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Quarterback play not the issue
Rodgers performed admirably
By Ken Ryan
Rodgers is not the problem, but rather a part of the long-term solution.
For those who are still popping the bubbles in the shipping packaging from their New York Jets No. 4 jersey they ordered a couple months ago, I have news for you. No, Brett Favre would not have this team any better off if he were still calling signals.
And no, that man who sits in the general manager’s office on the third floor of the Lambeau Field atrium is not a complete moron. You don’t assemble a 13-3 team and NFC Finalist in three years by mistake. Believe it or not, Ted Thompson is a pretty damn good GM.
Through five games as an NFL starter, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 1,274 yards and nine touchdowns along with four interceptions. Those numbers are unheard of for a quarterback that’s just beginning his career.
While the Packers are slumping along on a three-game losing streak through week five, Rodgers is not the problem. Look to the run defense that has given up nearly 200 yards a game in the three-game losing streak against Dallas, Tampa Bay and Atlanta.
Stop blaming the management and start pointing the finger at players such as Nick Barnett. Where has Barnett been? He’s either getting caught in the wash when the defensive tackles get pushed back, letting a guard square him up and drive him back, or penetrated into the backfield and whiffed on the tackle.
No doubt, the season-ending injury to defensive end Cullen Jenkins has hurt and will continue to sting. But let’s face it, Jenkins had a sub par season last year and this team only surrendered three 100-yard rushers. That number has already been matched here in 2008. Jenkins’ replacement Michael Montgomery has been blown off the ball on a consistent basis.
Dallas controlled the clock with Marion Barber. Tampa Bay controlled the pass rush with Warrick Dunn. Atlanta controlled the momentum with Michael Turner.
But guess what Favre-aholics? Brett never lined up a defensive tackle or middle linebacker! Get over yourselves, you are ruining the season for fans who actually care about players on our team. The true Packer Backers have grown tired of the constant bickering and figure pointing for running a man out of town that has won three playoff games since the 1997 season.
Rodgers is not the problem, but rather a part of the long-term solution. Throwing for over 300 yards and three scores with a badly sprained shoulder showed the kid not only has what it takes to play the position but that he also has his teammates’ back.
It’s time for his defensive teammates in the front seven to have his.
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