Top 5 deep-ball passers in the NFL entering the 2020 season
By Dustin Baker
5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
40+ Yard Completions in 2019: 12
Percentage to Total Pass Attempts: 2.10
Had this analysis taken place circa 2015, Aaron Rodgers would have been near the top. Over the last few years though, Rodgers has more frequently chosen shorter passing targets. This may be a byproduct of playcalling or [lack of] talent at the pass-catching positions for the Packers.
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But that does not prevent Rodgers from placing on this list. Rodgers still has a knack for slinging deep-balls, even at the age of 36. Overall, he connected for 12 passes of 40 yards or more, and that was fourth-best from a volume standpoint.
He just happened to throw the ball 569 times, or eighth-most in the business. This drove his percentage of deep passes down to sixth for these rankings. Of Rodgers’ 12 completions of 40+ yards, three were caught for touchdowns. That was the10th-most in the league.
Most of his deep passes (five of the 40+ yarders) were caught by Marquez Valdez-Scantling. Curiously, only two went to three-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams.
In a border context, last season saw the arrival of new head coach Matt LaFleur to Green Bay. Compared to previous seasons, the Packers ran the football a bit more. This was probably heightened by the maturity and budding stardom of tailback Aaron Jones.
The Packers finished the season ranked 17th in passing yards. This should tell you: If Rodgers is called upon to throw deep more frequently in 2020, he likely still possesses the physical tools to do so.