Packers: Aaron Rodgers had double-digit interceptions for only third time

In the four seasons prior to this one, Aaron Rodgers threw a total of 15 interceptions. He had 12 in the 2022 season alone.

Rodgers protects the football as well as any quarterback ever has. But the Green Bay Packers‘ four-time MVP threw an uncharacteristically high number of interceptions in 2022.

Rodgers has only thrown double-digit interceptions in a single season three times. One of them was his first year as a starter in 2008.

In his 15-year career as the Packers’ starting quarterback, Rodgers has thrown 104 picks. That’s an average of just 6.9 interceptions per season. An incredible record.

What was the reason for Rodgers’ surprising 12 interceptions?

For starters, three of his picks came off deflected passes. There’s an element of bad luck there.

However, there were also some uncharacteristic throws from Rodgers. One flew over Allen Lazard’s head. He was wide open. One was a hopeful deep shot to Randall Cobb in the season opener, a high-risk pass. Another was a deep shot into double coverage as the Packers desperately needed points against the Detroit Lions in Week 18.

There were many reasons why Rodgers may have struggled more in 2022.

He was playing with a broken thumb for much of the season. Rodgers suffered the injury in the Week 5 game against the New York Giants in London and continued to play through it.

Rodgers lost All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams in the offseason and had to throw to rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Both players impressed in year one, but as expected, there were some communication errors along the way.

It didn’t help that free-agent addition Sammy Watkins also struggled before the Packers released him.

Rodgers played through injury, was working with an inexperienced receiving corps, and also lost his go-to target.

Even then, throwing 12 interceptions isn’t a disaster. Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow had 12 each. Josh Allen threw 14.

It just seems high because Rodgers has been so good at protecting the ball throughout his career.