Aaron Rodgers reacts to Packers loss, getting benched for Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers put up a stinker against the New Orleans Saints, leading to his benching in the fourth quarter on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers fans had to feel ecstatic entering Week 1. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was ready to go for the start of the season, and he faced off against a New Orleans Saints team that was starting Jameis Winston under center following the retirement of Drew Brees. Surely it would at least be a competitive game for Green Bay, right?

The answer to that question was an easy no, as the Packers were blown out by the Saints 38-3 on Sunday, and Rodgers played a key role in the loss. Things got so bad, that head coach Matt LaFleur benched Rodgers with over 10 minutes remaining in regulation in favor of Jordan Love.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1437187869324480516

Rodgers, however, wouldn’t put much thought into what role missing the preseason might’ve had on his performance.

In fact, he thought the Packers were overconfident heading into Sunday’s game, which is pretty unbelievable given it’s Week 1.

Packers bench Aaron Rodgers for Jordan Love in Week 1 game vs. Saints

For the first half, the Packers did not get on the scoreboard until the final drive of the first half, where Mason Crosby successfully made a 39-yard field goal, but they trailed the Saints 17-3. Once the second half began, Rodgers’ collapsed.

In the second half, Green Bay made it all the way to New Orleans’ seven yard line, but Rodgers wasted the chance to put point on the board. A pass intended for star wide receiver Davante Adams was picked off Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1437175423327105025

Rodgers’ chance to redeem himself on the next drive did not end well either. On the third play, the Packers signal caller’s pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling was picked off by Saints safety Marcus Williams. The Saints then reached the end zone three plays later to extend their lead to 24-3.

After a turnover on downs and a three-and-out on Green Bay’s following two drives, LaFleur opted to bring in Love to get in some reps in what was already a lost game. Rodgers’ day ended after completing 15-of-28 passes for 133 yards and two interceptions.

Rodgers refused to blame the offensive line, meaning…this is pretty much fully on him.

This is a game that Rodgers and the Packers would like to put behind them. He has the chance to make everyone forget about this performance next week when the Packers face the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.