Lombardi Ave
FanSided

Three predictions for Packers offense in 2019 season

By Freddie Boston

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 23: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after scoring a 1 yard touchdown to put them ahead 38-35 against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 23: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after scoring a 1 yard touchdown to put them ahead 38-35 against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 09: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass during the first half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on December 09, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

1. Aaron Rodgers throws 35 touchdown passes

Even in one of Aaron Rodgers’ worst seasons, he still threw for 25 touchdowns and was intercepted only twice. Expect his numbers to jump back up in 2019. Playing in Mike McCarthy’s outdated offense, Rodgers finished with the lowest touchdown total of his career in seasons when he’s played more than nine games.

Fully healthy, Rodgers should get much closer to his usual numbers. At his best, he has gone past 40 (45 touchdowns in 2011, and 40 in 2016). Rodgers also had 39 touchdown passes in 2012, and 38 in 2014, his second MVP season.

The reason I have Rodgers falling just short of those numbers isn’t due to form or the offense struggling, instead the increased role of the running backs in LaFleur’s offense. The offense should be more balanced than in recent years, which should lead to an increase in rushing touchdowns. But 35 touchdowns would still rank among the best in the NFL and right up there with some of Rodgers’ best seasons.

Matt Ryan threw for 38 touchdowns in his MVP season in 2016. LaFleur was the quarterbacks coach. Jared Goff went from five touchdowns in seven games in his rookie year to 28 touchdowns in his second season. LaFleur was the offensive coordinator. It’s hard to judge Marcus Mariota‘s 2018 season too much (11 touchdowns), as he attempted a career-low in pass attempts due to a long list of injuries, including a nerve issue which was in his throwing arm.

But if Rodgers avoids a serious injury for the first time since 2016, I predict he’ll finish with an excellent 35 touchdown passes.

Home/Green Bay Packers News