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Rodgers after blowout loss to Saints: 'We played bad, I played bad'

Sam Greenwood / Getty Images Sport / Getty

After an offseason of drama surrounding Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers' 2021 campaign got off to a nightmare start Sunday.

The Packers were blown out by the New Orleans Saints 38-3, with Rodgers throwing two interceptions for the first time since Week 5 of last season and zero touchdowns.

The reigning MVP admitted Green Bay was overconfident going into the Week 1 matchup.

"We probably felt like we were going to go up and down the field today on whoever was out there, and that didn't happen," said Rodgers, according to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

He added: "We played bad. I played bad," according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.

Rodgers completed just 15 of 28 passes for 133 yards and posted a 36.8 passer rating. Meanwhile, Jameis Winston starred in his first start for the Saints, throwing five touchdown passes with no turnovers.

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur echoed his quarterback, saying New Orleans "absolutely embarrassed us today."

"The positive is it's a long season," said LaFleur.

The Packers, who went 13-3 in 2020 and lost in the NFC Championship Game for the second straight year, entered the season as one of the Super Bowl favorites in what could be Rodgers' final campaign in Green Bay.

The quarterback's frustrations with the front office and questions about his future dominated the NFL's offseason. Rodgers stayed away from the team during mandatory OTAs before agreeing to a reworked deal on the eve of training camp.

The Packers promised to evaluate the veteran's situation after the campaign. Rodgers will reportedly be a trade candidate next offseason, with the Denver Broncos again a prime candidate to acquire the future Hall of Famer.

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