Aaron Rodgers

I have to say, I was skeptical that these four games could live up to the hype, especially after last weekend. But I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. I even gave myself a cushy lead for later poor postseason predictions. But I’ll tell you about that later. Right now it’s time for The Final Drive of the Divisional Round! (14-3) San Francisco 49ers 36

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Saturday’s NFL action started with a barn-burner and ended with a merciless slaughter. Sunday’s slate is going to have a hard time following it up, but that won’t stop me from writing another edition of The Opening Drive! 

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Josh McCown mounted a valiant effort, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Aaron Rodgers’ five touchdowns.

 

(14-1) Green Bay Packers 35
(7-8) Chicago Bears 21

On the very first drive of the game,

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me favorite.The Prediction:

With the number one seed on the line and a chance to rest next week? Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are going to blow that line away.How many heart attacks will Joe suffer?

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d to make a decision on drafting Andrew Luck.
Honorable Mention: Tony Sparano

League MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Uh… McDuh. His team is 8-0. He’s on pace to smash all sorts of records this season and unlike Drew Brees (who’s on pace to break the passing yardage mark) he’s keeping his interceptions low (3). His completion percentage? 72.5. It’s like a season of Madden. Rodgers could have rested on his laurels after finally winning a Super Bowl, but instead he’s gone out and upped his game to a level we may not have seen before. (Since that one year Brady went ballistic.)

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ected, but the better team won as the Packers trounced the Bears at Soldier Field Sunday afternoon. Aaron Rodgers was surgical in his delivery, hitting tight end Jermichael Finley for three touchdowns en route to the 27-17 victory. It was a sloppy game for both sides, with penalties and turnovers a’plenty.

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gs, the veteran Donald Driver, the consistent Jordy Nelson or the mega-tight end Jermichael Finley, Aaron Rodgers’ arsenal is fully stocked. They haven’t needed to run the ball in the first two weeks, instead choosing to air it out. James Starks is averaging 71 yards on the ground per outing, but the Bears will probably lock him down early. Starks might get garbage time yards, but if the Bears can keep the big plays down, he won’t get any impactful stats. The Packer offensive line has had its issues this season, especially on the outside. Chad Clifton is a solid left tackle, but he could get exposed against Julius Peppers. Safeties Chris Harris and Major Wright are both game-time decisions, so

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injury with a stable draft class and you’ll see a team that is as prepared as any to repeat. Aaron Rodgers was the cream of the NFC QB crop in 2010, and that was without top receiving tight end Jermichael Finley. Re-signing WR James Jones keeps Rodgers’ superb receiving corps intact. Look for the Packers to split carries more efficiently between the not-as-durable Ryan Grant, James Starks and fan-favorite fullback John Kuhn. Where the Packers might not be as strong is on the defensive line, losing DE Cullen Jenkins to the Eagles. That may affect their ability to lure blockers away from their pass-rushing linebackers Clay Matthews and Erik Walden. Regardless, veteran Charles Woodson and the still-emerging Tramon Williams are among the tops at the corner position, letting Green Bay play their man coverage schemes with effectiveness.  The Packers have the pure talent and ability to run over the NFC and it’ll show this year in their record.

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It wasn’t his night. Super Bowl XLV belonged to Aaron Rodgers, who completely dominated and whose stats would have been immaculate if it weren’t for the numerous drops his receivers committed. MVP indeed. He even took Troy Polamalu out of the game with his pre-snap reads and precise throws.

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How the Steelers should defend the Packer offense:

Hit Aaron Rodgers… a lot. While the Packer offense doesn’t have many holes in its pass protection, their running game isn’t one to be feared. Pittsburgh won’t have issues defending against James Starks. Get James Harrison and LaMarr in the backfield and put Rodgers on the turf early and often. The Steeler corners are good… but only through their top three. After that, the mismatches become obvious. Jordy Nelson or James Jones is going cause some problems for that fourth cornerback.How the Packers should attack the Steeler defense:

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Will a Steelers player do the Aaron Rodgers championship belt celebration during the game?

I love this one. Though it truly depends on the Steeler. If a defender scores, I’d almost guarantee it. I can’t see it from Heath Miller or Ben Roethlisberger though. There’s even money on yes.

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ere typically is with any high-powered offense, the Packers have a great quarterback at the helm in Aaron Rodgers. In his third year starting under center, Rodgers has fulfilled any and all expectations placed upon him. With 3922 yards passing and 28 touchdowns, Rodgers put himself in the “best quarterback” discussion as best he could without winning a title. His mechanics are sound and rarely break down. He learned his improvisational skills under Brett Favre, arguably one of the best. He’s accurate in and out of the pocket. He’s a constant threat to scramble, whether it's to find the open receiver or to gain a first down. There aren’t obvious flaws in his game, so game-planning against him is a struggle. Do you send blitzes and put him off his game, risking the big play? Or do you sit back in coverage and let him have the underneath throws? Pick your poison carefully Pittsburgh. Knocking Rodgers out of a game (which has happened) is the only way to really control his production.

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The Packers tore up chunks of yardage early on, finding the holes in Smith’s cover-two. Aaron Rodgers was precise with his passes, finding his wide-outs behind the linebackers and out towards the sidelines. It seemed as if every Packer play went for 20+ yards, and that’s not really hyperbole. Down 14-0 in the early second, Chicago hadn’t mounted much of an offense, despite Matt Forte’s best intentions. Forte’s 70 yards on the ground and 90 through the air (with ten catches, no less) make him the clear MVP in the loss. He kept the Green Bay defense honest which made it easier for Caleb Hanie to step in as he did after Jay left the game early in the third with his injury.

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Giving Aaron Rodgers more possessions than normal is not advised. In order to keep Rodgers on the sidelines, Martz must keep attacking Green Bay’s front seven on the ground. Dom Capers loves throwing a variety of blitzes at opposing offensive lines, but he skews towards a speedier line-up, sometimes only putting two down linemen on the field. Chicago’s front five has to be able to manhandle the smaller Packer front and get Matt Forte and Chester Taylor into the secondary. Picking up 5-8 yard chunks on the ground keeps Cutler upright and puts the Bears in manageable down and distance situations, keeping Clay Matthews out of the backfield and on his heels.

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eptions, they fumbled twice, they only ran for 45 yards and their defense only managed two sacks on Aaron Rodgers on the night. The Packers came in hot and smothered the Falcons on both sides of the ball. Even after a fumble by Greg Jennings on Green Bay’s first drive led to a Falcons score, the Packers responded with a long drive of their own and put up 7. Then the Falcons returned a kickoff for a touchdown, which was promptly answered by a John Kuhn run. That was the start of a 35-point spree from the Packers, who never took their foot off the gas.

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Still, don’t overlook the drama that will come tonight when Aaron Rodgers heads to Atlanta to take on Matt Ryan. Two of the best young quarterbacks in the league lead dynamic offenses, but it will be the defenses that decide this one. Green Bay has been one of the best scoring defenses in the NFL all season long. Linebacker Clay Matthews will be moved all over the field Saturday night in an effort to get more pressure on Ryan. As good as the Packer defense is, they’re geared to stop the pass, especially when they throw out their 5-DB sets. Michal Turner could give them fits if he gets going early. Rodgers is going to need similar help from James Starks if they’re going to keep Ryan and Turner on the sidelines and off the scoreboard. If I were the Pack, I’d set Tramon Williams on Roddy White and let Charles Woodson do anything and everything.

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Let that be a lesson.

I wish I could feel bad for him. Wait, no I don't.

Aaron Rodgers took another step in becoming a top-tier quarterback in the NFL with a great performance in the playoffs. He spread the ball around to nine different receivers with efficiency and poise, but the real surprise of this game was the Packer rushing attack. Rookie James Starks exploded for 123 yards on 23 carries behind an offensive line that has quietly improved over the course of the season. When the Packers can get their run on like that, it’s going to be near-impossible for any defense to stop them.

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After a completely outrageous and exciting Saturday to start the playoffs, two excellent games are coming our way today. Let's break it down!1:00 PM ET, CBS
(12-4) Baltimore Ravens at
(10-6) Kansas City ChiefsThe Breakdown:

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the defense, Lovie Smith is going to have a glut of receivers to keep track of throughout the game. Aaron Rodgers loves to spread the ball around. Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver and James Jones all have 70-80 yard receiving days in them. Even as the Packers have somewhat regained a running game with Brandon Jackson and fullback John Kuhn, they’re not a threat on the ground. Out of the backfield though, Kuhn is dangerous near the red zone, quickly developing into Rodgers’s favorite target. Where the Packers are still weak is on the offensive line. While they’re better than they were early on, that line will break down enough times to give Peppers and Idonije chances at the quarterback. They just have to make the most of them.

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Missed tackles cost the Bear defense plenty of yards, but holding Aaron Rodgers and that offense to 17 points is about as good as it's going to get.

Devin Hester returned a punt in the first half nearly all the way but got caught by the punter. Lame. That led to a Greg Olsen touchdown on a solid drive that featured a deep pass to Johnny Knox. How embarrassing is it to get caught by the kicker? Hester may have wanted to make up for that one later (as well as his dropped passes) when he returned a punt 62 yards and leaped over the punter to make it into the end zone on a kick return for the first time in two years.

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Week one of the NFL is in the books, with plenty of upsets and last-minute finales. Here are the games that grabbed my attention over the first NFL weekend. Overreactions begin!

(1-0) New England Patriots 38

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After only two full seasons under center, Aaron Rodgers has allowed Green Bay fans to completely move on from the legend that was Brett Favre. His ridiculous 30 touchdown and 7 interception season opened eyes around the NFL and have him creeping up to Manning/Brady/Brees levels. He's only missing the ring. As Green Bay is known for, they barely made any free agent signings in the offseason, preferring to build through the draft. Running back Ryan Grant is a perfect fit for this offense, racking up over 1200 yards in 2009. The Packers still boast the best wide-out corps in the NFL, with the veteran Donald Driver, the speedy Greg Jennings, James Jones and Jordy Nelson all ready to break it after the catch. Add in tight end Jermichael Finley (who is really just a big receiver) in his second year and there's no telling how many points the Packers can put up. Despite giving up way too many sacks on Rodgers early last season, the offensive line should prove much steadier in 2010. Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton are good enough tackles, but first round pick Brian Bulaga could step in if they falter early.

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On the first drive of overtime, an Aaron Rodgers fumble was recovered by Cardinal Karlos Dansby and taken back 17 yards for the game-winning touchdown, eliminating the Packers from post-season play with a final of 51-45.

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p>After the shoddiest of starts at offensive line, the Green Bay Packers finally started to protect Aaron Rodgers as the season wore on after multiple tweaks. Rodgers has his second straight 4,000 yard season along with a corp of underrated receivers. (Donald Driver and Greg Jennings each went over 1,000 yards.) Ryan Grant racked up over 1200 yards this season, proving the Pack can get it done on the ground. Tight end Jermichael Finley is athletic enough to expose nearly any defense. Green Bay's defense is just as strong as its offense. Charles Woodson has been making plays all over the field and from every position. Rookie linebacker Clay Matthews has ten sacks on the season, making him a stand-out in a 3-4 unit with Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk.

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The Packers played like the better team behind another Aaron Rodgers air show, but things will be much different in their rematch in the wildcard round. Still, I'm sure the confidence gained from pummeling their playoff opponent won't hurt Green Bay.

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the other first round bye with losses from the Eagles and Vikings, but their defense must pressure Aaron Rodgers to slow down the Packers' dynamic pass offense. Most NFC scenarios include these two squads meeting in the wild-card round, so there could be some vanilla in the play-calling mix from Green Bay. Cardinals may have more to play for, but I like the Packers.

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But a funny thing happened at Soldier Field on Sunday... the Aaron Rodgers didn't start throwing 40-yard bombs, the Bear defense tightened and the Bear offense scored! After pulling ahead 14-13 in the third quarter of a game they had no business winning, I actually thought we had a chance. That'll teach me.

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mong the best in the NFL and their offense has found a groove under their now-protected quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They've been running the ball effectively if nothing else and shouldn't have any problems dissecting a Bears defense that lacks any real continuity. If Chicago is to have a chance against the Packers offense, their pass rush must routinely put Rodgers on the ground with pressure from their front four.

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For Green Bay, the only way to off-set all the sacks on Aaron Rodgers (besides protecting him) is to hit the snot out of the other QB.  

(6-3) San Diego Chargers 31
(5-4) Philadelphia Eagles 23 

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(1-7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38
(4-4) Green Bay Packers 28

Oh Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers won’t be able to finish the season at this rate. Rodgers was sacked six times and tossed three interceptions against the Bucs, who had a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start. Josh Freeman only completed 14 of his 31 pass attempts, but he certainly made them when they counted, putting it in the endzone three times. Head coach Raheem Morris finally gets his first win of the season, ensuring no team will go winless in 2009.

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(1-7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38
(4-4) Green Bay Packers 28

Oh Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers won’t be able to finish the season at this rate. Rodgers was sacked six times and tossed three interceptions against the Bucs, who had a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start. Josh Freeman only completed 14 of his 31 pass attempts, but he certainly made them when they counted, putting it in the endzone three times. Head coach Raheem Morris finally gets his first win of the season, ensuring no team will go winless in 2009.

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very time it got close Favre and the Vikings would smoothly march down the field and shut the door. Aaron Rodgers got beat up yet again, you have to feel sorry for the guy. Adrian Peterson failed to reach 100 rushing yards for the sixth time this season and the Vikings are STILL 7-1. That’s what they needed Favre for. Now we wait and see how the aged one holds up down the season’s home stretch. Next week’s bye should help. Gr.

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(Yes GB held the Lions and Browns to three points total, but I’m not sold yet.) 

Aaron Rodgers went for 384 yards in their week four loss to the Vikings, and as Minnesota will be without top corner Antoine Winfield, he’ll have another big day through the air. I would love another dramatic shoot-out in Green Bay. But this time, I want plenty of Favre-booing and a Minnesota loss. (My Bears need help!) 

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But Favre was efficient with the long ball and more importantly never turned the ball over. Aaron Rodgers had two turnovers, both of which led to touchdowns. (He also took a safety. Completely inexcusable in that situation.) Still, they’ll meet again. Next time it will be in Green Bay. 

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rsquo;s former flame comes to town to face their old quarterback and his newfound Minnesotan lover. Aaron Rodgers should be just fine, Brett’ll hand off to Adrian Peterson quite a bit, but I wonder how Green Bay will play on defense? Daring Favre to beat you by stacking the line of scrimmage may work, but it might result in public backlash if Favre throws the Vikes to victory. Either way, I’m sitting down Monday night and rooting for Green Bay as hard as I can.

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Adewale Ogunleye played like a man possessed and sacked Aaron Rodgers twice and hit him on at least two other plays. He completely owned Packer guard Allen Barbre. Sacked a total of four times, Rodgers was under pressure most of the night and was held to fairly pedestrian numbers, causing the Packer offense to stall until late in the fourth quarter. Danieal Manning registered a safety on

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ve as Cutler’s preseason debut was, another quarterback in this division was simply electric. Aaron Rodgers is picking up right where he left off last season, lighting up defenses in his three exhibition appearances. With the hype machine across the NFL slowly building for the Pack (I even heard one host pick them to reach the NFC title game), this division rivalry game has all the anticipation it needs. 

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Attacking the Green Bay defensive front by establishing the run will keep Aaron Rodgers and the offense on the sidelines where they belong. Controlling the time of possession will be important in the frigid weather, and an effective rushing attack will speed the game up, of which I’m sure all the players would be in favor. Kyle Orton’s bothersome ankle should be completely healed by now, giving him the power and velocity back in his throwing motion. He’ll need it to get passes past this aggressive Packer secondary that plays mainly in man-coverage. Hopefully Ron Turner will take it out of Orton’s hands by rotating running backs in an attempt to maintain healthy production handing the ball off. The offensive line will play an integral role in dominating the Packers’ front seven if Forte is to have any success. Whatever strategy they employ, they certainly need to score more than the three points they mustered in week eleven. 

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Their production running the ball set up the play-action pass and opened up throws downfield. Aaron Rodgers simply recognized where the extra safety was and adjusted accordingly. It the safety was an eighth man in the box, he passed. If there were only seven men near the line, he handed off to Ryan Grant with tremendous success. Rodgers was never touched by a defender thanks to a stellar job by his of-late criticized offensive line. They made sure that Chicago’s awful pass rush stayed that way. 

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The NFL’s oldest rivalry opens up a new chapter at Lambeau Field this Sunday, November 16, 2008. Entitled “After Favre,” this new plot twist leaves fans of both teams anxious but uncertain as to what will unfold in this classic tale. One thing they can expect to see is Kyle Orton under center for the visiting Chicago Bears. After missing the loss against the Titans with an ankle injury, Orton will try and keep his team in first place with a win over the Packers. 

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It has only taken two weeks for Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to go from undefeated and better without Favre to .500 and needing a veteran quarterback. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won two consecutive emotional games against the NFC North. Despite these ups and downs, both are tied for first place in their respective divisions after four weeks.

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They only managed one turnover, but they held Green Bay to 4 for 14 on third down conversions. Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times, which killed two Packer drives, causing them to settle for field goals. Dallas made plays to keep Green Bay out of the end zone, keeping the pressure off their offense.

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Brett Favre has been traded to the New York Jets. This means 2 things. 1, Aaron Rodgers is finally the starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers with no ifs, ands, or buts. And 2, everything I wrote about the Jets when I was writing about them means nothing now. Oh well. Its football, it happens. The Packers are one of my favorite teams, so lets get started.

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eatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, but after a 17 year career, his time is over.

Aaron Rodgers is ready to play. He has been groomed to take over for Favre since being drafted in 2005. After waiting game after game to get his chance to play, it has finally come. This is

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Hopefully, Brian Brohm will push Aaron Rodgers. I expect Rodgers to be the starter though. He patiently waited for his chance and now it has come. Brohm makes a solid back-up. If the Packers keep three qbs, Matt Flynn might make it. I can picture him on the practice squad. 

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