Packers vs. 49ers: Tale of the tape for Week 12 matchup
Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is coming off of his second game this year not throwing a touchdown pass. It’s not because he didn’t play well, in fact, the Packers won both games where he went without a touchdown pass. It’s because he didn’t need to. Aaron Jones combined for seven touchdowns in those two games, including the three he had against the Panthers two weeks ago.
It must be a nice feeling for Rodgers to be able to not have to throw three or four touchdowns a game to give his team a chance to win, he just has to be smart with the ball and not turn it over. Which is exactly what he has done this year, again. He has just two interceptions this year, and both you could argue are not necessarily his fault.
While this might not be his best statistical season he’s had, he’s still been pretty darn good. He’s thrown for over 2,700 yards with 17 touchdowns and just those two interceptions. What’s more impressive is that he’s been playing very well without his star receiver for four of the 10 games they’ve played. When Davante Adams was out, he had to throw to backups and undrafted players. I’d say Rodgers has done a great job this year and definitely isn’t washed.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo has enjoyed a decent season as well, though maybe not as productive as Rodgers. He has thrown for 2,478 yards and 18 touchdowns, so pretty similar to Rodgers. The only difference, however, is the turnovers. He has 10 interceptions and should have more. There were a few passes in the Seattle game that should have been intercepted but the defenders dropped them.
But, nonetheless, he is still leading this 49ers squad to a 9-1 record, best in the NFC. He is still making most of the plays he needs to in order to keep this offense rolling. Pairing him with Kyle Shanahan, who Matt LaFleur learned a lot from, creates a nice duo that will likely be a solid pair for the foreseeable future.
While Garoppolo is playing well, I don’t think he’s at the level that Rodgers is playing at right now.