Personally, I think the very idea that Rodgers would rather pad stats than take a winning play, or a more sure play to keep a drive alive seems far fetched.
I will say there are other factors that can make it seem this way. One, I am certain, is a HC and play caller like McCarthy, who has openly stated that he doesn't need to run the football, focusing on aerial prowess in a pass oriented scheme. A player like Rodgers may be inadvertently tagged a stat whore when all he is doing is following the route trees given to him in his progressions by his HC and play caller.
I do think some OCs fall in love with the passing game, and the ingenuity of diagramming brilliant, never before seen plays. Throw into the equation that now you have a NFL MVP at your disposal to make the throws, and a number of weapons to use as receivers, I think the propensity to throw more is heightened. I don't know how many here remember "Air Coryell," but he was one of the guys considered a "mastermind" of the passing game. Fouts, JJ, Charlie Joiner, Kellen Winslow. Holy crap. The immense power of that was startling, and super fun to watch.
Don't think for a second that hasn't had an effect on McCarthy. Same with Mike Sherman, when he had Favre under C. It is my opinion that some of these play callers get enamored with outsmarting opponents with a brilliant passing game, all the while forgetting that simple is usually good or better, and running the football is an essential part of the game. In essence, the game isn't as difficult as they can and often do make it out to be.
The tricky part is when QBs check out of run plays in order to pass, because they simply want to pass instead. I know Favre WAS that QB. I'm hoping Rodgers isn't. Us fans really never know, until way after the fact...
IMO, Rodgers has all the license he needs to make the best play. He is one of the best passers in NFL history. It is understandable a guy with that kind of talent would want to pass more than handing off for a running play. I just hope he realizes how important running the football effectively can be for his health, and for GB's chances of success.
This is where I feel the team needs a different philosophy, starting with the HC. McCarthy cannot be blabbing about -not- needing to run the fucking football. #1 - He needs to change his mindset.
Originally Posted by: play2win