Maybe everyone became too distracted by Brett Favres departure from the Green Bay Packers last year. Or maybe they were too intent on blaming the teams inordinate number of close losses in 2008 on the quarterback.
Yet despite the Packers disappointing 6-10 record, its clear the team is in excellent hands with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. [img_r]http://beat.bodoglife.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/aaron_rodgers_200806_ap.jpg[/img_r]
That Rodgers produced eye-popping statistics as a first-year starting quarterback sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. Rodgers understands that, and isnt complaining.
Thats a good reminder that youre judged by your wins and losses, Rodgers said Thursday after the Packers organized team activity practice. You can throw for 4,000 yards but when you win six games, thats all people are going to remember.
Photos from Thursday's OTA practice.
How i See It blog: Photojournalist Evan Siegle blogs about on his love-hate relationship with shooting the Packers' OTA practices.
What matters most to Rodgers is that he commands the respect of his teammates, becomes more consistent and leads the Packers to better success in the standings.
On the first count, he has no doubt where he stands with the other players. As for the rest, he is a perfectionist working hard to improve his game and hopes that leads to a much fatter victory total for the Packers.
Looking beyond the six-win season, Rodgers put up some sparkling numbers.
He joined Kurt Warner as only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 4,000 yards in his first year as a starter. His 28 touchdown passes were the most by a first-year starter since Daunte Culpepper in 2000. His 2.6 percent interception rate was the lowest by a Packers quarterback in more than a decade. He ranked in the NFLs top six in several significant passing categories: completions over 40 yards (tied for first), third-down QB rating (3rd), touchdowns (4th), passing yards (4th), completions over 20 yards (tied for 5th), and overall QB rating (6th).
Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin isnt surprised by Rodgers success. As a member of the NFC Pro Bowl coaching staff last year, Philbin remembers comparing Rodgers favorably to some of the best quarterbacks in the game.
The quarterbacks that were there, Im thinking to myself, My gosh, weve got a guy that throws the ball pretty darn well that hasnt played," he said.
With Rodgers gaining a season of valuable starting experience, Philbin hasnt changed his perspective.
Now that hes been on the field, hes battled injuries, hes hung in there, hes been hit, hes gotten back up, I think hes got the respect of his teammates and the coaching staff, Philbin said. Thats probably a good feeling for a player. Hes still very humble. I dont think anythings gotten into his head.
Rodgers places a high priority on teamwork. Thats why he spent a portion of the offseason with teammates attending the Kentucky Derby and taking a trip to Nashville. Thats also why he intends to resume the practice he started last year of inviting players to his house for catered dinners.
The camaraderie is very important, Rodgers said. We all have to believe in each other. The teams that make the deepest runs are very talented but also have great chemistry. So I want to have great chemistry within this locker room. I think we do, but it can always continue to grow.
Rodgers has looked sharp during the first two OTA practices, according to Philbin.
Talk about your jaw hitting the table, hes throwing the deep ball very well the last two days, Philbin said.
Rodgers and receiver Greg Jennings hooked up on some impressive completions on Thursday.
You can see he knows this is his team, Jennings said. Even though he knew it last year, there was always that cloud above his head, the what-if factor. But theres no what-if factor (this year). I think with what hes been able to accomplish individually on the field, hes going to do nothing but improve and open some more eyes.
Jennings has heard the criticism that Rodgers couldnt win close games last season but doesnt think its fair.
The problem that occurs is the record always gets thrown on the quarterbacks plate, Jennings said. The 6-10 is always going to be here. As far as his individual performance, he did his part, and we as a team didnt help out enough.
Like a good soldier, Rodgers accepts responsibility for the Packers shortcomings last season.
When things dont go the way you want them to go, step up and be the first one to say it was my fault, he said. I have no problem doing that. I like to do that. It takes pressure off the other guys. But also a lot of times, it was my fault. Theres no point in trying to point the blame at somebody else when youve got to look in the mirror and be honest with yourself about the way you played.
In fact, he played well for a first-year starter and should only get better. Hes not going to make fans forget Favre, nor should he. But he is proving that life after Favre does exist.
Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.