Green Bay Packers 2020 roster preview: Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Will Aaron Rodgers step up in his second season in Matt LaFleur’s offense?

Aaron Rodgers has been under the spotlight this offseason by no fault of his own.

Following the Green Bay Packers‘ decision to draft Jordan Love in the first round, much of the discussion has been about whether Rodgers will demand a trade or whether he’ll finish his career elsewhere.

Maybe he is entering the final few years of his career in Green Bay — only time will tell — but he’s still the Packers’ starter in 2020.

2019 stats

Last season, Rodgers completed 62 percent of his passes for 4,002 yards, 26 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also rushed for 183 yards and a touchdown.

2019 review

While Rodgers never consistently hit the heights of his MVP seasons, it was a strong first year under Matt LaFleur. Once again, Rodgers was incredibly efficient with the football only being intercepted four times. While his passing yards were down slightly from 2018, he attempted and completed fewer passes as LaFleur focused on running the ball more often.

Rodgers did miss some throws he often used to make look easy, but this often appeared to be a miscommunication with his receivers. Not only was this Rodgers’ first season in a new system but he also didn’t have the strongest supporting cast. Outside of Davante Adams, no receiver produced consistently. Adams also missed four games.

Odds of making roster: 100 percent

No, he’s not being traded.

What to expect in 2020?

Rodgers is still an elite player and a game-winner for the Packers. While it’s true he’s likely past his prime and will turn 37 in December, there’s room for optimism moving forward. The two-time MVP had a strong season in 2019 and showed moments of his absolute best (see, Oakland Raiders game).

What helps is that he now has familiarity with this scheme. Much talk has been whether he can make a Matt Ryan-type jump in year two. LaFleur was the QBs coach in Kyle Shanahan’s offense with the Atlanta Falcons between 2015 and 2016.

Ryan struggled in his first season in that offense, but in year two he was league MVP and the Falcons went to the Super Bowl.

At moments last season, the Packers offense looked untouchable. If they can reach this level more consistently in 2020, this will be a fun season.