The Packers had one final chance to win the game on Sunday versus the Commanders. Given his history, an Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary seemed like the logical play call. Except this was not the play call. The Packers attempted the more rugby-style lateral play and it left fans curious about the reasoning. Aaron Rodgers is the Hail Mary king. Why not give him a chance? Matt LaFleur gave an explanation on Monday for the final play call.
Matt LaFleur Gives Explanation For Final Play Call
Matt LaFleur says #Packers elected rugby-style lateral play on last play not because of Aaron Rodgers' thumb, but because Commanders brought pressure. He recalls last play of half at KC in 2019 when Chiefs brought pressure, Rodgers was sacked. The call is to lateral vs. pressure.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) October 24, 2022
The Commanders were showing blitz. The only way that a Hail Mary can work is if the quarterback has time to get rid of the ball. It seemed the Commanders knew that Rodgers had a history of converting the Hail Mary and they did not want to be added to the list of teams that fell victim to it. LaFleur was quick to say the play call had nothing to do with Rodger’s injured thumb as many people assumed. It was strictly looking at what the defense was doing and reacting accordingly. They showed blitz so they went with the lateral play.
The Packers Should Try Reading The Defense More
After the game, LaFleur and Rodgers said that Washington stayed in a two-high safety defense for most of the game which is why the passing game struggled. You know how you beat two-high safety? Run the ball; something the Packers refuse to do despite success. If the excuse for no Hail Mary on the last play is that we read the defense and chose something else, I would love to hear the explanation for why they didn’t run Aaron Jones 30 times in the game. With the success that Rodgers has had with the Hail Mary, you have to try it at the end. Roll him out to give him more time or try something to give Rodgers a chance for some magic.
If you are feeling down, go back and watch the past Hail Mary plays. It really does feel good to remember the good ol’ days. While I disagree with the final play call, it really is the least of the Packers’ worries. The Packers have a lot to worry about when they travel to Buffalo next Sunday night.
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