Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said this is “probably the most rewarding season” he’s had.
That doesn’t mean it’s been easy.
In addition to the league-high 42 sacks that have put his own health in peril, injuries across the board have made this a difficult season for the Packers. Six offensive starters or their replacements have missed multiple games because of injuries, including receivers Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings and running backs Cedric Benson and James Starks.
That makes it hard to develop timing in an offense based on it, which is a different kind of grind.
“I think this season more than any other has just been a mental and physical grind,” Rodgers said, via Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com. “I find myself more tired because of the actual preparation and extra study. We’ve had to change up some personnel packages and plays to try and make things easier on some of the young guys who are playing more. It’s been a lot of different guys playing.
“It has been frustrating at times with the lack of familiarity with some of the guys who have been out there. We haven’t had Greg and Jordy for too many games playing at the same time, which is difficult.”
It hasn’t just been on offense, either, as the Packers have had eight defensive starters miss at least two games.
With Clay Matthews coming back this week, and Charles Woodson getting closer, they’re at least moving in the right direction, at a time when they need to be at their best.