Cory's Corner: Aaron Rodgers Is Your MVP
No. 12 has outplayed a subpar defense while also playing within the structure of an offense.
After inconsistent play the last few weeks, the Packers showed off their winning template last week by humiliating the Bears.
The Packers have to get out to an early lead, which takes the pressure off the defense and makes the opponent one dimensional.
All season long, the main question that has been asked has been the same: "Can the defense do enough?" Green Bay's defense has usually been your typical bend but don't break unit, but this year, it has been about as stiff as peanut brittle.
Simply put: Aaron Rodgers is your MVP.
The Packers are averaging 32 points a game. They have needed just about every one of those in order to get wins over the Vikings, Saints and Jaguars. The offense hasn't been allowed to have an off-day because the defense has been so incredibly bad. That's a combination of not enough horses on the defensive line, a passive scheme and shoddy tackling.
Think about this for a second. Rodgers had a passer rating of 110.7 at Indianapolis and followed that up the next week vs. Chicago with a rating of 132.3. Both of those defenses were top 10 and he played magnificently against both.
Rodgers has done everything he has been asked to do. And not only that, but he is doing it with a team that has 18 drops this year. That includes five by Marquez Valdes-Scantling and three by Allen Lazard. Not only that, but he's got the Packers at 8-3 with Aaron Jones 14th in the league in rushing and Jamaal Williams 31st. The running game has been good, but nothing that we thought it would be entering Matt LaFleur's second season.
What I like to see is that Rodgers is having fun again. Obviously it's fun to win, but he is genuinely eating up this offense. He loves being able to be a 2 a.m. Las Vegas dealer in play-action. Every single time the play-action bootleg is called, you might as well write up a sizable gain because it has been working all season.
Rodgers is sixth in passing yards behind Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson and Matt Ryan. However, Rodgers is No. 1 in touchdowns (33) and passer rating (117.6). There has been a lot of chatter for Wilson to win MVP but he has thrown 10 picks. And don't give me the sorry excuse that he is putting the team on his back by doing too much. That is all Rodgers has done his entire career.
And yet, in a season that he should be voted MVP, he has only thrown for 300-plus yards five times. He has largely stayed within the confines of the LaFleur offense and his patience has been dutifully rewarded.
Rodgers is without a doubt the MVP because he is the MVP. He is the heartbeat of a team and he isn't making overt mistakes to cover up problems.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (38)
albert999
December 05, 2020 at 08:45 am
MVP of the league...? Could be ,but most definitely the MVP most valuable Packer!
mnbadger
December 05, 2020 at 08:57 am
He's matching his seemingly limitless talent with a tight connection to the play caller and game plan. Plus he's got every receiver running their route as if they're option #1. So much stress on a defense. MVP indeed. GPG
Since'61
December 05, 2020 at 09:40 am
I would never argue against Rodgers for MVP, especially with the way he has been playing this season. However, I think Derrick Henry of the Titans could be a legit possibility as well. He has rushed for over 1250 yards with 5 games left to play.
If he rushes for his current game average of 113 ypg. He will finish the season with over 1800 yards rushing. With a big game or two between now and the end of the season he could break 2000 yards for the season.
While I still believe that Rodgers should be the MVP I think that Henry will get some serious consideration as well.
In any case, MVP or not, we need Rodgers to continue his level of play, because as Cory have correctly points out, we need every point that Rodgers can produce because we can’t depend on this defense to hold any of our opponents in check. Thanks, Since ‘61
dobber
December 05, 2020 at 10:01 am
Since 2005 and 2006 when Shaun Alexander and Ladanian Tomlinson won back-to-back MVPs, only one non-QB has won the award (Adrian Peterson in 2012). It's a QB league, now, and I think Mahomes--leading the league in passing and with less of a run game--likely is ahead of ARod in the race at this stage. If Russell Wilson hadn't fallen off the map the last couple weeks, he'd be in the conversation, too, but I would argue it's ARod and Mahomes right now.
Since'61
December 05, 2020 at 01:04 pm
Agree Dobber. Mahomes is also having a great season. But he plays for a better team. Rodgers means more to the Packers than Mahomes means to the Chiefs.
It’s difficult to see the Packers winning without Rodgers, while I believe that the Chiefs would survive a relatively short term loss of Mahomes, which they did last season.
Thanks, Since ‘61
Leatherhead
December 05, 2020 at 05:46 pm
They survived, but not against us.
I think Rodgers is throwing more TDS, and has a higher passer rating. He is the QB of the highest scoring team in the league. What else could Rodgers do ?
I think Rodgers has enough around him to score 35+ against any team in the league. If he does that, then we’ll win all the rest of these games and he’ll damn sure be the MVP
flackcatcher
December 05, 2020 at 02:39 pm
And Mahomes is doing it with a weaker defense than Green Bay's. But both are playing at a level that puts them above the rest of league now.
Since'61
December 05, 2020 at 10:38 pm
flakcatcher, the Packers defense has allowed 269 points so far this season. This figure does not include 2 TDs allowed via a pick 6 and a punt return against the Packers.
The Chiefs defense had allowed 231 points this season. Again this figure does not include a KO returned for a TD against KC.
The Packers defense has allowed 38 more points than the Chiefs defense. I’m not sure how you can claim that the Chiefs have a weaker defense than the Packers. Therefore I believe as I originally posted that Rodgers is playing with the weaker defense and is currently a stronger candidate for MVP than Mahomes. Thanks, Since ‘61
CoachDino
December 06, 2020 at 12:21 am
points allowed is one measurement but it certainly isn't the all telling one. I also still get a kick out of any discussion about close games where the Packers had a commanding lead played Prevent gave up a bunch of points " by design" to end up in a 1 score game.
PFF has GB Defense ahead of KC by a few grade points. The incorporate a much deeper statistical analysis other than just points allowed.
Both are great candidates and I haven't kept up on Wilson but when you have to come from behind so often you are going to throw more picks. When your line sucks you will throw more picks. It speaks to why the media and so many fans were so wrong on Arods demise. They didn't take the time or have the ability to look deeper.
Tough for another individual player to be a MVP other than QB. No other position comes close to the overall impact. Considering ball touches, alignments, audibles, amount of decisions, passing etc.. its tough to even come close. That's why it was so crazy for woodson to win as well. Its why they are the highest paid and % of cap if they aren't rookies and have decent talent.
Stroh
December 06, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Woodson? Charles won Defensive POY, he wasn't ever in a discussion for MVP. DPOY might be the defensive equal of MVP, but still much different altogether.
NickPerry
December 06, 2020 at 03:17 pm
I wouldn't say the Packers have that much more of a run game...
GB...304 attempts for 1341...74 1st downs...9 TD's
KC...278 attempts for 1224...73 1st downs...10 TD's
The passing stats are REALY close too. Mahomes has attempted 43 more passes, has 30 more competitions, and has 397 more passing yards. I'd like to see what Rodgers could do with 43 more pass attempts.
Mahomes has a HUGE advantage at the skill position, at least IMO. Bottom line is it just doesn't get much closer than that. If the vote was today and the voters took into consideration of just how excellent Rodgers has been with the talent around him, I like Rodgers chances.
13TimeChamps
December 05, 2020 at 10:22 am
You stole my thunder '61. I was about to post that if you project their records over the next 5 games, the top three, in no particular order, would be Rodgers, Mahomes, and Henry, with Wilson just outside the top 3.
It's almost always a QB, but Henry is having a really special season for a team that could potentially finish 13-3. He just takes over games at times. He probably won't win it, but I'd be really surprised if he isn't a top 3 vote getter.
Lphill
December 05, 2020 at 11:28 am
Says the dairy farmer who is happy with participation trophies.
13TimeChamps
December 05, 2020 at 01:15 pm
Because I'm a Packer fan I'm a dairy farmer? Lol
Not sure what that comment has to do with the matter being discussed. But you just keep being you. It's always entertaining.
Lphill
December 05, 2020 at 10:41 pm
You take criticism of the team personally , you sarcastically respond to those who dare make a negative comment which leads one to believe a winning record is good enough for you, well there are many of us who would prefer super bowl victories, this last draft proved that Murphy and Gutey felt Rodgers was done so they drafted for tomorrow and not today , no help for the run defense which was on full display in last years Championship game, I commented the Packers should show some balls against the Eagles because they smacked the Packers around last year , you mocked my comment as usual, you see 13timesachump you just want participation trophies but the rest of us want more. you show very little knowledge for the game , maybe you should follow cow tipping .
dobber
December 05, 2020 at 01:35 pm
Ain't nothing wrong with farming. It's a noble profession.
13TimeChamps
December 05, 2020 at 02:15 pm
I totally agree. Especially Frank Zappa's dental floss farm!
Since'61
December 05, 2020 at 01:04 pm
Agree completely 13 Times. Thanks, Since ‘61
Stroh
December 06, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Henry's season is no more special than Ahman Green in 2003. 1883 rush yds, 2400 scrimmage yds and 20TDs and he wasn't seriously in the MVP running. Manning won it and Jamal Lewis was probably ahead of him as well.
NitschkeFan
December 05, 2020 at 10:25 am
Henry may be deserving but it's an award that almost always now goes to the top QB. The "Offensive Player of the Year" award seems more likely to be a RB or WR who is having a great year (though plenty of QB's win that too).
Since'61
December 05, 2020 at 01:08 pm
Good point Nitschke fan. But if Henry reached the 2K yards mark that would be a very special season, especially if his team goes 13-3.
Needless to say I’m in the Rodgers camp for MVP no matter what happens. Time will tell. Thanks, Since ‘61
Lphill
December 05, 2020 at 09:42 am
I agree Cory no doubt but I would like to see more of a running game to compliment the passing game, burn more clock keep the defense off the field , the quick strike touchdowns sends the defense back out quicker.
egbertsouse
December 05, 2020 at 09:52 am
It’s going to be tough to beat Mahomes. He’s out in front and will have to crash and burn to lose it.
SteelyPhil
December 05, 2020 at 11:01 am
I think this is correct. Statistically they're pretty close, but the MVP race has a popularity contest element to it and Mahomes is leading in that regard by a mile. Not saying that Mahomes isn't deserving of the award based on his play this season - he's also been sensational - but Rodgers will have to continue to play lights-out football and Mahomes will need to have his play drop off significantly.
I don't particularly care either way, because this offense is just so much fun and Rodgers is playing some of the best football of his career. If it doesn't garner him a 3rd MVP award, fine.
egbertsouse
December 05, 2020 at 11:44 am
Also, Mahomes is flashier, more highlight reel stuff. The MVP voters love flash.
TarynsEyes
December 05, 2020 at 10:50 am
Unless Rodgers pulls, drags or carries this team, or rather the defense into the SB, his winning the MVP matters only to those who accept less by the team as success.
Is Rodgers doing his part to win the SB, sure looks like it, statistics wise.
Is MLF doing what is needed to win the SB, doubts are legit.
Is Pettine doing what is needed to win the SB, doubts are legit and tied to the same of MLF.
Will MLF and Pettine figure out and implement what is needed to win the SB, doubts are absolutely legit.
At best, for the moment anyways, it appears GB is set up to be a NFC Maid of Honor again, or one of the many bridesmaids, again, and the MVP Award will matter not, less Rodgers trophy case, which does nothing for the Trophy Case at Lambeau or for the fans, less those who adore Division Titles.
I love Rodgers and is the reason behind my username, but no matter how many personal accolades adorn his Trophy case at home, I want the ones that matter in the Trophy case at Lambeau more, and additions to it have been denied too often, especially while having Rodgers at the helm, period.
Right now, the team beats losing teams, and that isn't a recipe for success to get into February, and the excuse of playing who's on the schedule just doesn't cut it.
holmesmd
December 05, 2020 at 05:30 pm
I suspect if the defense was ranked top 3, you would qualify their effort with the “weak teams excuse”. Who are they supposed to play other than who is on their schedule? I’m not understanding what you mean by that. GB has one of the best offenses in the league, a good situational pass defense, and improved special teams. Lesser teams have certainly won Super Bowls. GB’s run defense has been the primary problem and they absolutely need to fix it. I choose to believe that they will try. Rodgers is one of the most talented QB’s to ever play the game. You always have a shot with a guy like that under center.
TarynsEyes
December 05, 2020 at 07:08 pm
I don't care about rankings. I care about what I see in games. A couple of weeks ago GB played Jacksonville (1-8) at the time IIRC, and the GB offense struggled and the defense and had a hard time with a poor offense of the same team. More recently, they lost to an IND who are only as good as the bs rankings applied to them and GB lost. It isn't so much the rankings of any team played, but what is an apparent issue(s) that appear all together or in parts every week. Regardless, it appears that MLF and Pettine aren't correcting them enough and it could be what sends GB home again in January. It was others who bring up the records and rankings of teams played while they use the same against other teams to make GB appear better.
Archie
December 05, 2020 at 11:03 am
Yes, SB titles is what it is all about but a case for MVP can be easily made for Rodgers. Mahomes may be the better player but which team suffers more w/o their #1 QB? I'd argue GB.
I'm looking forward to Titans game. If we can hang with them and beat them, then a case can be made for the Pack going all the way. Remember, nobody was expecting the last SB title until we unexpectedly knocked a couple of playoff teams off.
So lay back and enjoy the ride.
Leatherhead
December 05, 2020 at 10:16 pm
It’s about the trip, not the destination, as far as I care.
jlc1
December 05, 2020 at 11:35 am
The drops have dogged Rodgers throughout his career but I think it is mostly because he so consistently puts the ball in a catchable spot, more so than anyone else.
PatrickGB
December 05, 2020 at 11:41 am
Archie, you make a good point. For me, I would take a poll of all the DC’s in the league and ask them who they fear the most. I think that Mahomes comes first, Rodgers second and Henry third. Ask any Coach who they would want on their team and Rodgers comes first!
canadapacker
December 05, 2020 at 11:50 am
Is AR the MVP of this team this year - of course. But I hate to rely only on stats and somebody's version of the stats. For example when a receiver deflects a ball into the air and it gets intercepted ( as Adams did against the Bucs) that is on the QB? The same as the number of should be interceptions that get dropped by the Dbacks - as King did against Chicago. Now 2 of MVS's supposed drops were extremely difficult catches. So all that I am really saying is that dont simply rely on stats. This year AR is really on target most games. You can tell it when the passes hit guys in stride - like he did with Adams last week - ball was in front of him head high and Adams took it and was allowed to make moves. Unlike the pass to Lazard when he got creamed. Last year AR not only missed on his passes and his swing passes were behind or low to the running backs. I think that Wilson has had way more bad games than AR - but he has also had a few more spectacular games when he both has run and passed his way to wins. But as far as consistency goes AR leads Wilson IMO. But as everyone has pointed out - it is a 3 man race at this point with AR, Mahomes (18 drops) and Henry. I still think that Mahomes is in the lead - but I expect Henry to pile up big yards against his final 5 games including against us.
flackcatcher
December 05, 2020 at 02:57 pm
The Lazard throw was something special. Drag route and Lazard was not the no. 1 in the pattern. Rodgers threw the ball so Lazard would make a basket catch. Rodgers knew the Bears would double up over the middle. The only way to complete and protect the WR was to put the ball in his gut. Any other QB makes the throw a hands catch and the WR is out for the season after laying out for the throw. No other QB in the league has the smarts to make that kind of throw or even attempt it. Rodgers is playing at another level, even for Rodgers this year.
Leatherhead
December 05, 2020 at 11:59 am
He’s in the mix with five games to go. I’d love to see him run the table and finish 13-3.
Dobber, you mentioned Mahomes as leading the league in passing. Maybe yards, but Rodgers leads in passer rating and TDs. Objectively, I’d say Rodgers is having the better season. With 5 games to go and 33 TDS already, he seems like a good bet to go over 40, maybe even 45. It’d be hard to vote against the QB of a 13-3 team who had 45 TD passes.
Stroh
December 05, 2020 at 10:40 pm
As a Packers fan, I'm obviously biased. But if it comes down to Mahomes or Rodgers for MVP and their numbers are similar, I would think Rodgers should be the clear choice. He's had to do it with much less weapons at his disposal and, nothing against LaFleur here, but Reid is a much better HC/OC/play caller.
Philarod
December 06, 2020 at 05:09 am
There is almost 1/3 of the season left to play, so a lot can happen yet.
At this point, Rodgers would be my #1 choice, but Mahomes, Henry and Wilson are all worthy candidates.
Rodgers has been so spectacular throughout his career that it's almost a (football) crime that he "only" has one SB and two MVPs.
Even this year, he is carrying a team with a mediocre D and STs and - outside of a good, resourceful Oline - a very pedestrian offensive supporting cast.
I like everything about Mahomes, but can you imagine Rodgers with either - let alone both - Tyreek Hill and Jason Kelce, with other speed and talent on the squad?
Nothing against Adams, who is very good, but he simply does not put stress on an opposing D like Hill does, and Tonyan/Sternberger is not exactly Kelce-level. Rodgers has never had a weapon like Hill or a TE close to Kelce. And Adams has also missed games or been hobbled as has Lazard. All around the NFL, I see WRs bigger, stronger and faster - with at least the same hands - as Adams -- at least 10-20 guys. Who else, other than possibly Metcalf, scares a D like Hill, and opens things up for everyone else?
mnbadger
December 06, 2020 at 10:47 am
Rodgers does more with less talent around him than any qb in history. Many of us could have won super bowls with Troy Aikman's supporting cast. GPG