Then, there’s this: Rodgers’ 158.3 rating, the maximum value
a quarterback can achieve, was the first time in Packers history a quarterback
has had a perfect mark in a single game. Rodgers broke his own single-game
franchise record of 155.4, which he set at the Cleveland Browns in 2009.
“That’s some legendary stuff,” outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith said.
What does a perfect passer rating look like in the box score? How about a
25-for-31 completion clip, 13.8 yards per pass, and six total touchdowns.
Rodgers became only the second quarterback in NFL history to have at least 400
passing yards, five passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown and no
interceptions in a single game, joining former Washington Redskins quarterback
Mark Rypien.
The afternoon might have started imperfectly, with Rodgers forced to make
an adjustment on his first touchdown throw. By day’s end, it was as close to
perfection as any quarterback has reached in NFL history.
“I still don’t understand how they put that rating together,” Rodgers
said, smirking and perhaps, considering his football intelligence, presenting a
little humility, “but it does sound pretty good.”
It looked even better. Looked vintage. Rodgers threw deep
Sunday, completing a 59-yard bomb to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That stood as
the Packers’ longest play of the season until Valdes-Scantling capped his
afternoon with a 74-yard touchdown catch and run in the fourth quarter. Rodgers
hit almost everything underneath, with LaFleur’s crossing patterns frequently
leading to wide-open receivers.
It looked like everything the Packers hoped their offense
would be once quarterback and head coach found their rhythm.
“I feel like this has been coming,” Rodgers said. “I really do. I feel
like we’ve been building, and I’ve been feeling a lot more comfortable, and
Matt’s been feeling more comfortable with him calling it for me and feeling
when I’m in that rhythm, and when to be aggressive and when to pull back.”
“When we’ve been at our best over the years, it’s being aggressive and
knowing when to dial it back. We had even some more shots called that we called
off or dialed back because of the look. We kept dialing them up. I thought the
plan was really good.”
That Rodgers did it without top receiver Davante Adams might be the most
impressive part.
The Packers have won each of their three games without the Pro Bowl
receiver, two of those wins accounting for their two highest point totals of
the season. Rodgers assured the Packers are missing Adams’ presence. “I can
promise you,” the quarterback said, “we need him and we’re a better offense
with 17 on the field.” Still, by spreading the wealth and relying on a
consistent run game, Rodgers has found something resembling MVP form.
Without Adams, Rodgers’ top receiver is a former fifth-round pick
(Valdes-Scantling). Rounding out his top four Sunday were a trio of undrafted
receivers (Geronimo Allison, Jake Kumerow, Allen Lazard). A great quarterback
is supposed to elevate those around him. Suffice to say, Rodgers has elevated
the offense around him.
“I think he can be in that (MVP) talk pretty much every year,” right
tackle Bryan Bulaga said. “Even look at the years he’s not in it. I mean, you
see what happens. That’s just the type of talent he is. Aaron Rodgers is still
one of the best quarterbacks to ever play, and to still play right now.
“So, yeah, I mean, I don’t know who puts people in those discussions, but
I don’t see a reason why he shouldn’t be. We’re 6-1, and not a lot of people
thought we were going to be at this stage of the season what we are.”
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