Packers 2016 Recap: QB Aaron Rodgers
2016 Stats
- 401 of 610 passing, 4,428 yards, 40 TD, 7 INT
- 67 carries, 369 yards, 4 TD
- Pro Football Focus: 93.3 (2nd of 34 qualified QBs)
Expectations coming into the season: High
Expectations were: Exceeded
Analysis: Aaron Rodgers digs the Packers out of a hole he put them in
The Packers ended their season in the NFC Championship game in large part because of Aaron Rodgers, but It’s important to remember that the Packers started the 2016 season 4-6 in large part because of Aaron Rodgers.
Before his “run the table” remark, Rodgers looked like a mere mortal, at least compared to his own lofty standards. His yards per attempt, completion percentage, and passer rating were all well below his career averages, and the Packers’ passing game was stuck in neutral as a result.
But with the return of Jared Cook, Rodgers caught fire, powering the Packers to six straight wins to close out the regular season, earning the Packers the NFC North title and a playoff berth. Rodgers remained excellent in the playoffs, shredding the Giants and Cowboys before the beat up Packers ran out of gas against the Falcons.
It’s true that the Packers were in dire straits largely due to Rodgers’ sluggish start to the season, but he should get all the credit in the world for saving the season as well. The Falcons showed exactly how pathetic the Packers’ defense was this season, and that this team made it all the way to the NFC Championship despite having to walk a tightrope after a 4-6 start is a huge credit to Rodgers.