I'll just start with the easy ones. We definitely beat the Pats. Just needed 1-2 more good drives against them and we win that game and I feel pretty confident that Rodgers could've done that. We definitely beat the Raiders as well. Same reasoning. That's already 2 which gets us to 6-3 and I don't think it's ridiculous to say that Rodgers could have pulled one of either the Chiefs or Chargers out, which would put us at 7-2. Rodgers isn't magic but he's infinitely better than Zach right now and could've masked a lot of Hackett's deficiencies by changing plays/route concepts at the line.
I think processing speed is definitely a part of Zach's struggles but somewhat tied into that (I think) is his lack of anticipation on throws. You have to be an anticipatory thrower in this league to be successful because oftentimes by the time you physically see the receiver "open", the window will close before the ball can get there. More times than not, Zach has to wait and see the WR get open before he starts his throwing motion, which is why Zach seems to throw so many hospital balls. I can't recall a lot of instances where Zach throws someone open either. Generally it's, "ok, now he's open, let's try to zip it in there". These are the types of things that separate guys like Rodgers from guys like Zach. Rodgers has the confidence in his arm AND what he sees pre & post snap and gets the ball to where it should be, before it "should" be there. It's definitely a skill I'm going to be much more mindful of in future QB scouting because it's something I failed to notice with Zach going through his draft process.
I'm wondering whether we mean the same thing but we're using processing speed and anticipation interchangeably. Everything you described is exactly what I was trying to describe and probably used the wrong term. Anticipation is a much better word, but I used processing time because his anticipation is tied to the time it takes him to process what is happening. Appears we are on the same page either way! And by the way, not sure if I ever gave you credit for all the work you do on these breakdowns. Thank you, not only is it fantastic but it provides a great basis for discussion.
The only game win definitely win with Rodgers is the Patriots game. We probably do not win the Eagles game or the Bills game. In dumb football theory and what ifs we could be 6-3 then again we might not win the games we won. The ball bounces differently every game and Packers were 8-9 last season with Rodgers. Maybe AVT does not get hurt with Rodgers, maybe McGovern and Schweitzer do not get hurt, maybe Lazard remembers how to catch? My point there are a lot of what-ifs and we have far more problems on offense than just QB. Edit: I do think we 100% score more TDs with Rodgers.
Didn't we use Key as a defender on a hail mary, and he intercepted the ball? May have been our playoff game against the Jags....
How do you come to the conclusion that we lose games that we won by one score in the last two minutes and overtime with significantly better QB play?
While I agree with this, and Zach's tendency to lack anticipation, how much of that is due to his receivers not running the right route or getting separation? I'm not absolving him of blame, but when it's drilled into you to not make mistakes, throwing to receivers who aren't really open, and who have had a high % pf drops doesn't help. Again, while Zach is part of the problem, he's not the whole problem.
This would probably be less of a problem if he placed the ball where it needed to be. Open NFL receivers are not open receivers against Western Kentucky.
Games play out differently. Why do you assume we win? Maybe the defense is on the field more, maybe we do not get that turnover, Maybe we lose the field position battle. Maybe, Maybe , Maybe. Maybe the team takes us more seriously with Rodgers at QB. It is silly to say our record would be X with a different QB. The only for sure thing we can say (with statistical certainty) is that we would have scored more TDs which may have translated to more wins but then again maybe not.
Oh boy, the discussions. Interesting. I know it is doesn’t sound possible but I am trying to be as optimistic as I can. Win Sunday and Friday we re back for the AFC East title. And the ZW BS can extend on TGG, The greatest show on earth!
I think they're different but also somewhat intertwined. Better processing speed could allow him to be more anticipatory on throws but he also doesn't need elite level processing to be able to make those types of throws. Thank you my friend! I just hope Zach improves some more or Rodgers actually does come back this year. I would love to do one of these breakdowns when the offense scores multiple touchdowns. Hell, I'd settle for a single touchdown with how this offense has looked over the last month though! haha
The idea that we're no better with much better QB play is ludicrous. What we found out this year is that the Jets just may have been a QB away and still are.
It's a good "butterfly effect" point. Maybe we lose to the Eagles and Bills but we beat the Pats and Raiders and we're in the exact same spot in an alternate universe. But your final point sums up why I think we have a better record with Rodgers. He's a lot better than Zach right now and I think the offense looks at least somewhat competent with him under center. This team has at least 6 wins with just a competent offense IMO.
We’re really exploring all avenues to justify Wilson starting again for the Jets after this year. Hopefully Woody is taking notes. He must continue to play at the expense of the team or a change so his confidence does not get damaged for future seasons as the Jets starting QB as well.
