Quarterbacks need time to develop. Before we go overboard on Rodgers remember he was very bad his first two years. The coaching staf was changing his mechanics and he did not manage the clock well in the two minute drill.
Then in 2007 he was impressive in the improvement demonstrated on the field. In preseason he improvised when things went wrong or receivers ran the wrong routes. It was a huge jump and the mechanics were under control.
He still is learning and with experience will only continue to improve. Look again for a jump next year as he studies this year's film of himself as a starter and analyzes what he can do better.
Now for Alex Smith. Living in the area I have seen many of his games and saw him from day one. McCarthy had him as a rookie almost always rolling outto the right so he only had to scan half the field. His protection was not good. It was obvious he was not ready. They threw him into the deep end of the pool and told him to learn how swim.
Norv Turner actually got the most out of him his second year. There is an apprenticeship to Quarterbacking and Norv was the most patient and understanding coach he has had.
Mike Martz is now his 4th Offensive Coodinator. The guy never had a chance to work on NFL level mechanics and some bad habits were never corrected as there ws no time. Alex Smith will rehab and end up as a back up on some middle of the road team next year. I hope he can resurrect his career in a couple of years.
What is not mentioned is that Flynn and Brohm now have the opportunities as Rodgers did. Eventually one will be kept and one will be traded for a chance to play elsewhere. Ted will have backups and a profit on the draft pick obtained.
Things are fine in Green Bay. Let's hope Flynn does not have to get thrown in like Alex Smith.