Aaron Rodgers looks like he never left after throwing 2 first-half touchdowns vs. Panthers

Aaron Rodgers completed only one of three passes in his first drive since returning from a broken collarbone. It turns out one drive was all he needed to shake off nine weeks rust.

Rodgers completed three of his next four passes to lead a Packers drive that culminated in a 13-yard touchdown strike to Davante Adams.

More importantly, he kept Green Bay marching toward the Carolina end zone with his legs. Rodgers scrambled three times for 16 yards on the drive, sliding to safety each time to avoid undue wear and tear on the collarbone he broke back in Week 5.

His third drive didn’t end as happily. Rodgers was pressured in the pocket and flushed to his left before unleashing a wobbling throw deep downfield. While the pass kept him from taking a sack, his inability to step into the throw made for a leaping interception for Carolina quarterback Daryl Worley.

The Panthers couldn’t capitalize, however. A three-and-out on the ensuing drive ensured Rodgers’ mistake wouldn’t haunt the Packers.

He’d redeem himself as the clock wound down on the first half. Facing 1st and 10 at the Carolina 33, he escaped pressure similar to the rush that forced him into his poorly-thrown interception to hit a scrambling Randall Cobb. Cobb grabbed the ball and bolted upfield, running the final 23 yards — and juking a pair of Panthers near the end zone — to give Green Bay a 14-10 lead with fewer than 30 seconds to play in the second quarter.

But Rodgers giveth, and Rodgers taketh away. After the Panthers scored on the opening drive of the second half, the Packers had a tremendous opportunity to re-take the lead with one big shot. Randall Cobb had beaten his coverage deep down the middle of the field, but Rodgers’ underthrew him, leading to an easy pick for linebacker Colin Jones.

What this means for the Packers: Green Bay is still in the playoff race, but essentially needs to win out to keep its postseason streak alive. Having Rodgers back in the lineup gives them the best possible chance to get there. His ability to buy time in the pocket and deliver precise passes downfield has jump-started the Packer offense — and they’ll need all the help they can get against the 9-4 Panthers Sunday.

What this means for Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers has shown off the awareness that makes him so dangerous, but it’s also clear he’s not in midseason form after missing two months of action. While he’s done a great job of identifying his open targets, he’s also misjudged a handful of throws -- most notably the interception above. He’ll need his defense to give him the flexibility to make some mistakes on his way back to full strength.