Familiarity With Matt LaFleur’s Offense

Last year wasn’t an ‘Elite Rodgers’ season by any stretch, but even in a down year, what the Packers quarterback was able to do in 2019 was impressive.

One of just 11 quarterbacks in the NFL to break 4,000 yards passing, one of 12 to throw for over 25 touchdowns, and managed both of those feats with just four interceptions to show for it. Impressive numbers for sure, but not even close to the level Rodgers has played at in his career. With some added familiarity in his head coach’s offensive system, Rodgers might be able to reach the heights of a season like 2016 once again.

Rodgers is one of the smartest, most naturally gifted quarterbacks in the NFL today, but it’s important to remember– he was learning an entirely new offense last year, with a new head coach for the first time in 13 seasons. It was clear long before McCarthy’s tenure in Green Bay was over that he wasn’t the answer for the Packers, but even with his limitations as a head coach, his schemes and coaching style was still essentially all that Rodgers knew as a pro.

With an entire season worth of first-hand experience in a LaFleur offense under his belt, and an entire second season to study it further, Rodgers might re-emerge to elite form as he starts to grow more comfortable with the ins and outs of a new offensive language. 

LaFleur himself might even grow as well. Last season was his first as a head coach and only his second as calling plays. Once LaFleur gains confidence and familiarity with the play-calling process, it will only serve to strengthen Rodgers’ game.