Not being in favor of Aaron Rodgers joining the Broncos is football lunacy
Mar 7, 2022, 6:00 AM
For six years, the Broncos have stumbled around in the dark on offense. Through 10 quarterbacks, five coordinators and three head coaches, Denver has played bad, boring football on a nearly weekly basis.
There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, however. There’s a chance that someone could ride in to save the day. Or at least make Sundays more entertaining.
Aaron Rodgers is still deciding where he wants to play next year. And the Broncos are reportedly one of the four teams in contention to have the back-to-back NFL MVP behind center in 2022.
The QB’s presence would instantly change things in Denver. The football world would once again notice the Mile High City.
The Broncos would return to primetime. They’d be a contender in the AFC West. And a trip to the postseason would be on the docket.
It would be a 180 from a year ago, when Denver was relegated to the bottom of the television schedule, finished last in the division and missed the playoffs for a sixth-straight year. It’d be an instant reversal of fortune.
Yet, some people in Broncos Country don’t want any part of it. They can’t imagine having to root for Rodgers in orange and blue.
Why? Well, that’s hard to figure out.
Apparently, Rodgers is too selfish for some fans. His attention-seeking battle with the Packers, which has played out through the media, was off putting to some.
Did it get annoying at times? Sure. The situation has been exhausting, playing out like a soap opera.
But it’s occurred during the offseason. In part, it’s a byproduct of the media needing something to talk about when nothing is happening on the field. The NFL is covered year-round, despite games only being played for five months. That leaves a lot of time to fill up column inches and talk-show segments.
During the season, Rodgers didn’t battle with the organization. He got along with his coaches and teammates, leading the Packers to a 13-4 record and the top seed in the NFC.
In that way, Rodgers is no different than other elite quarterbacks. Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes and others make “news” during the offseason, but then get back to business when fall rolls around.
Who cares if a QB is demanding in March and April? It’s more important what they do from September through (hopefully) February.
In the time that matters, Rodgers has thrown 85 touchdowns and just nine interceptions across the last two seasons. That’s much more important than his appearances on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
But that’s not the only issue some have with the quarterback. A large contingent can’t get over the way Rodgers handled his vaccination status in 2021.
More specifically, they’re upset with the fact that the QB decided not to get the COVID-19 vaccine and was then less-than-forthright about that fact. As time goes on, the moral high ground upon which these fans stand is getting shakier, however.
As the pandemic wanes, a little grace for those who didn’t blindly get the vax, wear masks and otherwise “follow the science” is worthy of being extended. No matter someone’s politics, it’s hard not to recognize that the skeptics had a point. Rodgers included.
That said, a player’s position on those matters shouldn’t have any bearing on his status with the fan base. They’re personal decisions.
It certainly shouldn’t be a factor in Broncos Country. At this point, almost any “wacky” belief from a competent quarterback would be fine.
The earth is flat? Hear him out.
The moon landings were staged? A punch to the face from Buzz Aldrin is better than another year of Case Keenum, Joe Flacco or Teddy Bridgewater.
Lee Harvey Oswald didn’t act alone? Oliver Stone made a compelling case.
Point being, who cares about those things?
It’s not like Rodgers is some sort of criminal. As time goes on, even the other side of the COVID debate has to admit that fact.
Which leads to the final reason why some don’t want Rodgers in Denver. At 39 years old, he’s only a short-term answer at quarterback.
That’s clearly true, but it also misses the point. A two- or three-year solution is better than none at all.
Would it be better to get someone who will be the Broncos quarterback for the next decade? Of course it would. But who is that player? Which rookie or free agent is going to be that guy?
There isn’t one. At least not for sure.
Rodgers will make the Broncos an instant Super Bowl contender. Guaranteed. No doubt. The same can’t be said for Mitchell Trubisky or Marcus Mariota. It’s also a stretch to think Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis or Matt Corral ever get them to that point.
Much like Peyton Manning did during his four years in Denver, Rodgers changes things. The short-term solution with No. 18 was a heckuva lot of fun. This one would be too.
That’s why everyone in Broncos Country needs to get on board. They’re being offered a gift. Take it.
The stretch of bad quarterback play could finally come to an end. To not be in favor of that development is mind boggling.
Aaron Rodgers is the best player in the NFL. If he wants to come to Denver, it’s time to roll out the red carpet.
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