Week 2 Thoughts / Rankings / News Snippets

[ReasonablySober]

Thought I'd wait until after MNF.

• Nothing wrong with 2-0

• Another game, another great performance from Rodgers. One thing that was rarely considered this summer during the Favre debacle was if Thompson actually believed that Rodgers gave the Packers the best chance to win right now. The question may have been considered here and around the media, but for the most part the notion that McCarthy and Thompson believed Rodgers to be the better QB for this team was dismissed as nonsense and the only reason Favre wasn't around was because of Thompson's ego and MM's 'team-first' philosophy. Maybe that was the case. But looking at Rodgers performance, maybe the two in charge really did think Rodgers was the guy this team needed, not Brett. You can bet that they're both giddy as all hell over Aaron's performance thus far, and those that wanted Brett because he gave the team the best chance to win now are nowhere to be found with those remarks.

• If you blasted Brandon Jackson for the way he ran against Minnesota (I did), you have to give him some credit for his performance Sunday. It wasn't amazing by any means, but he did look a lot better.

• Congrats to Jordy Nelson on his first NFL touchdown. He got quite a bit of separation on that TD and Rodgers was able to drop in a perfect pass.

• Great to see AJ Hawk get to the QB and Nick Collins coming up with an INT. Collins was my pick to breakout this year; I think it's coming together for him. Hawk has to be sent more; he's too instinctive and too athletic to not be used as a blitzer.

• I'm not going to quibble much about the defense letting the Lions back in the game. That team has one of the best WR corps in the league. Roy Williams is a load and Calvin Johnson is an absolute freak. Those two are going to make a lot of secondaries look bad. All you can ask is the defense to capitalize on mistakes when they happen, and Green Bay did.

• I honestly can't tell if Tramon Williams blew his coverage against Johnson, or if Calvin is just that good. My guess is the latter.

• Aaron Rouse showed why the team never gave serious thought to replacing Nick or Atari in the lineup; he's tackling his atrocious and my guess is if it had been better he would have been a linebacker at Virginia Tech.

• We need Scott Wells back. The Lions have a couple solid DTs and Redding is one of the better ones in the league, but they shouldn't be able to look that good. Spitz needs to play guard.

• Can't say enough about the resiliency of Woodson to come back after getting beat. Harris, again, seemed to have Williams number.

edit: errrr....2-0.

[LUKE23]

0-2?

[ReasonablySober]

0-2?

ha, caught it right after I hit submit.

[LUKE23]

I agree on Hawk, it appears this will be his breakout season. He's relentless and instinctive, and needs to be sent more on the blitz.

Jackson, he did play well against the Lions, but when I watch him run, I just don't see it. Very little explosiveness and goes down pretty easy. If he does have a hole, he's shifty and mobile for sure, but he needs big holes to run. We need Grant healthy for the Boys.

Is the defense better, the same, or worse than last year? Currently in the low 20's rank for both yards and points, although it is early.

[MickeyDavis]

Sanders is finally let Hawk play to his strengths. Attacking instead of reacting. I love it.

[ReasonablySober]

1. Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers appears to be the real deal. He appears to be adding an additional phase to the Packers' passing game with his ability to roll out or scramble and put pressure on opposing corners. He makes them decide whether to force the run or stay in coverage. He has displayed excellent arm strength and accuracy on his downfield passes, but he is willing to take the check down pass when his deep receivers are covered.
2. The Packers love to run between the tackles. By using a fullback with their zone-blocking scheme, the Packers develop a strong ground game despite lacking a running back who has the speed and elusiveness to bounce it outside and turn the corner on his own. The fullback is used on iso blocks on which they will kick the outside linebacker out and create run lanes on the inside.

[ReasonablySober]

Maybe rocky times will be coming for Aaron Rodgers, but when?

"It's only two games,'' he cautioned via the cell phone Sunday evening. "But I hope the fans buy myself and this team.''

Buy him? You kidding? If Rodgers were a stock, he'd be Microsoft in 1991. His two-game stat line:

W-L Comp.-Att. Pct. Yards TD Int Sacks Rating
2-0 42-60 .700 506 4 0 1 117.8

In the same week the first pick in the 2005 draft, Alex Smith, went on IR and likely ended his busted career with San Francisco, the 24th pick in that same draft, Rodgers, began making a name for himself. Rodgers looks confident. He throws with a soft touch to some excellent receivers -- Greg Jennings is going to be a big star -- and the QB doesn't get rattled when things like blowing a 21-0 lead happen, as the Pack did in Detroit. And he is not surprised. "In my mind, I've been preparing for this for three years. I've been dreaming of this for three years,'' he said.

Rodgers is in a weird spot with Favre. At the end of last season, the formerly chilly relationship got warm, with Rodgers going to Favre's home for dinner. But a frost settled over the friendship in the offseason, when Favre retired and then came back, hopeful of getting his old job back, a job the Packers had given to Rodgers. When they both went to the ESPYs in Los Angeles, they didn't connect, even though they were in the same audience. I asked if the relationship was harmed forever.

"I sure hope not,'' Rodgers said. "I have so much admiration for Brett. I would love for the relationship to go back to what it was.''

The Fine Fifteen

1. Dallas (1-0). Tough stretch coming up, with Philly tonight and a trip to Green Bay on a short week. Let's see how Marion Barber's bruised ribs hold up.
2. Pittsburgh (2-0). As long as Willie Parker averages 122 rushing yards a game, the Steelers should be able to survive Ben Roethlisberger's bum shoulder.
3. New York Giants (2-0). Justin Tuck pulled an LT in St. Louis, velcroing an interception and running it back for a touchdown. Giants have allowed 20 points in eight quarters.
4. Green Bay (2-0). Pack scored 24 points in 190 fourth-quarter seconds to ice the weird win at Detroit, and their red-hot quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, had nothing to do with it. Go figure.

What I Learned About Football This Week That I Didn't Know Last Week

Aaron Rodgers throws with more velocity now than Favre does.

Not my opinion; it's the opinion of Greg Jennings, who caught balls from Favre his first two years in the league and is in his first season with Rodgers. It goes against the grain of everything we've heard about Favre, who we still think of as Mr. Fastball, and the supposedly average-armed Mister Rodgers.

"Brett threw a variety of balls,'' Jennings told me the other day. "His biggest thing was his ability to lead you into where he wanted you with something on the ball. The biggest difference between Brett and Aaron now is Brett threw with a lot of touch. Don't get me wrong. He had some times when he could really throw it hard. If he was trying to drill one in there, he would gun it. Aaron throws with a lot of velocity, a little more velocity, with good timing.''

The one thing, naturally, Jennings is still establishing with Rodgers is chemistry. "Brett anticipates a lot sooner,'' Jennings said. "He's been playing so long, been around defenses so long, that he dissects defenses quicker. He probably knows where he's going with the ball earlier than Aaron.''
And Jennings sees one other difference, from the Packer huddle.

"Brett's a little more loose in there. You know, not that Aaron's tight; he's fine. But Brett was passing gas in the huddle.''

[ReasonablySober]

Ted Thompson nailed it.

The stream of abuse coming at him flowed like a mountain brook all summer long, much of it mean-spirited and a lot of it from the national media.

They all said this: How could he not want Brett Favre back? How dare he thumb his nose at a legend?

Now we know why. Now we know what Thompson, the Packers executive vice president and general manager, knew.

Aaron Rodgers gives the Green Bay Packers a better chance to win than Favre. There, I said it.

When the Packers decided to turn their backs on Favre when he wanted back in after his retirement, I was one of the few voices out there that thought it was a good move. (OK, Freeman, you did too.)

Now, I'm convinced of it.

Packers fans should all bow down at Thompson's feet. On Sunday, we got more proof.

Rodgers lit up the Detroit Lions to the tune of 328 yards and three touchdowns as the Packers beat the Lions 48-25.

Favre? He dinked and dunked the New York Jets to a grand total of 10 points. Favre wasn't awful, completing 18 of 26 passes for 181 yards and an interception. That's just over 10 yards per completion. Rodgers was at 13.6 per completion.

Rodgers led the Packers to a 21-0 first-half lead, only to see it wiped out. They looked on their way to an easy "A" here in my CBS Sports.com grades. Instead, they earned a B- because the defense almost gave it away.

As for Favre's Jets? They get a D since they lost to the Tom Brady-less Patriots. He was just ordinary.

In two games, Rodgers has a passer rating of 117.8, has completed 70 percent of his passes for 506 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. That puts him on a pace for 32 touchdown passes and 4,048 yards passing. Favre threw 28 touchdown passes and for 4,155 yards last season.

Ted Thompson got it right. He has the right quarterback, even if most of you didn't think so.

So let's give him the only A+ grade of the week. He has earned it.

[ReasonablySober]

Let’s not lose our minds with Aaron Rodgers just yet.

However, for all those who said there was no way Rodgers could follow Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers were making a huge mistake. it might be time for some adjusted thinking. While Favre was struggling against the Patriots, Rodgers was annihilating a terrible Lions defense, passing for 328 passing yards and three first-half touchdowns.

Those digits could have been better, but the Packers pulled their foot off the pedal after jumping to a 21-3 halftime lead. Detroit stormed back and then imploded with mistakes, but this game and day will be remembered for Rodgers being one of the biggest winners in the NFL. He once again showcased his strong arm and perfect timing with most of his receiving corps. Rodgers’ touchdowns went to three different wide receivers (Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and James Jones), none of them to big-play guy Greg Jennings.

Through two games, Rodgers has thrown for 506 yards and four touchdowns, and has rushed for a score. He has also notched passer ratings of 117.0 and 115.5. Few could have hoped for a better start to a season in which he’s replacing a certain Hall of Famer. But the real test comes next week when the Packers face Dallas, with the chance to prove that they have the best team in the NFC.

Far-fetched? We would have said the same thing about Rodgers’ start two weeks ago, too.

[ReasonablySober]

Vote Charles Woodson for DPOW

[crkone]

2. Aaron Rodgers is for real

Lost in the fact that the Green Bay Packers relied upon a late-game run of points to tame the Detroit Lions is that quarterback Aaron Rodgers performed like a seasoned veteran during his first two NFL starts.

Six days after beating the Vikings in his Monday night debut, Rodgers pushed the Pack to a 21-0 lead with three touchdown passes. For the day, Rodgers completed 24 of 38 throws for 328 yards. He also gained 25 yards on four carries.

So forget about the comparisons to Brett Favre. The decision to move forward with Rodgers so far appears to be the right one. Unless Favre plans to play until he's 50 (which we probably shouldn't rule out at this point), Rodgers will be throwing for scores and winning games for the Packers long after Favre has walked away from the game.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/vi ... p?t=458387

[Newz]

As of right now, where would you guys think A-Rod would be in the MVP race?

He seems like he has to be in the top 5 (or close) with guys like Roethlisberger, Cutler, Westbrook, TO, Romo.

[ReasonablySober]

4 (7) Packers 2-0-0 They've feasted on two winless teams. Now the Packers face the biggest game of the young season: A home matchup against Dallas that should establish early NFC supremacy.

[ReasonablySober]

As of right now, where would you guys think A-Rod would be in the MVP race?

He seems like he has to be in the top 5 (or close) with guys like Roethlisberger, Cutler, Westbrook, TO, Romo.

Probably have to put McNabb up there, too, though I think he's been overrated a bit.

He's in the top ten. If he has a great game on Sunday and the Packers win he'll go right to the top of the NFC. Same can be said about Romo if the Cowboys win.

[MickeyDavis]

The biggest difference between Rodgers and Romo so far this year is picks.

[ReasonablySober]

Sweet Play of the Week No. 1: Green Bay, leading Detroit 14-0, faced third-and-2. Detroit put nine defenders on the line, including press corners. Jordy Nelson was single-covered on the outside by a cornerback right on the line; Aaron Rodgers saw it and audibled to a "go" route; Green Bay sent five men into the pattern; the Packers' blocking was perfect. The result? A 29-yard touchdown, and the rout was on. (Then off, then on again.) Sure, it's been only two weeks with Rodgers at the helm, but the Packers look solid. Could it be that they went 14-4 last season mainly due to players who are not named Brett Favre? Could it be that coach Mike McCarthy finally has a quarterback who actually executes the game plan?

Single Worst Play of the Season -- So Far: Green Bay leading Detroit 41-25, Nick Collins intercepted a fourth-quarter pass and headed toward the end zone. Highly drafted, highly paid Lions receiver Roy Williams basically watched Collins roar by, then jogged half-heartedly in pursuit. It doesn't matter if the game is lost, earn your pay! Roy Williams of the Lions is guilty of the single worst play of the season -- so far. Nominated by John Whitt of Madison, Wis.

[ReasonablySober]

1. Green Bay Packers: If they beat the Cowboys next week, will people stop sending emails questioning my sanity (and sobriety) for ranking them No. 1?"

[mbucks22]

Does anyone else agree with me that everyone seems to be ranking these teams too high? I have looked at several power ranking but I suppose that I’ll use ESPN as an example. On ESPN the Packers are ranked 4th and the Patriots are ranked 6th. I also believe that right now Aaron Rodgers and Matt Cassel are overrated.

The Packers beat the Viking by 5. Rodgers had 178 yards and 1 touchdown against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL last year. Then the Packers whooped on the Lions, who had one of the worst overall defenses in the NFL last year. Remember, the Lions allowed Atlanta to score 34 against them. That Atlanta team only scored 9 a week later against Tampa. The Packers are undefeated against two teams that are 0-2. Rodgers looked good against the Lions, but so did Matt Ryan. I doubt that Rodgers and the Packers will look so good when they play against the Cowboys, Bucs, Colts, Titans, Bears, Saints, and Panthers, all of whom are on their schedule this year.

Then you have the Patriots. They beat the Chiefs by 7, but the Raiders beat the Chiefs by 15. Then the Patriots beat the Jets by 9, a Jets team that won 4 games last year. I know that they have Farve now, but an old QB who has had little time to learn the offense only adds so much to a team. Cassel looked good against two horrible defenses, and I don’t think that he’ll look that good against better teams.

I think that both of these teams are good teams, but I think that they are ranked to high. I would certainly rank the Eagles higher than the Packers(I doubt that the Packers keep it close against the Cowboys), and I would rank the Panthers, Titans, Bills, and Broncos above both teams. I don’t understand why the Panthers are so low- they beat the Charges and the Bears without Steve Smith. I think that both Aaron Rodgers and Matt Cassel are good quarterbacks, but I hear people saying that Rodgers is as good as Favre and Cassel is as good as Brady and that’s just not true.

The Panthers, Titans, Bills AND Broncos ranked ahead of us. Hilarious.

[ReasonablySober]

Where is that from?

[ReasonablySober]

Lets be fair - Rodgers was ready