Aaron Rodgers will have to try to extend his magical season without Jordy Nelson, the biggest part of his magic.
Jordy Nelson, is a huge part of why Stephen A. Smith calls Aaron Rodgers a baaaaad man. He is Rodgers’ No. 1 receiver so he is obviously his most trusted weapon in the passing game. And with 97 catches for 1,257 yards and 14 TDs, he’s the most productive.
Rodgers’ passer rating is 15 points higher in games Nelson plays in since 2014. His completion percentage is five points higher and his yards per game average is 37.7 yards higher. The reason why this is isn’t just because of the statistical production Nelson brings.
Opposing teams have to gameplan for him, using their best best cornerback on him and then some. All the extra attention Nelson draws opens things up for the other receivers. Remember, the Packers got off to a bad start with Nelson not at full strength.
It took until around midseason for Nelson to get his sea legs back and rediscover his chemistry with Rodgers. And in turn, Rodgers has gone 7-0 with 19 TDs and no INTs in his last seven games. Guys like Randall Cobb and Davante Adams Were able to shine.
But Nelson was just declared out for the game due to a couple of fractured ribs. It was a hit by New York Giants cornerback Leon Hall in the Wildcard Round that caused the injury. Adams and and Cobb now have to step up and fill the No. 1 and No. 2 receiver roles.
This is cause for concern for the Packers as they lost to the Cowboys 30-16 in Week 5. With a hobbling Nelson, Rodgers didn’t play up to his usual standard, putting up just 16 points. And now, here Rodgers is in the playoffs without Nelson altogether.
Can Adams, Cobb and Montgomery step up this time?