The Packers are 2-3 and quarterback Aaron Rodgers thinks he’s a big part of the reason why the team has failed to meet expectations so far this season.
His play hasn’t been bad by most people’s standards. He’s completed 68.8 percent of his passes, thrown 10 touchdowns and four interceptions through the first four games. That’s good enough for a 97.0 passer rating, good for eighth in the league but well below the 122.5 mark of last season. That leaves Rodgers wanting more from himself.
“I haven’t played as well as the expectations are, obviously. The ones I put on myself, I like to think are as high or higher than the ones people outside put on me. It’s interesting to look at the stats for what they are and think I’m not playing my best football right now,” Rodgers said, via Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com. “I set the bar high and I expect to play at a higher level. Been making just some mistakes I’m not used to making. Throwing the ball to the other team – I’ve done that four times already. I’m fortunate (Bears linebacker Lance) Briggs dropped one against Chicago as well. Just uncharacteristic of the way I’ve played. Made some checks that have been unproductive, missed some throws I’m accustomed to hitting. Haven’t played the way of the standard I’ve set.”
Rodgers dismissed the notion that Joe Philbin’s departure to become head coach in Miami has hurt the offense, although he said that he thinks injuries to Cedric Benson, Jermichael Finley and Greg Jennings have slowed the team. He saved most of the finger pointing for himself, however.
“My solemn promise is I’m going to work every day to get better. I’m going to clean up some of the things I’m not doing as well as I should. But, the proof is in the pudding. Right now I’m not getting it done. I’ve got to look at myself first,” Rodgers said.
There’s not too much to add to what Rodgers already said. The Packers haven’t had the success they expected to have this season and the quarterback is taking it upon himself to get the team back on track.