Packers: Three players who need to stay healthy in 2019
1. Aaron Rodgers
Let’s be honest, this isn’t much of a surprise. Who else could really be at number one on this list? If Aaron Rodgers puts together an MVP season, the Packers will have their best chance of reaching the Super Bowl in five years. But if Rodgers doesn’t play at his best, or gets injured, the Packers might not even reach the playoffs.
The importance of Matt LaFleur’s new scheme isn’t just to be more creative and to put up more yards and points, but also to keep Rodgers healthy. Too often in recent years, the two-time MVP has been taking too many risks by extending plays. All it takes is one awkward landing and a broken collarbone could all but end the team’s playoff hopes.
That’s not to say Rodgers shouldn’t do what he does best, which is escape the pocket and make spectacular throws on the move. But if LaFleur’s offense can lead to Rodgers getting the ball out of his hands quicker while relying on timing with his receivers, the incredible on-the-move throws won’t need to happen on seemingly every play.
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Rodgers may have started all 16 games in 2018, but he wasn’t at 100 percent for many of them. For the Packers to return to the Super Bowl, Rodgers needs to stay healthy.