Aaron Rodgers gets 'romantic' about game-winning drive vs. 49ers
Aaron Rodgers pulled off another amazing game-winning drive last night, leading the Green Bay Packers to a last-second 30-28 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. As he broke the heart of 49ers fans everywhere, Rodgers followed it up with an all-time quote to sum it up.
“How can you not be romantic about football, man?” Rodgers said after the win, adopting Brad Pitt’s line from Moneyball as his own.
After a tumultuous offseason, many questions if Rodgers still had the passion for the game burning deep inside of him. Evidently, he does — love, fire and the ability to play the game at an elite level.
Moreover, a disastrous Week 1 performance sent doubters into a tizzy over Rodgers and his squad. However, Rodgers has continued to state the performance was an anomaly — and it’s tough not to take his word for it now.
“I feel good about our team,” Rodgers said, via the Associated Press. “Week 1 was an anomaly. I said that and I believe that. We bounced back Week 2. Played a great team tonight right down to the wire. This plane ride is going to feel incredible.”
In this victory, Rodgers put together his second straight good performance. The Packers quarterback completed 23 of 33 passes — throwing for two touchdowns in the process.
To pull off an incredible victory, Rodgers needed just 37-seconds and zero timeouts. Of course, he owes an assist to his long-time kicker, Mason Crosby.
‘He’s going to make it’
After the thrilling victory, Rodgers joined NBC Sports’ Michele Tafoya to discuss the final drive. First, he detailed how certain he was in Crosby’s ability to win the game with his leg.
“He’s going to make it. That’s what he’s done his entire career,” Rodgers told Tafoya. “He’s made a bunch of big kicks for us. I love him to death. We’ve been playing together for 15 years, sitting next to each other every bus ride, every plane ride. He’s an incredible guy. And he’s so clutch.”
Rodgers’ excitement at his team’s performance on the final drive of the game was evident on the field. Following a second huge catch by Adams, Rodgers spiked the ball to stop the clock — he could be seen leaving the field while pumping his fist before the kicking unit was even on the field.
Moreover, Rodgers had even more to say about his excitement for the game while explaining the play that put them in field goal range.
“Throw it to Tae [Davante Adams]. That’s my first thought,” stated Rodgers. “Matt [LaFleur] actually suggested that play on the sideline, that first play, which was something we actually worked on Friday at practice — kinda scribbling in the dirt. And, it worked out perfect.
“Just put it right over Fred’s [Warner] head. Got us kinda down here a little bit. We needed one more play.” Rodgers explained.
For everyone who thought Aaron Rodgers’ heart wasn’t in the game anymore, he proved the doubters wrong and then some.