GREEN BAY – To hear Aaron Rodgers explain it, his relationship with Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy is just fine.
Those comments he made about the game plan after Sunday’s lackluster win? Taken out of context, Rodgers said. Which parts? He didn’t say.
What the Packers quarterback did say Wednesday was different than what he said Sunday. Back then, all of three days earlier, Rodgers said the Packers had a “terrible” offensive showing. “Non-playoff caliber,” he called it. He lamented not getting his top playmakers more involved.
How, Rodgers was asked after the game, can the Packers get their top players more touches?
“It’s by the plan,” he said then.
On Wednesday, Rodgers identified something else.
“We’ve got to find ways to be more efficient on offense,” Rodgers said. “Although, like I said Sunday afternoon, the numbers might have looked good – 420 yards and 50 percent-plus on third down – but the execution wasn’t where it needs to be.”
There is game plan, and there is execution. Rodgers questioned the game plan Sunday, not referencing “execution” once.
McCarthy agreed with Rodgers’ second assessment Monday. He said the Packers' offense left a lot on the field against Buffalo, specifically five dropped passes. Rodgers, who has dealt with a left knee injury almost the entire season, also uncharacteristically missed some throws.
That’s execution, not game plan.
Rodgers admitted there’s conflict with McCarthy, even frustration. To hear him explain it, there’s no problem with a little friction.
“Mike and I talk all the time,” Rodgers said. “We have a great relationship. There’s always been great communication between us. Even if there's things that we need to talk about that are tough subjects, we’ve never had a problem finding time and talking. That’s the way it’s been for 10-plus years.”
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