Packers Breaking News: Is The Rodgers Era Over?
After getting hit in the midsection, the legendary Aaron Rodgers left the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers’ 2020 first-round pick that was drafted to replace him came out firing with a touchdown dart to Christian Watson. Is the AR12 era over?
On Sunday Night Football, the Green Bay Packers fell short against the top team in the NFC. Joe Barry is on the hot seat as the defensive coordinator. The Packers’ defense gave up 500 total yards. Aaron Rodgers tried to move the ball and get into scoring position, but two costly interceptions killed two crucial possessions. Then, late in the third quarter, Aaron Rodgers ran into the tunnel with a trainer after Green Bay settled for a field goal after a false start penalty on fourth down.
Aaron Rodgers’ Injuries
Just before Week 12, Aaron Rodgers disclosed that he has been playing through an avulsion fracture since Week five when New York Giants defender Oshane Ximines hit Rodgers’ hand on a late hail mary attempt. The injury is on his right thumb and his throwing hand. Since Week five, Rodgers has had to deal with this discomfort, affecting his throwing ability on several throws. An avulsion fracture is an injury that results in a torn ligament that creates joint instability in the thumb. There have been a few instances since Week five where we’ve seen Rodgers hold his thumb after a sack. How much longer can he hold off the pain?
In addition to the thumb injury, Aaron Rodgers picked up another injury late in the third quarter against the Eagles. Rodgers was seen grimacing in pain after being hit in the ribs by the defense. With an option at going on fourth down, a costly false start penalty by Yosh Nijman resulted in a field goal. Rodgers then jogged from the field and straight into the locker room to have his ribs checked out.
The initial diagnosis was an oblique injury, but after the game, Rodgers confirmed it was a rib injury. The Packers probably won’t release the full details on the injury until at least Wednesday after they’ve had time to talk and examine his injuries. The Packers aren’t mathematically eliminated from playoffs, but the loss here hurt the chances. The only hope is to win out and have a few teams rack up some losses.
Packers Future Quarterback, Jordan Love
After Jordan Love’s performance issues last season with his one start, Packers Nation gave up on Love and deemed him a wasted draft pick. In 2020, Packers fans and Rodgers wanted a wide receiver in the first round; the issue is that the front office traded up for a quarterback. Jordan Love was selected 26th in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. He played his college ball at Utah State, and the game film showed a quarterback that could perform at the next level.
After Aaron Rodgers left the game late in the third quarter, the Packers looked to the next man up to lead them to victory. Jordan Love took the bull by the horns and rallied a four-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Love completed three passes for 75 yards. He found Christian Watson on a crossing route and hit him in stride; Watson then hit the jets and sped off into the endzone.
After another lengthy drive by the Eagles, the Packers got the ball back late in the fourth quarter. Love got the ball back and went three for six for 38 yards. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get the ball in the endzone, but he got in the red zone for a chip shot field goal from Mason Crosby. Unfortunately, the onside kick failed, and the defense couldn’t stop the Eagles’ rushing attack to see what else Love could do. But, overall, it was a promising experience for Jordan and left Packers fans hopeful for the future.
Packers History Repeating Itself?
It’s been almost 15 years since Aaron Rodgers replaced the injured Brett Favre while playing against the number one team in the NFC back in 2007. The date was November 29, 2007. Approximately 15 years later, on November 27, 2022, Jordan Love replaced the injured Aaron Rodgers. If you don’t remember, Rodgers took the starting job from Favre after that game. Of course, Rodgers doesn’t want to lose his starting job, so this might not repeat itself just yet, but it’s an interesting history stat. Rodgers will use his connection with Matt LaFleur to keep himself in the driver’s seat until he’s physically unable to play.
Conclusion
The loss to the Eagles leaves the Packers at 4-8 and three games back of a wild card spot. The Packers have an easy bounce-back game against the Chicago Bears in Week 13 that’ll help the chances of making playoffs, but the health of Rodgers is something to pay attention to. The Packers’ 2022 bye is in Week 14, right after the Bears game. So going into the bye week with a one-game win steak might be what the doctor ordered. Even if Rodger needs rest, Jordan Love could start and beat the Bears so Rodgers could come back a little healthier and play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15.
The Packers remaining games this season are at Chicago, home against the Los Angeles Rams, at the Miami Dolphins, home against the Minnesota Vikings, and home against the Detroit Lions. For once, a playoff spot could come down to Week 18 against the Lions. Both teams have similar records and are trying to fight for a playoff spot. The Bears and Rams are essentially easy wins, with challenging games against the Dolphins and Vikings becoming the “make it or break it games.”
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