The Green Bay Packers have had a very active offseason which isn't akin to what they usually do. The Packers usually go through the draft to fill their needs but this offseason they spent a ton of money on free agents.
In addition, Green Bay replaced Mike McCarthy with Matt LaFleur at head coach. Things became stagnant with McCarthy and LaFleur can inject some energy into the franchise.
At least the Packers and Packers fans hope so. One person who was definitely excited to see a change at head coach was Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers have missed the playoffs in the past two years. Rodgers has also dealt with a couple of injuries in those seasons.
There's no doubt that Rodgers is going to be very motivated in 2019 to prove people wrong. The All-Pro quarterback should be near the top of the list for MVP candidate predictions.
Here are five reasons why he should be considered as an MVP front runner in 2019.
5. He's Healthy
First and foremost, Aaron Rodgers is coming into this season healthy. When he is healthy, he is one of the most talented quarterbacks you'll ever get to watch.
Last season, Rodgers suffered a knee injury in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. He was carted off during the game—only to come back in the second half and make a phenomenal comeback.
Later in the season, it was revealed that he was playing with a sprained MCL and an indent tibial plateau fracture. You may not know what an “indent tibial plateau fracture” is but anytime a fracture is involved, it isn't good.
Heading into 2019, it seems like Rodgers is ready to get back into the swing of things.
Hopefully he can maintain his health and if he does, he's coming for the MVP trophy.
4. Healthy Offensive Line
His own health is important for him to return to his MVP form but so is the health of his offensive line. The guys up front need to remain healthy if the Packers hope to protect Rodgers better in 2019.
The past couple of seasons, Green Bay has had issues keeping their offensive line intact due to injuries. Hopefully that changes under the new regime of LaFleur.
Injuries have plagued the Packers in recent years but this year feels different. The Packers are spending money (which is unusual for them) and have a new head coach after McCarthy was at the helm for 13 seasons.
The Packers realize they have to try something different to get out of their playoff lull.
If the Packers offensive line can remain healthy, Rodgers should be able to dominate once again.
3. Rodgers is Still One of the NFL's Best Quarterbacks
The past couple of seasons have been rough for Rodgers but times are changing in Green Bay. It almost seems like Rodgers has been forgotten in a way since the Packers have struggled in the past few seasons.
Despite everything that's gone on, Rodgers is still undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL still. Even with the injuries he was playing through in 2018, he still didn't have a bad year.
In 2018, Rodgers threw for 4,442 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Considering he had a fracture in his knee and a sprained MCL, that is ridiculous.
That would be a career year for some quarterbacks but for Rodgers, it was a disappointing season to many faces of the media.
Rodgers is going to make people realize just how good he is once more in 2019.
2. The Change to Matt LaFleur
Again, after having Mike McCarthy calling the shots for 13 years, the Packers had had enough and moved on. They brought in Matt LaFleur to hopefully spice things up.
LaFleur will definitely have his hands all over the offense, while Rodgers will likely have a say too. That seemed like one of the issues with McCarthy—neither wanted the other to be making the decisions.
LaFleur comes from the Titans where he was offensive and of course he also served under Sean McVay as his offensive coordinator in 2017.
Let's not kid ourselves, LaFleur got the job for working under McVay—not what he did in Tennessee. The Packers are hoping for a new, innovative system to fully utilize their weapons.
McCarthy's offensive system became outdated while LaFleur will look to breathe life back into the offense.
It's going to be very exciting to watch Rodgers slinging the ball around in a more up-tempo offense than in prior seasons.
1. Arsenal of Weapons
One of the positives for the Packers is the plethora of weapons they possess on offense. At running back they have Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams who are both capable of being dual-threat backs.
Of course, at wide receiver, they have Davante Adams, Geronimo Allison, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Equanimeous St. Brown. That group of receivers has to lead the league in coolest names.
Adams is one of the most talented receivers in the NFL, while the rest are bright, up and coming receivers. Playing with Rodgers tends to speed up your development process.
Also, you can't forget that the Packers have Jimmy Graham as well. Graham was signed last offseason but wasn't utilized right within the offense.
With LaFleur running the show, expect Graham to be more involved in the offense. The NFL Draft is also coming soon, where the Packers could select another offensive weapon for Rodgers.
Rodgers has a lot of weapons at his disposal in Green Bay, which should scare the rest of the NFL.
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