Aaron Rodgers plays down sideline spat with Mike McCarthy

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played down an exchange of words between himself and his coach Mike McCarthy on Sunday.

The pair clashed during the Packers' 34-30 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL, following a seven play drive which failed to see a touchdown scored ending on the Bengals' one-yard line.

As Rodgers left the field, words between the pair became slightly heated, with defensive lineman B.J. Raji calming the situation.

Rodgers told NFL.com: "We're both passionate about the game, and competitive. We both want to win very badly and I went over and talked to him after that. We just got on the same page. Needed to talk; we did, and we moved on.

"I think we were both frustrated all day. We couldn't have a lot of success in the red zone, kicked way too many field goals and turned the ball over."

The injury-hit Packers have a timely bye week next weekend, returning to action in week five at home to the Detroit Lions.