This latest loss for Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers is a tough one to digest. Despite a solid start, including a touchdown on their opening drive and some promising offensive plays, things quickly unraveled. After a fumble by Mercedes Lewis, the Packers could only manage 22 yards from their next 20 plays. Yet, despite these setbacks, Rodgers and the team still had a shot at victory.
Nick Wright pointed out a concerning pattern from Rodgers’ playoff performances, likening this game to last year’s NFC Championship loss. In that game, Rodgers failed to make the right decision, opting to force a pass to a double-covered Davante Adams. This time, it happened again: after a blocked punt, the Packers had a third-and-11, and an open Alan Lazard was ready for a big play. Rodgers missed the opportunity.
Out of 20 passes, 18 were thrown to Adams or Aaron Jones, leaving little room for other targets to make an impact. This strategy failed to take advantage of a San Francisco defense that had weaknesses in the secondary. The loss became a defining moment for Rodgers’ legacy, with Max Kellerman calling it one of the most crushing defeats of his career.
Chris Broussard emphasized that this loss disproves two major myths about Rodgers. First, that if he had played for the New England Patriots instead of Green Bay, he would have won more Super Bowls than Tom Brady. The truth is that Rodgers doesn’t consistently step up in high-pressure moments like Brady does. Second, the myth that Rodgers’ lack of postseason success is due solely to weak defenses. While Green Bay’s defense has had its issues, Rodgers has also faltered at critical moments in several big games, such as the 2016 NFC Championship loss to Atlanta, where the Packers were down 24-0 at halftime with zero points.
Rodgers and the Packers managed only 10 points in this game, a disappointing total, especially when compared to the 17 points that Dak Prescott managed in a similar situation. Broussard argues that Rodgers’ playoff legacy is now behind quarterbacks like Brady and Montana, who consistently delivered in the postseason.
Despite this, Broussard noted that Rodgers is still young enough to change the narrative. He pointed to Peyton Manning’s redemption at age 38, when he won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos, turning his legacy around. Rodgers, though, may have reached the end of his time in Green Bay. The Packers are facing salary cap issues, and Rodgers himself has hinted at leaving for a team that can better support him. Teams like Pittsburgh have been suggested as potential landing spots, offering Rodgers a chance to play with a new, competitive squad.
In the end, while Rodgers still has time to reshape his legacy, this loss is undoubtedly a significant blow. For now, it hangs heavy on his career and may mark the beginning of a new chapter in his journey.
