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In this new series, packers.com takes a look back at one of the team's single-game records and how the individual set the mark. The series continues with Aaron Rodgers' 39 completions vs. the Bears on Oct. 20, 2016.
GREEN BAY – It's not a record anyone really pays attention to or cares much about, frankly.
But there were still several interesting elements surrounding Aaron Rodgers' 39 pass completions against the Bears on an October Thursday night in 2016 at Lambeau Field.
For one, the previous team record had stood for 23 years, since Brett Favre had 36 completions – also against the Bears – at Chicago in December 1993. Rodgers had fallen one completion short in a 2015 loss to Detroit. Three dozen remained untouched for almost two dozen years.
For another, it was a record generated by circumstance. On a short week, the Packers were forced to host their arch-rival without their top two running backs, Eddie Lacy and James Starks, who were both injured.
Mike McCarthy and his offensive staff crafted a game plan on short notice very different from the norm. They decided to start Ty Montgomery in the backfield (he would move to full-time starting running back later in the season) yet utilize him on short passes as much as, if not more than, on handoffs.
Randall Cobb also was lining up at running back, imitating Montgomery's double duty. Receivers Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson were executing numerous short routes.
The idea was to get the ball into the perimeter players' hands quickly to gain yards. Go at a fast pace, run a bunch of plays, and make Chicago's defense tackle, a lot, on a short-week road trip. Deep drops, downfield shots and, at times, huddles, were simply afterthoughts.
The pace and frequent passing were typical but the schematics were unorthodox, especially for a Rodgers-led offense. In any event, it worked.