The Green Bay Packers offense has struggled at times this season and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is pushing for some explosiveness when the team takes on the Washington Redskins in the NFC Wild Card playoff round. Sam Shields remains in the concussion protocol and could be out for the Packers on Sunday.
Rodgers had another strong season in 2015 for the Packers, but his offensive numbers were a bit lower than what he has done over the past few years in Green Bay. Rodgers had 3821 passing yards and 31 touchdowns, which were his lowest totals in those categories (apart from 2013 when he only played in nine games) since back in 2010. According to ESPN.com stats, the Packers were ranked 23rd in yards on offense and 15th in points per game, which were the lowest numbers for the team since Rodgers took over as the starter.
Following the Week 17 loss against the Vikings, Rodgers spoke to the media about the offensive struggles of the team and said that he thinks this team is ready to step up with the postseason now on the calendar. The Packers have been in this position before as a wild card in the playoffs and made a run to the Super Bowl and Rodgers said there is no reason why the team can't do it again this season.
The Packers will have to travel to Washington to play the Redskins after losing to the Vikings in a battle for the NFC North division title and the offensive unit could be the key to getting a victory. Rodgers spoke about the struggles of the offense and said to the Green Bay Press-Gazette that he is hoping that the team can "let it fly a little more" on Sunday compared to what they have done earlier in the season. Rodgers added that the team "hasn't been very consistent in any capacity on offense" this year and that is something the team needs to focus on when they play the Redskins.
Randall Cobb, James Jones, Eddie Lacy and James Starks all will play key roles for the Packers on Sunday and Rodgers is hoping that someone can step up and make some big plays. Jones has had a strong season for the Packers after signing this summer, while Randall Cobb's numbers were down across the board, but he remains an explosive player for Rodgers. Lacy dealt with some inconsistency this season, but he has come on strong in the second half and should be a major part of the game plan on Sunday.
Sam Shields is in doubt for the game on Sunday against the Redskins, as the cornerback is still dealing with concussion related issues. According to Packers.com, head coach Mike McCarthy said that "nothing has changed" regarding Shields, who has missed the last three games for the Packers.