Zero2Cool
16 years ago

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has spoken often this season about getting the offense into a rhythm, and staying in one.

For his part, Rodgers certainly has shown the ability to get the hot hand at times, putting together some impressive stretches of efficiency and point production over the last several weeks.

This past Sunday against Carolina was perhaps the best example of just how good Rodgers can be when he's in a rhythm.

He put together back-to-back touchdown drives in the first half during which he was a combined 9-of-11 passing. And then he got even hotter for a while in the second half, completing 11 straight throws as part of a 17-of-19 stretch over three possessions that produced two TDs and a field goal.

That level of efficiency is almost uncanny, and though no one can expect him to remain that productive for an entire game against NFL defenses, the fact that he can get rolling like that for more than just one drive at a time shows how much command he has of this offense in his first year as a starter.

"I think he has a real good grasp of what we're doing schematically, number one, and that's important," offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said. "I think he's starting to develop some timing and anticipation with some of the receivers. That's a critical part of it as well. And then the guy is an accurate passer.

"I think when you add up those three things -- his knowledge of the system, his communication with his receivers, and his accuracy and arm strength -- you've got a chance, if you protect him well, to get something going and get something going consistently well."

Rodgers first showed his penchant for a hot streak back in Week 2 at Detroit. In the first half, he led three straight touchdown drives and completed 13-of-16 passes, including eight straight.

But in the last two months, he's had similar streaks against more formidable teams as well.

*Against Indianapolis, he finished the first half with a three-possession stretch during which he completed 13 in a row, and 14-of-15 overall, in leading the offense to two touchdowns and a missed field goal try. The streak of 13 straight completions ended only with a spike to stop the clock as time was winding down.

*Against Chicago, he had back-to-back drives in the second half during which he was 10-of-12, producing a touchdown and field goal.

*And against New Orleans, he had consecutive TD drives in the first half, completing 9-of-11, and even finishing the second scoring drive with a scramble of his own for the touchdown.

His most recent hot streaks, against the Bears, Saints and Panthers the past three weeks, have created the feeling that once Rodgers gets going, the offense might put up any number of points. Despite a 1-2 mark in these last three games, the offense has accounted for 90 points, or 30 per game.

Rodgers is certainly the catalyst, but it also comes down to everything else with the offense being in sync. Top receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver already make it look as though Rodgers has been their quarterback for years. Throw in solid pass protection, plus a reliable ground game to keep the defense honest (the Packers have averaged 151 yards on the ground the last three games), and it all contributes to Rodgers being able to hit his stride, even just a dozen starts into his career.

"We're very confident in his ability," Philbin said. "I think we've got some good weapons at his disposal. We like our receiving group, and we think our run-pass balance has been better the last month or so. We're making strides there.

"That leads you to believe, if you have some weapons and you've got a little bit of balance, you should be able to put points on the board. Clearly with his ability and potential, we certainly feel that way."

What Rodgers and the coaching staff would like to do now is get a hot hand right from the get-go. Over the last five games, the Packers haven't scored on their opening drive and have gone three-and-out four times. The other time, they got one first down before punting.

As productive as Rodgers and the offense have been lately, logic would dictate that the earlier in a game Rodgers can settle in, the greater the chance for even more production. The offense's last opening-drive score came on Oct. 19 against the Colts, a field goal.

"I feel like we have a great plan to start the game, and unfortunately we've been starting real slow, and it puts us in tough situations," Rodgers said. "We've proven at times this season if we do the things we feel we're capable of doing and execute the way we know we can, that we're a very talented team."

Two throws the last two weeks illustrate the difference. On the third drive in New Orleans, with Rodgers having completed just two of his first five passes, he misfired on a deep seam route to Donald Lee when it appeared the tight end had some open space to work with.

Then last week against Carolina, in the midst of his 11 straight completions, Rodgers fit a hard throw through a very tight window to Lee on a crossing route, a key 16-yard pickup over the middle that helped lead to a touchdown.

Would the more difficult of the two throws have been completed if Rodgers hadn't found his rhythm? It's easy to argue no, though every hot streak has to start somewhere.

What is clear for Rodgers is that when things are clicking, they're definitely clicking.

"I think not it's unlike other guys in other sports, when you get in that groove," Philbin said. "Whether you're shooting 3's in basketball or you're up at the plate in baseball.

"I think the protection helps him maybe feel in that groove a little bit, and feel comfortable that, 'Hey, I've got the time to make the decisions. I don't have to rush, and I know my guys as the receivers will get open.' And he has confidence he can get them the ball."



You'd think with all those hot streaks of high percentage passing his overall percentage would be higher than what it is. well, maybe you wouldn't think that, but I would.
UserPostedImage
yooperfan
16 years ago
Averaging 30 points a game over the last 3 games and going 1 win 2 losses just goes to show that the problem isn't Rodgers and the offense.
It' the stinking defense and special teams.
Those units are where the offseason shakeup has to start.
If it doesn't happen, my cease fire will end at the start of training camp.
Jacob
16 years ago

Averaging 30 points a game over the last 3 games and going 1 win 2 losses just goes to show that the problem isn't Rodgers and the offense.
It' the stinking defense and special teams.
Those units are where the offseason shakeup has to start.
If it doesn't happen, my cease fire will end at the start of training camp.

"yooperfan" wrote:



I think rodgers will have his "hot hand" very consistently with experience
bozz_2006
16 years ago
he's a good quarterback.
UserPostedImage
TexasPackerFan
16 years ago
I was pissed when MM and Ted Thompson showed the Favre the door (and still am) but I really like Rodgers as our QBs he's thrown some bad picks and made poor decisions in crucial moments this season but then again this is his FIRST YEAR AT STARTING QB! If I recall we were one INTERCEPTION away from the Super Bowl credit #4. I think with more experience Rodgers will take this team to a Super Bowl or two in the future. You can't expect him to do in his first starting season.

I was premature and saying we'd go 12-4 maybe I still had some of the juice in my water from last season. 8-8 or 7-9 seems more likely for this season. Does it suck? Hell yeah it does! However it's just growing pains, give this guy another season or two and I think he'll be fine.

I come from Texas the home of the Cowboys lovers and 2 Texans fans. Romo is their new god yet that guy still hasn't wont a single playoff game. He can get them there but can't close the deal. Hopefully #12 (yes I did it) can progress to that leadership level he needs be at and we (the fans) and the TEAM needs him to be at. In the next few season I think we'll see a different and better Aaron Rodgers.

Remember last season NY was calling for Eli's head. Then he somehow brought them a Super Bowl. Granted I still can't stand him for being a baby and not wanting to play in SD and having Daddy Manning pull some strings. Now he's playing better than ever. Hopefully Rodgers can do something similar or even better in the coming years.
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gbpfan
16 years ago
I always felt A-rod would be a good q.b and he is showing that and agree give him time,and give the o-line time to mesh they will be very good.Just need the d-line and special teams to step it up.
RedSoxExcel
16 years ago
Regardless of what everyone thinks because I'm "more" critical on Rodgers than most, I think he's a very good QB. He's a solid starter in a league that is lacking quality QB's. He he has a bright future ahead of him if he can fix a few things like holding on to the ball too long and "clutch"-ness but those kinds of things come with experience.

He's far exceeded my expectations but once again, my whole theory on football is that the Super Bowl window is very small and for this year Favre would have given us a better chance. But if we go out and win a SB the next few years, I will be MORE than glad to eat my words and celebrate.
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shield4life
16 years ago

Regardless of what everyone thinks because I'm "more" critical on Rodgers than most, I think he's a very good QB. He's a solid starter in a league that is lacking quality QB's. He he has a bright future ahead of him if he can fix a few things like holding on to the ball too long and "clutch"-ness but those kinds of things come with experience.

He's far exceeded my expectations but once again, my whole theory on football is that the Super Bowl window is very small and for this year Favre would have given us a better chance. But if we go out and win a SB the next few years, I will be MORE than glad to eat my words and celebrate.

"RedSoxExcel" wrote:



I agree with everything you said we probably would have a better chance with Brett Favre but just because of his experience factor but I rather make the change quick this year to find out that my qb is good and can play and have him get the experience.

I wouldn't want to see us win the SB with Brett Favre and then he retired and we went with Rodgers in the situation we're in now. Everyone would keep complaining just like their doing now.
Glad To Be A Packers Fan.
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