Keep Aaron Rodgers protected, and good things happen for the passing game of the Green Bay Packers.
The two-time MVP has been extraordinarily good from clean pockets in 2020.
According to Pro Football Focus, Rodgers has been kept clean in the pocket – meaning no pressure – on 77.2 percent of his dropbacks this season, which ranks second among starting quarterbacks.
His passing numbers from clean pockets:
– 83.7 adjusted completion percentage (fifth)
– 25 touchdown passes (first)
– 130.0 passer rating (first)
– 2,260 passing yards (second)
– 192 completions (fourth)
Rodgers’ passer rating from clean pockets last season was 104.2, which ranked 15th among quarterbacks. And he already has five more touchdown passes than 2019 (20).
Last season’s leader in passer rating from a clean pocket was Ryan Tannehill, who finished at 122.8. Nine quarterbacks finished above 110.0.
The leaders in passer rating from clean pockets in 2020, via PFF:
| Rank | QB | Team | Passer rating |
| 1 | Aaron Rodgers | GB | 130.0 |
| 2 | Patrick Mahomes | KC | 127.5 |
| 3 | Russell Wilson | SEA | 120.0 |
Why does this matter? PFF argued here in great detail that the performance of a quarterback from a clean pocket is actually the best way to judge the position and predict future performance, as numbers under pressure vary highly and aren’t as predictive.
No one in 2020 has been better than Rodgers from clean pockets, and we can assume, rather safely, that the terrific performances will continue, especially considering how well the Packers have operated in the passing game – from the timing of the plays to the pass protection and performance from the quarterback.
The flip side to these numbers: Rodgers has really struggled when pressure is involved.
He’s completing 35 percent of passes and has a passer rating of 58.9 when under pressure in 2020. Only one of his 26 touchdown passes has been against pressure.
Only one quarterback has a passer rating of 100.0 or more against pressure this season: Philip Rivers, who the Packers will face on Sunday.
[listicle id=53206]