ offense were simply trying to get their bearings straight under new HC Matt LaFleur and his offense. It was a very slow and sloppy start, to say the least. Since then, however, it’s been anything but that. From October 6th up to now (November 3rd, nearly a month), Rodgers has been playing lights out. Along with a 4-0 record (all four games were played without his #1 receiver), he’s completed nearly 70% of his passes (94/137, 68%), for 1,255 yards, 10 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 119.5 passer rating. Rodgers is also 2-0 all-time against the LA/San Diego Chargers. He’s 37/55 (67%), for 502 yards, 6 TDs, 0 INTs, and a 132.5 passer rating.
Now, they are sitting comfortably on top of the division at 7-1. TE Jayce Sternberger is set to come back to the field after being out with an ankle injury, he’s another young receiving and blocking threat for the offense to utilize. Star receiver Davante Adams is also set to make his return after battling turf toe. This team has already proven to play just fine without him and are already humming along — which is a dangerous sign in and of itself. But now that Adams and Sternberger are both back, what does this mean for Green Bay’s offense?
Well, for one, it means more open field threats for defenses to cover; which is not easy when you have Aaron Rodgers as your quarterback. It’s basically a game of pick your poison for defensive coordinators. The additions of Adams and Sternberger not only will open the field up to more for Rodgers, but it will also make the plays that run much more explosive; especially on play-action — an element of which LaFleur’s offense thrives on. If Green Bay wasn’t a dangerous team before, they certainly are or should be once Adams and Sternberger return on Sunday. Against a Charger team without two of its best pass defenders in Derwin James & Nasir Adderley, Aaron Rodgers should have a very fun time in the California sunshine tomorrow. With the possibility of Adams returning as well (LaFleur had said he plans to announce his availability 90 minutes prior to kickoff), it begs the question, who would he be matched up against? It’s looking to be former Packer CB Casey Heyward — which is an elite player vs player match up on both sides.
Circling back to Jayce Sternberger’s return, this will make the offense way more complex due to the fact that LaFleur can now run three tight end sets on offense which in turn will again open up the field for Rodgers and co. in the passing game. This is the healthiest Packer team in years on both sides, and in my opinion, it will be bad news for the Chargers. I think Green Bay pulls out the victory in a close, hard-fought game 38-31 while Rodgers throws for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. The last time they faced off in California was 2011, a close 45-38 Green Bay victory. Green Bay also holds the edge in the all-time series (11 total games), with a 10-1 record. It’s looking to be a great game. Let’s hope the Packers come out with a win to stay atop the division and maintain momentum down the stretch.
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