Green Bay Packers 2019 roster preview: Aaron Rodgers

Despite putting up great numbers in 2018, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will expect to play better this season.

For Aaron Rodgers, it could be considered a down year. Injuries certainly played their part — a serious knee injury suffered in Week 1 limited Rodgers for much of the season — but he also made a number of mistakes we’re not used to seeing from the two-time MVP.

But the Mike McCarthy era is over, and under new head coach Matt LaFleur, it’s possible the entire offense improves in a big way this season.

2018 stats

Rodgers finished the 2018 season with 4,442 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and two interceptions. He had 269 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

2018 review

Rodgers started every game, although he missed a couple of series against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 after injuring his knee, and he also sat out of most of the Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions with a concussion.

While his lack of interceptions was impressive, overall it was a disappointing season for Rodgers, whether due to injuries or not. He missed a number of easy throws, an issue that will need to be corrected this offseason.

It’s no surprise that with Rodgers not playing at his best for much of the season, the Packers struggled to win games, especially close ones.

Odds of making roster: 100 percent

As ever, how Rodgers plays will determine how far this Packers team can go.

What to expect in 2019?

LaFleur’s creative offense could be just what Rodgers needs to get back on track in 2019. I expect to see Rodgers get the ball out faster with a greater emphasis placed on timing with his receivers. If the ball is coming out on time, it could help the offense build some momentum, and it will also help out the young wide receivers.

If Rodgers is fully healthy, it’ll be the first time since 2016. He has either missed games or played through injury the past two seasons. And the last time Rodgers was at 100 percent, he was an MVP candidate, dominating defenses as the Packers ran the table late in the year and made it to the NFC Championship Game.

Despite all of the defensive additions, it’ll be the play of the Green Bay Packers offense that determines how successful this team is in 2019. It might take some time for the players to adjust to the new scheme, but LaFleur taking over the offense could help Rodgers reach his MVP best once again.