During the Green Bay Packers' 6-0 start, quarterback Aaron Rodgers lit up the NFL with his accuracy, ridiculous pocket awareness and ability to create throwing windows from anywhere on the field. The guy was magical at times, and he had the numbers to prove it: 15 TDs, 80.8 Total QBR, 68.1 completion percentage, 8.19 yards per attempt.
However, during an 0-3 stretch that was punctuated by the unthinkable, a loss at home to Detroit, one that has dropped the Packers behind the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North, Rodgers' numbers regressed -- 50.0 QBR, 56.5 completion percentage, 5.95 yards per attempt -- and the offense suddenly looked suspect.
What's going on here? And how can Rodgers and the Packers get back on track?
Let's roll the tape.
A general lack of respect
During the second quarter of the Carolina Panthers' win over the Packers in Week 9, Panthers coach Ron Rivera's defense lined up in press-man coverage across the board with linebacker Luke Kuechly sitting in the A gap. No disguise, no late safety rotation or added window dressing in the secondary. The Panthers were going to blitz and they didn't care if Rodgers saw it. Here we come, try to stop us.
But this wasn't a third-and-medium or even a third-and-short call in which the Panthers wanted to force the ball to come out. Nope, this was third-and-freaking-17. In the past, versus Rodgers, defenses would drop back into a two-deep shell in this situation, rush four and play it safe. Take away the deep ball and force Rodgers to throw it underneath. At least then you had a chance to make a tackle and leave the field. Take five yards ... take 10. Let's get off the field.
Not the Panthers. They sent five, dropped a linebacker into the underneath hole and aligned a safety in the deep middle of the field (see diagram below). They had no issue matching up to the Packers' wide receivers and tight end. Forget playing it safe, the Panthers were telling Rodgers they could manhandle his group of playmakers.