The Green Bay Packers had a very disappointing end to the season, with a shocking loss to the San Francisco 49ers. They were Super Bowl contenders but were let down by their special teams unit.
The special teams' meltdown resulted in a blocked punt for a touchdown and getting a field goal blocked. These mistakes were crucial as it was a close 13-10 loss.
While Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' offense underperformed, the special teams unit is what lost them the game. Rodgers is set to win his second straight MVP award and fourth overall.
Although Green Bay drafted Jordan Love a couple of years ago, Rodgers has shown that he can still play at an elite level.
That being said, here are two reasons the Packers must do everything possible to keep Aaron Rodgers.
2. Packers will still be contenders
The Packers fell short of what felt like their year, and some key players could be gone. However, they still have talented pieces under contract, and Rodgers returning would keep them as contenders.
Green Bay has talented playmakers on both sides of the ball, including a star-studded running back duo. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon were unstoppable throughout the season, putting up great numbers.
This season, Jones rushed for 799 yards along with 391 receiving yards. He also rushed for four touchdowns and caught six of them.
Dillon rushed for 803 yards and five touchdowns and improved as a pass-catcher. He contributed 313 yards and two touchdowns, showing he is more than a power back.
The defense also has young stars emerging, including Jaire Alexander, Darnell Savage, and Rashan Gary. Gary had a breakout campaign, posting a career-high 9.5 sacks. He was a catalyst in the outstanding defensive performance against the 49ers. He contributed with two sacks and put constant pressure on Jimmy Garoppolo.
Even with some players potentially leaving, the foundation is set up for the Packers to keep competing.
1. Rodgers is still an MVP level player
While the Packers have talent on both sides, they won't be a Super Bowl contender if Rodgers doesn't return. He is the reigning MVP and is likely to win the award again.
Although he came up short in the postseason, he is still one of the best players in the NFL. This season, Rodgers threw for 4,115 yards paired with 37 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
He can still play, but it will come down to whether he wants to be traded, retire, or come back to Green Bay.
Rodgers went on The Pat McAfee Show and said this about his future:
“Everything is definitely on the table. There are things that seem more plausible or more likely, which I won't necessarily get into. The most important thing is, first, the commitment to playing and to go into the offseason and training and all that's stuff.” He went on to say, “One thing I would 100 percent not do is retire and then come back a year later. I don’t have any desire to do that. That makes no sense.”
Packers fans will be waiting, and it is bound to be another offseason filled with rumors about his future. Rodgers has meant so much to the franchise, and his potential departure will be in news cycles until he announces his decision. Green Bay has an action-packed offseason ahead, with many vital players entering free agency.
Rodgers' decision will also have an impact on their desire to return to the team. The Packers need to do everything they can to get him back to help them contend for a Super Bowl title.
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