NFL – Football: Aaron Rodgers, the rich end of a saga … or not

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When Aaron Rodgers indicated he would be back with the Green Bay Packers after a nearly two-year saga in early March, all was looking good in the brave new world of Wisconsin. Finally, the legendary number 12 will continue to thrill the crowds at Lambeau Field. Days later, Packers fans (and probably Rodgers himself) were shocked to see Davante Adams leave for Vice City to join Derek Carr and the Raiders.

Adams claimed it was the specter of Rodgers’ retirement that prompted him to move to Las Vegas. We bet, however, that all the turnovers of the Rodgers saga had enough to annoy the star receiver. Certainly, Adams didn’t put out any fires when he said it was easy for him to adjust to receiving Carr’s passes because « he was going from one future Hall of Famer to another. » Rodgers was quick to hit back, comparing Adams to Allen Lazard, « two future Hall of Famers. »

The legitimate question arises in the case of Rodgers, however. What will he be able to do with what is probably the worst receiving squad of his career? Since 2016, Adams has been Rodgers’ favorite target with 69 touchdowns in six seasons. Lazar finished the season with five touchdowns in the final five weeks of the year, suggesting Rodgers’ talk about the chemistry between the two men may indeed be igniting this season. Realistically, however, Lazar has never been able to establish himself as a true number two receiver for the Packers since arriving as an undrafted free agent in 2018. progression to fulfill the great role of Adams.

Rodgers’ other options are a bit better known, but not necessarily more encouraging. Veterans Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins should find themselves in the role of infield receiver and left side receiver respectively. Both Cobb and Watkins have previously filled important starting roles on their team, but the last time the two men broke the 1,000 yard mark was in 2015 for Watkins and 2014 for Cobb. In both cases, this is their only season of its kind. Another element that could benefit from Adams’ departure is tight end Robert Tonyan, who exploded in 2020 with 11 touchdowns before falling in action last season. Young Amari Rodgers might be able to surprise and sneak into a role with such a stripped-down brigade.

For the first time since Adams was selected in 2014, the Packers set their sights on a receiver in one of the first two rounds of the draft last April, choosing Christian Watson at 34^e rank. In a twist of fate, Watson had his name placed on the Physically Unperformable (PUP) list due to knee surgery, meaning he missed time in training camp to develop skills. chemistry with Rodgers. The latter was reassuring despite the absence of the recruit at camp.

« It’s not a big worry. He is very intelligent. It would be great if he’s off the roster so he can participate in the drills, but he’ll be ok. He is super athletic. He participated in the other off-season training programs, including optional camps. He is always close to me to ask questions after training and during individual exercises. I’m not worried about him. »

That was about Watson, in the case of other rookie receivers… Let’s just say Rodgers’ patience hit its limit at some point in camp. “Young people, especially young receivers, have to be a lot more consistent. There are a lot of loose balls, a lot of bad decisions on the routes. We have to be better, ”said the veteran quarterback after a training session a few days before the second preseason game for his team. A few days later, Rodgers said he saw progress with his receivers, especially with rookie Romeo Doubs who rose through training camp, despite a few fumbles.

The question surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ options seems to come up every start of the season, and every time the four-time MVP winner nails the most pessimistic, with one more surprising performance than the next. Will we see another almost miraculous season of Rodgers and the emergence of an unexpected star? With the  » bad man « , everything is possible!

Tell Aaron Rodgers he can’t do something and watch him go. It will be a good show!