Packers: Four ways 2018 team can mirror 2011 success

1. Aaron Rodgers’ health

First, and foremost, the health of Aaron Rodgers is absolutely key, and that goes without saying. Everyone is well aware of how important it is for the Packers to have Rodgers on the field in order to obtain sustainable success, as is the case with most teams and their franchise quarterback, minus the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles.

Unfortunately for Packers fans and brass alike, the Eagles are built different than the current Packers team. The Eagles have one heck of a supporting cast, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, as well as a veteran backup quarterback they could rely on when the team needed him most, whereas the Packers success directly correlates to whether or not Rodgers is on the field.

On his way to winning league MVP in 2011, Rodgers threw for 4,643 yards, 45 touchdowns to only six interceptions, had a ridiculous quarterback rating of 122.5, and a career-high 9.2 yards per attempt. While the Packers’ passing production was off the charts, the rushing game ranked 27th in the league in terms of yards.

Based on that information, a strong rushing game isn’t even entirely needed for this team to play at an extremely high level, as long as Rodgers is on the field coordinating a highly efficient passing offense. That’s not to say that a strong counterpart to the passing game isn’t wanted, balance on offense is always a great thing, and can take some of the pressure off of Rodgers; but a strong rushing game isn’t absolutely NEEDED when you have the most efficient quarterback of all time.

Fortunately, the Packers’ run game looks to be an added bonus going into the 2018 season with a very solid stable of backs in Aaron Jones, Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams.

Plain and simple, this team just needs Aaron Rodgers on the field leading the offense.