Aaron Rodgers: ‘I’ve got to take the lead and get hot’

[Cheesehead]

Head Coach Matt LaFleur also noted he wants to keep the 1-2 punch at running back with Jones and Jamaal Williams intact and not get over-reliant on one back.


Still, both Rodgers and LaFleur said they can’t let circumstances dictate decisions to the point the offense loses sight of the offense’s most productive weapon through the first three months.


“There are certain situations where definitely we want ‘33’ in the game,” LaFleur said. Rodgers added, “We’ve just got to keep finding ways to get him the ball. He’s been a big part of the plan.”


But the offense’s regression, statistically and rhythm-wise, since Adams’ return remains baffling.


To get back on track, Adams acknowledged trying to force things is not the way to go – the offensive rhythm has to be a “natural thing” and the players have to “let it come” to them. Spreading the ball around, which was working when he was out, should still work when he’s in.


“It’s simple. It’s not easy but it’s definitely simple,” said Adams, who has caught seven passes in each of the three games since his return, but the yardage production in the West Coast games (41 and 43) paled in comparison to the Carolina contest sandwiched in between (118).


“The job description for me is go get open, catch the ball, and the coaches’ is to come up with a game plan for Aaron. He has to throw it. Once everybody starts hitting on their job, that’s when we have success.”


That’s really what it comes down to for Rodgers – job descriptions – no matter how the offensive line might have to compensate for right tackle Bryan Bulaga’s potential absence or how much pressure Rodgers puts on himself.


A 29-point defeat in a battle of contenders has produced an outside narrative that the Packers don’t have what it takes to compete with the best teams. Rodgers believes the team can prove otherwise, but it must put itself in position to get that chance.


“I think the gap is execution. It’s not ability. It’s not talent. It’s execution,” Rodgers said. “I think on paper and lining up we feel really good about our squad against anybody, but execution is the main divider between teams that put that performance on the board like they did and the way we played.”