Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers have had a roller coaster season in 2022. They started the year strong at 3-1. Rodgers suffered a broken thumb against the New York Giants in Week 5, which likely contributed to Green Bay going on a mid-season five-game losing streak. After a win against the Cowboys to end their losing ways, the Packers then lost two more games in a row. Now, Green Bay finds themselves on a three-game winning streak.
The roller coaster ride is not over yet for Rodgers and the Packers. They need to win their final two games against the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. Not even that would guarantee a playoff berth. However, their improbable run to even be in the playoff conversation has produced some astonishing results, according to Douglas Clawson of CBS Sports.
Six Facts About Aaron Rodgers and The Packers Playoff Push
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers seemed to find their footing when it mattered most. From being counted out at 4-8 to now being in reach of the final playoff spot, here are six wild facts about Rodgers and Co.
1. When the Packers were 4-8, they had a 1% chance to make the playoffs.
Green Bay’s season seemed to be completely shot after a 40-33 loss to the Eagles. At this point, there was speculation that Jordan Love would start the rest of the season, especially after Aaron Rodgers left the game with a rib injury. Now, after an improbable run, the Packers have seen their playoff chances bloom to a staggering 32%.
2. In the history of the NFL, only two teams who started 4-8 or worse through 12 games have made the playoffs.
The Packers are trying to join the 2008 Chargers and the 2014 Panthers as the only teams to reach the playoffs after a 4-8 or worse start. There have been over 500 teams in NFL history that have started 4-8 or worse through 12 games. A seventh playoff spot helps the Packers’ case this season. However, the 08′ Chargers and 14′ Panthers also won their divisions with losing records.
3. Aaron Rodgers has made the playoffs six times when the Packers have had a .500 or worse record in October or later.
Only Tom Brady has done this more times (7) than Rodgers in NFL history. Rodgers has helped bring his team back to life on six different occasions; 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016. In years 2014 and 2016 Rodgers delivered his famous “R-E-L-A-X” and “run the table” quotes. Rodgers’ confidence has helped rally his team in the past. Despite not receiving an epic quote from Rodgers this season, can the Packers overcome another slow start to make the postseason?
4. Since 1970, Aaron Rodgers has the best regular-season home record (27-4) in December and January by any QB with 20 or more starts.
When it’s crunch time in the regular season, Rodgers shows up, especially at home. If you include away games, Rodgers is 31-5 in December and January. The Packers’ final two games are at home against the Vikings and Lions. Rodgers will have to continue his late-season winning ways to give Green Bay a shot at the final NFC playoff spot.
5. During Rodgers’ career, he has only been swept by a division rival once when he’s played the entire game.
The Brett Favre-led 2009 Vikings have been the only divisional opponent to truly sweep Rodgers in the regular season. Although, Aaron Rodgers could face a similar fate during the final two games of this season. Both the Vikings and Lions have already beat Rodgers this season. A loss in either of those games would result in the second true divisional sweep of Rodgers’ career.
6. Green Bay has not allowed a single point in the fourth quarter during their three-game win streak.
The Packers defense has been the unsung hero during their last three games. Standing tall when it matters most, they’ve held the Bears, Rams and Dolphins to zero points in the fourth quarter. The Packers scored 18 points in the fourth quarter against the Bears in a thrilling comeback win. However, against the Rams, Green Bay scored zero points in the fourth but still won 24-12. Against the Dolphins, the Packers were down 13-20 at halftime before rallying to win 26-20.
If Aaron Rodgers and the Packers make the playoffs this season, it will truly be one of the more wild routes we’ve seen to the postseason in NFL history.
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