GREEN BAY – While it’s becoming popular to question whether quarterback Aaron Rodgers has held onto the ball too long in the face of the Packers’ protection problems along the offensive line, at least one person – offensive coordinator Joe Philbin – doesn’t see what the fuss is all about.

Philbin said that in breaking down the 20 sacks Rodgers has endured, less than five have been the result of Rodgers holding onto the ball too long. And as we pointed out in our story from Wednesday, in which Rodgers said he doesn’t plan on changing his playing style, Rodgers’ ability to make plays with his feet is one reason why he at times may hold onto the ball longer than other QBs.

“Part of their job is obviously decision-making, taking great care of the football, but part of their job is making plays and getting points on the board, and I think sometimes, when a play breaks down, we’ve all seen Aaron, he’s done some excellent things outside the pocket,” Philbin said. “He’s got, what seven first downs running the football? He’s also thrown the ball very well on the move. So I think he has some confidence in his ability to keep a play alive.

“At times, he doesn’t have eyes in the back of his head, so he can’t always be certain where the rush is, where it’s coming from. So I think it’s a combination of things. Again, I’m not familiar with what he said, but I think his point, I’m sure, is he wants to feel like he can make a play, and unless something breaks down immediately in front of him, he might be able to keep the play alive.”

Philbin cited the Packers’ 81-yard drive against Minnesota Oct. 5 – the drive that ended with tight end Donald Lee dropping a would-be touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line – as an example of what Rodgers can do when he improvises against pressure.

“He scrambled around two or three times on that drive, plays that he made where he wasn’t just sitting back there like we draw it up on a drop-back,” Philbin said. “Steps up, scrambles out, bang, (completion). Steps up, scrambles out, run (for a first down). I think he had three plays on his own with his feet that he made. And those are big plays. So we’re certainly not blaming him. We understand the situation he’s been in. He hasn’t been reckless with the ball.”

Rodgers has thrown just one interception in four games this year.