Aaron Rodgers discusses ‘deciding factor’ for Packers down the stretch

Cheesehead

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Mar 19, 2019
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Nothing’s been easy with everyone, Rodgers included, learning a new offense under Head Coach Matt LaFleur, and that certainly has played into the ups and downs remaining prevalent three-quarters of the way through the regular season.


But the Packers have seen the segments click at certain times – a season-high 174 yards rushing vs. Washington last week, or 421 passing yards vs. Oakland two months ago – so they know what it’s supposed to look like.


“It comes down to a clear and concise understanding of the plan, and then the execution I think follows,” Rodgers said. “(It’s) for all of us, myself included, to understand the play clearly, to make the correct read, to deal the ball at the proper time.


“We all, if we can just be a fraction more consistent, I think you’re going to see the type of performances we expect from ourselves.”


Top receiver Davante Adams admitted his own as well as the locker room’s collective standard of play hasn’t been met often enough, but the confidence to find a steadier level exists because of the success everyone’s tasted.


Ten different players have a touchdown reception from Rodgers this season, with two – tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan – getting their firsts of 2019 in the last two weeks.


“You have one chance on each play to make the right play, to make the right read, catch the ball, do what you’ve got to do,” said Adams, whose 56 catches for 685 yards leads the team. “As long as you’re playing full speed, with the talent we have … there’s really no excuse not to come out doing more great than bad in a game. That’s just my mentality.”


As the Packers prepare to run the NFC North gauntlet over Weeks 15-17 – hosting the Bears before traveling to play the Vikings and Lions – they’re in great position at 10-3, but nothing is clinched or assured.


Meanwhile Chicago comes to Lambeau Field having won three straight and four of five after many outside Halas Hall wrote off the defending division champ’s season as a disappointment.


At 7-6 and fighting to stay alive in the playoff chase, the Bears are going to force the Packers to find their better levels, and stay there.


“We’ve shown what we’re capable of in spurts,” Adams said. “But (it’s important) just to hone in and lock in on some of the details, to make sure we’re being consistent, because this is the time. I mean, we’re almost playing playoff games, and for the Bears, these are playoff games.”
 
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