GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Aaron Rodgers took only two deep shots in Sunday’s 24-10 win over the St. Louis Rams.
Neither came close.
On the first, he couldn’t connect with rookie receiver Ty Montgomery. On the second, Rodgers overthrew Randall Cobb.
They were the only two passes the Green Bay Packers attempted that traveled more than 20 yards in the air, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Why was Rodgers unable to drive the ball down the field?
“They challenged us outside,” Rodgers said after the game. “And we didn’t get open enough, and we didn’t throw it well enough today.”
Without Davante Adams, who missed his second straight game because of an ankle injury, the Packers stuck with their other three core receivers: Cobb, Montgomery and James Jones.
Could Jeff Janis help Rodgers go deep? He’s the closest thing the Packers have to Jordy Nelson in terms of a tall, fast, long-striding receiver. He played only on special teams Sunday, an indication that neither Rodgers nor coach Mike McCarthy trusts the second-year pro.
Here’s a breakdown of the offense in Sunday’s game:
Total offensive plays: 62
Receivers
Ty Montgomery: 61
James Jones: 57
Randall Cobb: 54
Notes: Jones’ 65-yard catch-and-run touchdown was the Packers’ longest play from scrimmage this season. He ran 48 yards after the catch on a short post from Rodgers. It was his fifth touchdown of the season. Only Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald (with six) has more. Cobb was targeted six times, most among the receivers, but had only three catches for 23 yards. The Rams blew coverage on Montgomery's 31-yard touchdown. He was wide open in the middle of the field.
Running backs
Eddie Lacy: 36
James Starks: 26
John Kuhn: 10
Notes: Rodgers was the team’s leading rusher (eight carries for 39 yards) and had the longest rush (18 yards). The three backs, led by Lacy’s 27 yards, combined for just 47 yards on 19 carries.
Tight ends
Notes: Richard Rodgers caught a team-high six passes but averaged just 7.5 yards per catch and dropped what might have been a 30-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Then on the same drive, he cost the Packers three points because he was called for a penalty on Mason Crosby's 47-yard field goal. After the penalty, the Packers punted.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers: 62
Notes: With a Total QBR of 41.1, Rodgers’ streak of 20 straight home games with a mark of 50 or better came to an end. He and Tom Brady had been tied with the most consecutive home games with a 50 or better Total QBR in the last 10 years. With two touchdowns and two interceptions, Rodgers’ passer rating of 82.8 was his lowest in a home game since Dec. 9, 2012, against the Lions (80.7).
Offensive line
David Bakhtiari: 62
Bryan Bulaga: 62
Corey Linsley: 62
Josh Sitton: 62
Josh Walker: 32
T.J. Lang: 24
Don Barclay: 6
JC Tretter: 4
Notes: Bulaga had no trouble in his return after missing three games following knee surgery. Lang left in the second quarter with a right knee injury but said it’s not a serious issue. Walker and Barclay both took turns at right guard after Lang went down.