Green Bay -- Aaron Rodgers is doing what he can to rally his troops and keep these practices, which tend to blend together at this time in August, lively and productive. Rodgers said a quarterback has to wear a lot of hats, and his right now, because he's not taking the physical pounding like everyone else, has to be the role of enthusiastic teammate. Sometimes on long days you have to suck it up and be that source of energy.
Some other highlights from what Rodgers said on Thursday between practices:
~ It is important that the Packers offense break in and out of their huddles quickly. With the things we want to do on offense, it imperative that we break the huddle with 20 seconds left so that I can make the checks," said Rodgers. "If were breaking the huddle with 15 or less, its going to be tough to do a whole lot with the line of scrimmage." Since Rodgers is so good at reading the defense, coach Mike McCarthy really gives Rodgers freedom to make checks at the line of scrimmage.
~ The goal at Seattle is twofold: Cut down the turnovers and get in to a rhythm. Rodgers said the offense is based around getting into a steady rhythm and they hope to establish that in the 20-25 plays the first team, starting offense expects to get against the Seahawks.
~ Rodgers senses a calm confidence from his teammates this year, building off the success the Packers had last year and with so many of the same faces returning.
~ Donald Driver shows the young guys how to come to work, day in and day out. "Donald always conducts himself the right way." Despite getting his knees cleaned out in the off-season, Driver "still practices just about every day." By practicing hard, he sets a good example.
~ Rodgers likes what he sees thus far in Bryan Bulaga. This summer, Rodgers wanted to wait to see how the first round draft pick would do in pads. So far, so good. "I think he's done a good job. ... I think he's starting to figure it out." Rodgers liked that Bulaga is physical. He also thinks Daryn Colledge and Scott Wells will help guide Bulaga -- at left tackle or left guard -- in a game, if it comes down to that.