Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Game 1 Impressions: Rodgers is an NFL QB

Last nights game was a great way to start the season. It had all the tension and importance of a mid season game (as the Vikings are the most likely to challenge GB's defense of the division title) and went down to the wire. On the other hand, it had all the execution of a preseason game.

It's tough to glean any real undeniable truths from last night. One thing is certain though, Aaron Rodgers is a capable quarterback. He didn't prove last night that he is an All Pro, but he certainly proved he can play adequately every game, and gave Packer fans a reason to be excited for the season. He threw excellent balls, played under control, flashed some wheels and intelligence on when to use them (haha, Tavaris Jackson). Rodgers also displayed a very strong arm and some fantastic accuracy (that TD toss and a couple of those slants were A+ throws).



Aside from that, there isn't much else to say. Tons of flags, but it's not like they were on ticky-tack shit. Most of the flags were off-sides, false starts and clear holding calls. It was painful to watch.

My biggest worry after last night is that Mike McCarthy reigned in the offense once Green Bay took the lead. Starting with that concession field goal at the end of the half (not one shot at the end zone?) it seemed like McCarthy closed the play book. It showed a lack of confidence in Rodgers that I really don't understand.

On the other side of the ball, Minnesota is a very, very good football team, with a Tarvaris Jackson sized albatross around its neck. Hopefully, they stick with him as long as they have Peterson, because if they decide to get even a non-terrible QB, they will be a force.

3 comments:

DannyNoonan said...

I'd agree on all counts. Rodgers was the man. I was a little surprised by McCarthy's conservative play once they took the lead, but if they'd have made that field goal, they would have, a short time later, been up by three scores instead of two.

E.S.K. said...

Yeah, I didn't disagree with the field goal there, I was more disappointed with the approach in the second half. I think that block rattled McCarthy.

PaulNoonan said...

I agree, but I think it was calculated for this game, and that the reigns will come off against weaker teams. I'm sure that to some extent he was trying to protect Rodgers from himself.

If it stays this way, however, that will be its own brand of trouble.