When there’s a semblance of a running game behind him, Aaron Rodgersis a far better player. That was evident against Houston on Sunday night and will remain that way the rest of the season.
The threat of a run allows Rodgers more than just play-action possibilities. It allows him to dictate to the defense where he’s going with the ball rather than the other way around.
When a safety starts coming up in the box, Rodgers has a lot of options on the perimeter. Single-safety coverage is what he craves even if the corners are bumping his receivers. The threat of a run slows down the rush and gives Rodgers a little more time to get rid of the ball.
He needs time to stretch out the field with Jordy Nelson and James Jones, who excel in deep routes and comebacks. If both safeties hang back, Rodgers has to stay committed to stick with the run play and not check to a pass.
The home run ability of running back Alex Green helps keep defense’s honest, and when Rodgers regularly has single-safety looks, he’s hard to beat.