NFL
Aaron Rodgers Makes His Return For The Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers made his return last night in Week 2 of the 2018 preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers was only in for one drive, but he made it count. The 34-year-old quarterback went two of four for 35 yards. As well as connecting with newest addition tight end Jimmy Graham for a touchdown.
The two-time NFL MVP suffered from a broken collarbone in Week 6 of the 2017 season against the Minnesota Vikings. Before enduring his season-ending injury, Rodgers was on his way to a recording-breaking year. Leading the NFL in touchdown passes with 16, as well as stacking up 1,675 passing yards.
While Rodgers was sidelined, backup quarterback Brett Hundley stepped up to the plate but was unable to obtain a winning record. Green Bay ended the season at 7-9 and placed third in the NFC North division. The Packers missed the playoffs for the first time since Rodgers was named the starting quarterback in 2008.
Aaron Rodgers’ History
Since becoming the 24th overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft, the quarterback has gone nowhere but up. After being named the starter for the Packers in 2008, Rodgers has racked up a huge list of accomplishments. Including six Pro Bowls, two NFL MVP’s and a Super Bowl ring.
Rodgers also holds multiple NFL records. Two of these include the highest passer rating ever recorded in a single game and in a single season. Rodgers also currently holds the longest streak of not throwing an interception at home (1,043 days and 587 attempts).
Even after breaking his collarbone twice; two-thirds of the way through the 2013 season and close to the middle of the 2017 season, Rodgers is ranked tenth all-time in touchdown passes with 313.
Expectations For The Upcoming Season
After releasing Rodgers go-to wide receiver Jordy Nelson, the Packers signed five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham. Expectations are high for Rodgers and Graham to gain chemistry and become an unstoppable duo. After their performance against the Steelers, confidence levels are high. This might result in what could be the best possible quarterback-tight end pair this season.
After coming back stronger than ever in 2014 and winning NFL MVP, Rodgers told reporters “I plan on doing that again,” during a press conference when asked about the award. Green Bay’s defense has not always held up their end of the bargain.
As a team in the last two seasons, they did not even break the top 20. But after holding the Steelers to 3 of 11 on third down and causing two pick-sixes, things might be turning around on the defensive end.
If the Packers’ performance last night is any indication of how the 2018 season will go, fans could witness the team’s best season yet with at least a 12-4 record followed by a promising playoff run. Rodgers leading the way accumulating a minimum of 4,000 passing yards, 110 or higher passer rating and over 40 touchdown passes will make Green Bay the team to fear in the NFC.
