Stephen A. Smith has always been loud about his praise but even louder about his criticism. With the Packers losing to the Lions in an elimination game to book a playoff booth, the NFL world was waiting for Stephen A’s reaction, and he did not disappoint. Stephen A went on a scathing rant with his aim targeted at Aaron Rodgers.

Smith has always been a vocal critic of Rodgers. Just last week, Smith went on television and apologized to Rodgers for his criticism of the Packers QB. But after a disappointing season-ending loss to the Lions, Rodgers was back under the hammer. 

The burden of responsibility on Aaron Rodgers

Smith, on his primetime show First Take, went at Rodgers for his lack of accountability and mindset going into the win-or-go-home game against the Lions. Smith heavily condemned Rodgers for allowing the Packers organization to trade star WR Davante Adams in the offseason. “I said if Davante Adams is in a Green Bay Packer uniform, you are not entering the last game of the regular season with your playoff life on the line you win,” Smith said on First Take. 

Speaking about Rodgers’ mindset, Smith said, “What does Aaron Rodgers do? Well, you know it was, you know the memories have been great. I mean, you know, no matter what. That’s how he was talking prior to the game.” A-Rod was criticized by many fans and critics alike for his docile comments in his media availability before the game vs the Lions. 

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But the primary critique was only one by both the fans and Stephen A Smith. Rodgers did not have the fire or the cojones to drive his team to a win. 

The enigma of A-Rod and the playoffs

With his most recent exit in the regular season, Stephen A. Smith and his host on First Take, Molly Qerim, brought up an interesting dilemma. How do we view Aaron Rodgers’ playoff success or lack so off? For a man with Rodgers’ skill and professional resume, one Superbowl, and multiple early playoff exits, do not reflect highly. 

Many have been left disappointed by Rodgers’ consistent failure to perform at a high level in the playoffs. The discourse surrounding Rodgers’ has always regarded the Sacramento native as one of the greatest QBs of all time. But with a constant lack of playoff success, Rodgers’ case to be regarded as the greatest ever or to be close to it, has always fallen short. As another year passes by, marred by another failure, how does Aaron Rodgers’ legacy end?

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