Green Bay Packers: 5 Early signs they’re Super Bowl contenders

1. Aaron Rodgers is playing at an MVP level

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Aaron Rodgers perform the way he’s playing this season. Through two weeks, Rodgers has shown he’s a legitimate candidate to win his third NFL MVP award. Through two weeks, Rodgers had led the Packers to a 2-0 record while throwing for 604 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s also completed 67.6 percent of his passes with a 119.4 passer rating.

So what’s been the biggest difference in Rodgers’ return to form in 2020? For starters, he’s clearly much more comfortable in coach Matt LaFleur’s offense. Now in Year 2 of LaFleur’s scheme, Rodgers knows the tendencies and verbiage much better.

Another reason Rodgers is performing so much better than in recent years is due to the fact that he’s throwing in rhythm. That is to say, Rodgers is getting the ball out on time, where it’s supposed to be, and to who the play intended to go. Rodgers has always been known for extending plays and finding open receivers by buying time out of the pocket. Not anymore. As he’s aged, Rodgers has found that being a distributor is more conducive to a longer playing career.

Rodgers has also appeared to tweak his footwork. At the end of training camp, he said he’s watched film from when he was “playing at his best”. Whatever he saw and implemented, it appears to be working. With Rodgers playing at an MVP level, the Packers are automatic Super Bowl contenders.