The Chicago Bears had themselves a great Week 6, all things considered. While it wasn’t the prettiest affair, they took care of business in Carolina with a 23-16 victory. The defense was once again outstanding while the offense, once again, was just good enough. After that, they had a chance to sit back and let the rest of the NFL play out. They must’ve loved what they saw from Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
People were ready to crown the mighty Pack after four weeks where they went a perfect 4-0 with their offense playing some great football. Rodgers led the way per usual. More of the same was expected against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who’d just got done lose to the Bears the previous week.
Apparently, the Packers felt the same way.
Their awakening was rude, abrupt, and brutal. After taking a 10-0 lead early, the Buccaneers clamp down on Green Bay for the rest of the game. Rodgers threw two interceptions including a pick-six while Tom Brady hung an additional 31 points on their defense. It was a complete railroading and the Packers legend didn’t seem to handle it well.
At the end of the 1st half, something happened that drew attention. It’s no secret Rodgers has a prior history with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. They don’t like each other going back to their battles when Suh was with the Detroit Lions. So one can imagine the QB wasn’t tickled when his old rival rocked him for a sack with 12 seconds left.
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What a hit by Suh on Rodgers to end the half, this one didn't draw a flag.https://t.co/4Etrd2WNZ4
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 18, 2020
Where it gets interesting is after the play. Rodgers is seen jawing at Suh and from a certain camera angle, it appears like he might’ve spat in his direction.
Thoughts?
Looks like Aaron Rodgers spit at Suh's direction as Suh was walking away after the sack that ended the half.https://t.co/bIXQ3Qpjgg
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 18, 2020
Aaron Rodgers can be moody but classless?
It isn’t a surprise Rodgers was upset with Suh. Their beef goes back years. The most notorious incident came in 2014 when the defensive tackle stepped on the quarterback’s ankle during a December game at Lambeau Field. Rodgers shoved him off and most felt the play was dirty on Suh’s part. While he managed to avoid a suspension, he did get slapped with a $70,000 fine.
So after Suh received a roughing the passer penalty prior to his sack? One can imagine those old emotions came creeping back for Rodgers. Enough to intentionally spit at a guy though? That doesn’t feel likely.
Don’t get it wrong. The Packers QB has a long history of being moody and emotional. Losing his composure isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Yet doing something classless like that isn’t in his history.
Then again there’s a first time for everything.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. Suh got what he wanted. To sack Rodgers and come out with a win. The Bears aren’t going to complain either. That loss dropped the Packers to second place in the division and raised questions about how good they actually are. This NFC playoff picture continues to look more competitive by the day. Chicago should get excited about what’s to come.