Aaron Rodgers Defends Marquez Valdes-Scantling From Critics

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling committed a costly fumble late in Sunday’s showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts.

With a victory within reach, Valdes-Scantling caught a quick pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and prepared to make his move when he accidentally lost control of the ball. Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner recovered it, and put his squad in position to kick the game-winning field goal.

After the outing, Valdes-Scantling revealed that he had received death threats as a result of the costly error.

Death threats over a football game? Jesus you people need help. It’s actually sick. I’m good. My team got my back. ✊🏾

— Marquez V-S (@MVS__11) November 23, 2020

On Tuesday, Rodgers appeared on the Pat McAfee Show and came to his teammate’s defense.

“I think we need some perspective in this time about production. Everybody wants to make these knee-jerk reactions to things and you forget about the facts — as the kids say these days, the big facts — that there’s a human element to this,” Rodgers said.

“Anybody who is so distraught about this that they need to go to Twitter and talk about killing someone, I would suggest that you relax.

“It’s a game. We’re all trying our best. We’re trying to entertain you, but we’re also trying to do our best because we have a lot of pride in our performance. Nobody’s trying to do anything to f— up our season or your precious watching experience.”

Chatting with @AaronRodgers12 about the @MVS__11 fumble & reaction

“There’s a human element to this like anybody who is so distraught about this that they need to go twitter & talk about killing someone I would suggest that you RELAX” #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/3QywsN2Nnh

— Pat McAFLEET (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 24, 2020

What is interesting about Rodgers’ remarks is that they are as decent and understanding as they were immediately after the Packers lost. This isn’t a situation where he had time to compose himself for the media – he said all these same things on Sunday.

“I have a lot of love for Marquez,” Rodgers said right after the game. “S***, I’ve had my fair share of fumbles. It’s just bad timing.”

Even with this most recent loss, Green Bay is still 7-3 on the year and in full control of the NFC North. The Chicago Bears are second in the division with a 5-5 mark, and they’ve lost four straight.

Barring a total collapse, the Packers will make the playoffs with ease and look to improve on last year’s NFC Conference round showing. If the pieces align for them, especially given the fact that the NFC doesn’t have any truly elite teams this year, they could easily end up in the Super Bowl this season.