The Green Bay Packers are back from their bye week. Week 14 was the latest bye week that any team could have. The Packers did have a week 5 London game and many teams decide to take their bye after that game to help with the time change. The Packers opted not to and it is a decision that has been questioned throughout the season. On the Pat McAfee Show, Aaron Rodgers had some thoughts about the late bye week.
Aaron Rodgers on having the late bye week.
"Nobody wants a Week 14 bye. No one."
Matt Lafleur has criticized his own decision to pass on the bye after London… Have to wonder what the season would look like if they had that bye.
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) December 13, 2022
Aaron Rodgers Does Not Like The Late Bye Week
When asked about the late bye week, Rodgers did not mince words. “Nobody wants a week 14 bye. No one.” It is pretty clear that Rodgers wished they had a bye earlier in the year. He did not say whether he would’ve preferred one after the London game but at least before week 14. The NFL season is long and a bye week in weeks 7-9 gives more of a midseason break. Week 14 is getting into the playoff push and a break can halt momentum at the wrong time. Rodgers seems to indicate that an earlier bye might have been good for the team.
A Huge What If For The Season
Matt LaFleur has questioned the bye week decision along with many fans. It is one of the huge what-ifs of the season. The Packers went into a spiral after their loss in London and a possible reset for the team might have been helpful. During losing streaks, getting a bye week to stop the spiral can be beneficial. From a general rest standpoint, the Packers have been dealing with nagging injuries all season. An earlier bye week might have helped get some players back sooner.
Ultimately, playing the what-if game is a moot point. The Packers made the decision and now they have to deal with the repercussions. Aaron Rodgers will definitely be hoping for something other than a later bye next season.
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