Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers' lack of mobility could actually help offensive rhythm

Aaron Rodgers‘ inability to freelance might actually work in the Green Bay Packers’ favor.

Never can an injury to your franchise quarterback be considered a positive, especially when that man is Aaron Rodgers, one of the league’s very best at extending plays and throwing on the run.

Yet while Rodgers’ unparalleled ability to escape pressure and buy time is one of the traits that makes him so dangerous, it can also throw off timing in Green Bay’s offense.

This isn’t all Rodgers’ fault. Mike McCarthy’s offense relies on his receivers winning their one-on-ones. When these isolation routes aren’t working, as we saw throughout the 2015 season and early this year, Rodgers rolls out to extend the play.

“I think I put a lot, frankly maybe too much, on his plate,” McCarthy told Sports Illustrated’s Peter King during an interview for The MMQB Podcast. “It’s easy to do with Aaron, because, cerebrally he’s unique. He’s beyond coach smart in his application.”

Green Bay’s base offense became essentially a scramble drill. Davante Adams‘ breakout season paired with Jordy Nelson‘s return has ensured better play at the wide receiver position, but Rodgers’ tendency to roll out, abandon an open receiver in the hope of a bigger play downfield has remained a theme.

That was, until, a calf issue was added to an already bothersome hamstring. Versus Seattle, Rodgers was forced to sit in the pocket and deliver the football on time to his receivers. And it was effective. The two-time MVP’s injuries prevented him from extending the play outside of the pocket, but he was able to use his feet to move within it.

Rodgers is as accurate a passer as anyone. While the ability to avoid pressure and extend plays adds another dimension to the Packers offense, it’s not critical to the unit’s success. His injuries force Green Bay to throw within the pocket and win with timing. An offense without Rodgers’ freelancing won’t become less effective, and it could even help establish more rhythm in the passing game.

Rodgers’ pass protection is second to none, and this will be key for the Green Bay’s short passing game to thrive against Chicago’s fierce pass rush.

Cold temperatures don’t bode well for soft tissue injuries. Mike McCarthy can help his quarterback by ensuring the gameplan offers shorter, quicker passes that don’t require Rodgers to move around a great deal.

Aaron Rodgers’ ability to extend plays helps make him the star he is, but fortunately for the Packers, their MVP is also an elite pocket passer. An immobile Rodgers produced his best performance of the season against a dominant pass rush last week.

He can do it again in Chicago.