Aaron Rodgers’ Health Will Be Key Factor In Cowboys vs. Packers
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Whether you like him or not, you have to agree with Stephen A. Smith when he calls Aaron Rodgers a “baaad man!” The 2011 MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion quarterback is arguably the best in the NFL depending on which team you like. After his Green Bay Packers stumbled to a 1-2 start in the 2014 season, Rodgers coolly assured his faithful cheese heads to “R-E-L-A-X. We’re going to be okay.” After supplying one of the best soundbites of the year, Rodgers and the Pack delivered on his promise, winning the NFC North title with a 12-4 record.
However, there is a cause for concern in Wisconsin after Rodgers injured his calf in the final week of the regular season against the Detroit Lions. He somehow managed to throw a four-yard touchdown pass after the injury occurred before he was carted off the field in the second quarter. Rodgers later returned in the second half to lead the Packers to a 28-20 victory, throwing another touchdown pass and even plunging in from the goal line for a one-yard score. His toughness is unquestioned, but will the injury linger and cause problems in the NFC Divisional Round?
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy hopes not. Green Bay had a much-needed bye to rest the star quarterback, but it’s likely that he’ll be limited in practice throughout the week. Frigid temperatures are expected at Lambeau Field on Sunday, as the thermometer will likely read below 10 degrees. This could be an issue for Rodgers’ calf if it tightens up and limits his mobility. Rodgers is one of the best in the league at throwing on the run, so having this ability will be key to his success against the Dallas Cowboys‘ susceptible defense.
Let me be clear: This is not an injury to Rodgers’ arm. He will still play, still throw and the Packers will still score. Rodgers will have an opportunity to add to his 38-touchdown, 4,381-yard season against a Dallas secondary that was exposed against the Lions. The question will be how severely the injury lingers and affects his ability to move around in the pocket. If Rodgers is not at 100 percent, then Green Bay can rely on a bruising running back in Eddie Lacy to carry to load in the cold.
If Green Bay has a healthy Rodgers on Sunday, they’ll discount double check the Cowboys out of the NFL playoffs.
Ben Linton is a Contributing Writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @Ben_Linton91 or add him to your network on Google.
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