The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears square off in the first game of the 2019 NFL regular season. They have the Thursday game this year and as divisional rivals should tear the house down to kick of the season.
One thing to consider is the star power in this game. But is there anyone bigger than Aaron Rodgers though? A sure-fire first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback – it's hard to outshine that light.
That being said, Rodgers is in a weird spot in his career.
In 2017, the quarterback appeared in just seven games. Then last season he got through the entire year (despite dealing with injuries), but his numbers weren't up to par (in some categories). Rodgers did manage 4,442 yards (second-most in his career) and just two interceptions.
However, his 25 touchdowns were a low for him in a season that saw him play in at least 10 games. Meanwhile, the 62.3 completion percentage was his second-lowest.
It's safe to say he could be at a crossroads in his career. Is Aaron Rodgers still an MVP-candidate? Thursday begins his new journey. What should you expect from the Green Bay Packers' quarterback in week 1 against the Chicago Bears?
One thing that is important to remember is we're talking about Aaron Rodgers. Let's be honest. If we were talking about almost any other quarterback, the numbers he put up last year would be applauded.
Instead, Rodgers has had to deal with analysts saying he's over the hill and simply doesn't have it anymore.
Let's throw that narrative out of the window right now. No fanbase would actually be complaining if he was their quarterback.
Now let's look at the teams. The Chicago Bears defense is ELITE. They have the second-best defensive player in the NFL in Khalil Mack (sorry, but no one's passing Aaron Donald at the moment). They have a ton of pieces around him and a great secondary as well.
Meanwhile, the Packers offense is a major question mark. Rodgers is a stud and Davante Adams is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. That's where it ends, though.
Jimmy Graham is a solid tight end but had somewhat of a down-year in 2018. Aaron Jones is a solid running back but also a major unknown and the receivers behind Adams are below-average at best.
Because of that, it's hard to really put all the blame on Rodgers (like many love to do with quarterbacks). Yes, it's their job to elevate the offense, but you can only do so much.
With that in mind, you can't exactly be expecting 350 yards and three touchdowns regularly from Rodgers.
However, what you can expect are solid numbers and a severe limiting of turnovers. The quarterback hasn't thrown double-digit interceptions since 2010 – when he had 11. The only other year he hit 10-plus was in 2008 with 13. Of course, last season saw Rodgers throw just two picks.
So Green Bay has that going for them. Rodgers is still so talented that even when he can't put up the biggest numbers he can help them win by refusing to turn the ball over.
It's what you should expect from Rodgers on Thursday as well. A gritty performance. He'll make some big plays to help the Green Bay Packers get on the board and he'll refuse to make anything easy for the Chicago Bears.
If you want numbers, expect around 275 yards in the air and a pair of touchdowns – keeping the ball out of defenders hands with zero interceptions. Overall, that's a great game. It's even better when considering the defense he's going against.
It's easy to write the Packers' quarterback off as a declining Hall of Famer after his last two years were plagued with injuries. However, Aaron Rodgers is still Aaron Rodgers. Expect him to prove that on Thursday when the Green Bay Packers open up their season against the Chicago Bears.
Follow Us
Subscribe