The fact that the Green Bay Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 isn't surprising, but how well their passing game looked caught many off guard.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been one of the best in the league for a long time, but in recent years he hasn’t played up to the level we were accustomed to seeing.
As Michael Renner writes on PFF.com, “Something has just felt off. Until Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season, that is, when Rodgers eviscerated an admittedly refurbished Minnesota Vikings secondary to the tune of 364 yards and four scores.”
In his article with the headline, “Rhythm is the Key to Aaron Rodgers' MVP-Caliber Start to the 2020 NFL Season,” Renner explains, “This Week 1 performance was different because of the rhythm with which Rodgers threw the ball.”
He also writes, “That word, rhythm, is one Rodgers and many around the Packers' offense in recent years have used when discussing their struggles, and with good reason...
“Rodgers’ inability to consistently find open receivers in rhythm is what’s caused the dramatic shift in his play.”
It’s only one game, but if Rodgers can get back to playing in rhythm and having that consistent smooth connection with his wide receivers, the Packers could be even more dangerous this year.
The key for Rodgers to remain in rhythm is to trust the play call, have patience as the play develops, and not be so eager to give up and do something outside of the original play design.
He’s an incredible QB, but the offense needs to remain in rhythm and be in sync so they can maximize their potential.
As we think about an NFL offense needing to be in rhythm, so they can be effective, I find there is an important parallel to walking with Jesus.
Just like it’s evident that Rodgers is a different quarterback when he’s in rhythm or out of rhythm, the same is true for us. We are effective and consistent when we are in sync with the Holy Spirit, abiding in Jesus, and well-connected to God.
That means we have to “trust the play call” or as Jesus says in John 15:10 (NLT), "'When you obey My commandments, you remain in My love, just as I obey My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.'”
We also stay in rhythm when we are patient and stick to the original “play design” instead of doing our own thing.
1 John 3:24 (AMP) tells us, “The one who habitually keeps His commandments remains in Him, and He in him. By this we know and have the proof that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us .”
Also, Jesus says in John 15:4 (AMP) ”Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you unless you remain in Me.”
Today, if “something has just felt off” in our lives, let’s find that rhythm with Jesus...and walk in step with Him as we trust His plan and timing.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I'd stop trying to do things on my own and instead be patient as Your plan unfolds. Help me trust Your Word and live with the right rhythm as I remain in You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What causes you to get out of rhythm?
How would you describe being in rhythm with Jesus?
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