Contributions all around: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers spread the ball around on Sunday, hitting eight different receivers, including chunk plays to Darnell Washington for 36 yards, three to DK Metcalf for 25 yards each, plus one to him for 20 yards, and 12-yard completions to Connor Heyward and Roman Wilson.
Rodgers was quick to credit the success of the run game for being able to open the passing game up, allowing for the offense to move and be two-dimensional.
“I said last week we needed to see some more one high stuff and take some shots down the field, and you have to run the football to do that,” said Rodgers. “I feel like the line controlled the line of scrimmage today pretty well, and I thought Jaylen (Warren) ran the ball really well.
“Kenny (Gainwell) always does well in the run and pass game, but Jaylen, he’s slippery in there. I thought he had some really nice runs.”
Rodgers likes what he is seeing from the offense overall, playing the kind of football they want to play.
“I think we’re playing pretty smart football,” said Rodgers. “I think Art (Smith) got us into a good rhythm today. When we take care of the football and don’t turn it over, we’re going to have a chance in any game. Then if we can control the line of scrimmage, we’re really going to be playing downhill.
“I thought the key to the last two games have been first and second down. When we’re efficient on those drives, we usually score points. When we’re not, there’s been some three and outs.
“So, I like what we’ve done with Spence (Spencer Anderson). I like obviously what we’ve done with Darnell. Seems like the more playing time he’s out there, big things happen. The first play of the game. I know he got the ball punched out, but he’s a super talented guy. For 6’8″ and whatever he tips the scales at, I love having Darnell out there. His presence, his energy, his body, he’s made a big difference for us.”
Another person Rodgers pointed out as making a big difference isn’t on the offensive side of the ball.
Instead he gave a huge shoutout to safety Jalen Ramsey, who played on Sunday after missing practice two days this week due to a hamstring injury.
“I do want to make a point and talk about Ramsey, because what he did this week getting ready to play,” said Rodgers. “I’ve been around the game a long time, and I’ve seen a lot of guys in a situation where you got a Sunday/Thursday, skip both games. Where maybe they’re 85%, but they want to be 100%, because I think there’s a fear of failure almost that can paralyze them where if I don’t play my best game, then what does that say about me if I’m not 100%?
“I think some guys are scared to go out there and play, but for Jalen to go out there with everything he’s accomplished in this league, I just can’t say enough about the level of respect I have for him. He had, what, two sacks and pass break-ups and tackles.
“If there was any question about the type of person that he is — take away the incredible player — but the person and teammate, I think he just showed all of us the kind of guy that he is by going out there and playing today.”