Aaron Rodgers is getting rid of the ball at a career best rate, will that be enough versus a Texans duo that both have double digit sacks.
When the ball gets kicked off Monday night, the Texans' world class pass rush better be quick.
Aaron Rodgers compiled a season with a career-best time-to-throw at 2.46 seconds, which means the ball is coming out quickly. Rodgers has always had a quick release and a variety of throwing angles, but this year was the best in that category. With only one game missed for injury, Rodgers has been consistent if not spectacular. In the top half of the league in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Rodgers has always been in the mix for the playoffs with one Super Bowl win. Historically, Rodgers has twelve playoff wins going into his 23rd playoff game. While C.J. Stroud has tasted early postseason success, Rodgers has the clear advantage in experience. On the other hand, he also has significantly more miles and hits on his body. While Rodgers has more playoff games than Stroud, he also doesn't have anywhere near the amount of offensive firepower he had during his Green Bay Packers run.
There are two players in particular looking to add to the tally.
Rodgers will have a formidable duo chasing him all night as Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are both rated top five in the league in pass-rush grade. Anderson Jr. is eighth in the league with 12.0 sacks, and Hunter one-ups him with 14.0, good for third in the league.
The tandem has wreaked havoc on offensive lines, offensive coordinators, and quarterbacks all year. If Rodgers is next ,it could mean another divisional round game for the Texans.
On the back-end, Derek Stingley Jr. will be looking to neutralize the returning DK Metcalf. While Rodgers no longer has Davante Adams or Jordy Nelson, Metcalf is a big target who is also a serious threat. A lot of Rodgers' quick passes go to Pat Freiermuth, who was just shy of 500 yards receiving at the tight-end spot.
Jaylen Warren, an excellent receiving back, can also neutralize the pass rush by catching screens and swing passes. Look for Rodgers to lean on him early and often. He caught 40 balls for 333 yards out of the backfield.
The game is a matchup and collision of two specialties. The Texans are favored by 3 points and the Steelers' quick passing game and the response could be all-deciding. Rodgers has seen it all, but minus the mobility from previous years, he could be under duress all Monday night.