The overreactions were real surrounding Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers just a few weeks ago.
The team opened the 2021 NFL season with an embarrassing 38-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints in a game that had fans questioning if Rodgers even wanted to be there.
He bounced back with four touchdowns in a Week 2 victory and was back in primetime Sunday night on the road against the San Francisco 49ers.
Did he pout?
Or play poorly on purpose?
Not at all.
Rodgers targeted Davante Adams all night and did just enough at the end to secure the victory.
.@AaronRodgers12's reaction is everything.#GoPackGo | @Packers pic.twitter.com/AHY43658tJ
— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2021
So much for him lacking motivation.
The Thrilling Finish
The game ended in vintage Rodgers fashion and it is crazy to think the 49ers played right into his hand.
The 49ers were driving with less than two minutes to go, trailing 27-21.
With just under 40 seconds left, Jimmy Garoppolo connected with Kyle Juszczyk and the fullback barreled his way into the end zone for the score.
Him being tackled short may have actually allowed the 49ers to win the game.
Giving Rodgers any amount of time is bad news and the Packers got the ball back with 37 seconds on the clock.
He immediately moved the ball to the 50-yard line on a pass to Adams and the San Francisco faithful had to be waiting for the inevitable.
Rodgers and Adams connected one more time for 17 yards and a Mason Crosby field goal gave Green Bay the win.
Even before the kick, @AaronRodgers12 knew. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/Heyf3OcGrC
— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2021
Now Kyle Shanahan has to think about how his team scored too early even though there was so little time left.
Just One Bad Week
The Packers as a whole have clearly moved past the terrible Week 1 performance.
Rodgers and Adams are back to being a dynamic duo and the Packers now own a win over a tough team in the 49ers.
Even Rodgers’ game-winning drive proved he and the whole team are back.
It was easy to think the Week 1 game was all about the quarterback not wanting to be there.
But he is known for telling fans and media members to relax and be patient.
A bad team with poor leadership may let a Week 1 blowout ruin their year.
The Packers, however, moved past it and likely used the loss as motivation more than anything else.
Rodgers may be petty, but he clearly wants to win a Super Bowl.
Doing so in a farewell season would only build his legend in Green Bay and direct all the fan anger toward the front office once the two sides eventually part ways.
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