(AP)

Aaron Rodgers crumpled to the ground.

The Green Bay Packers quarterback scrambled, pulled up short, and threw a touchdown pass. He hobbled off the field with the help of two trainers. Moments later, he headed into the locker room on a cart. With the Packers up 14-7 on the Detroit Lions with the NFC North on the line, Green Bay looked rudderless.

The last time Green Bay fans winced like this, Rodgers was in a State Farm commercial.

At halftime, speculation ran wild. Would Rodgers return? Would the Packers survive? Is there anything worse than the Discount Double Check?

Dan Powers/P-C Media

Those hysterical thoughts were put to rest in the third quarter. Rodgers returned, perfectly lit up like a Lambeau deity. He connected with Randall Cobb to send Green Bay up 21-14 as the third quarter came to a close. In the fourth quarter, Rodgers put the game on ice as he snuck in at the one-yard-line two add to the lead.

Game Green Bay.

Rodgers was nearly perfect upon his return. Ten-for-12, 144 yards, two touchdowns. We love to toss around the word “elite.” No one really bothers to define what that means, we just arbitrarily assign it to different players capable of putting up gaudy numbers. There are more than a few elite quarterbacks. Most of those under center in the postseason deserve that elite moniker.

But not all of them have what Rodgers has. It’s those intangibles – playing hurt and stepping up when the lights are brightest – that separate the great players from the best. Rodgers was at his best in Week 17, which is a pretty good sign heading into the playoffs.

There aren’t many teams capable of knocking off the Packers when Rodgers is good. It will be a true struggle to shake Green Bay when their quarterback is at his best.

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