The Green Bay Packers had a simple task to reach the NFL playoffs this season.
Going into week 18, all they needed was a win to get the seventh seed in the NFC playoff race.
However, the Packers fell short on Sunday night, losing to the Detroit Lions by four points.
While plenty of blame can go around, some of the blame falls on Aaron Rodgers.
With the game on the line, Rodgers made a costly mistake that kept them out of the playoffs.
KERBY JOSEPH. HIS THIRD INT OF RODGERS THIS YEAR.
📺: #DETvsGB on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/9hDtJVDM1m pic.twitter.com/yuOfeiio8d— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2023
While the box score only shows one interception on the night for Rodgers, he had another that was called back.
Hands to the face penalty bails out the Packers interception here! #DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/CqMwujEMtK
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 9, 2023
These mistakes show how Rodgers isn’t an MVP caliber quarterback anymore.
It also exposes his history of choking during critical games in January.
While most of his January losses came during the playoffs, this one came during a game where the Packers needed a win to reach the playoffs.
It’s also the second consecutive season that Rodgers has lost to the Lions in January.
However, the last January loss was one where Rodgers started but didn’t finish.
But it doesn’t negate how Rodgers is constantly losing critical games.
His 205 passing yards and 63% completion percentage in Sunday’s game show he’s not getting it done.
While he made some plays, his errors and missed opportunities cost the Packers a playoff spot.
This now marks the fourth critical game in January that he’s blown.
It also marks the third time over the last three seasons that Rodgers has lost a critical game at Lambeau Field.
NEXT: Aaron Rodgers Has Fallen From Grace Like Few Superstars Have