Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers says avoiding interceptions 'a mindset'
BY KAREEM COPELAND KCOPELAND@GREENBAYPRESSGAZETTE.COM AUGUST 19, 2010
Aaron Rodgers hates throwing interceptions. No, really. The Green Bay Packers quarterback absolutely despises turning the ball over.
If you take away the two Tampa games from the last two years, Ive been very good with the ball, Rodgers said Thursday. Thankfully, we dont play them this year, so that might take off three from my season total.
I honestly think its a mindset. I havent turned the ball over in excess since my freshman year of football.
By freshman year, Rodgers was talking about high school. The six-year NFL veteran then rattled off his interceptions, by year, from his sophomore season of high school (1999) through leaving the University of California as a junior (2004). Off the top of his head.
Eight.
Nine.
Six.
Four.
Five.
Eight.
I dont like throwing interceptions, I like throwing touchdowns, Rodgers said.
Rodgers was asked how many NFL quarterbacks could recite their statistics going back to high school?
Fortunately, I have a mind of often meaningless information that I can recall quickly, Rodgers joked.
Rodgers, who threw 13 and seven interceptions in his first two seasons as an NFL starter, labeled turnovers as the point of emphasis for the offense against Seattle on Saturday night. The team posted three turnovers in the preseason-opening 27-24 loss to Cleveland last week. One was a rare Ryan Grant fumble. Backup quarterback Matt Flynn was picked off as time expired in the second quarter on a Hail Mary attempt. And Sam Shields lost a fumble when he muffed a punt in the second quarter.
Our offense is based around getting in a steady rhythm with the play-calling, with the passing game and the checks at the line of scrimmage, Rodgers said. If we can do that early on in Seattle and carry that through the 20 to 25 plays were going to get, thatll be a big positive for the first group.
More Than Four
Atari Bigby had ankle surgery in Charlotte, N.C., on Aug. 6 and said he might need eight weeks to recover.
Ive been hearing from four weeks to eight weeks, but I think Im doing pretty good right now, Bigby said. Im walking around fine. Ive got to get it a little bit stronger, but well see what happens.
After missing all of the offseason workouts (unsigned contract) and all of training camp (ankle), Bigby could wind up on the physically unable to perform list, leaving him inactive for the first six weeks of the season.
That would be disappointing, Bigby said. Very disappointing. Extremely.
Dr. Robert Anderson performed the surgery to remove scar tissue that was restricting Bigbys motion. He is scheduled to have the stitches removed in a couple days, allowing for the next stage of rehab.
Third-round pick Morgan Burnett will likely begin the season as the starting safety opposite Nick Collins.
Baby On Board
Red flags went up when defensive end Justin Harrell missed both practices Tuesday because of tightness in his back. The No. 16 overall pick of the 2007 draft has played in just 13 games because of chronic back injuries that required two surgeries.
Harrell missed both workouts on Thursday, but not because of the injury, according to coach Mike McCarthy. Harrells wife, Barbie, underwent an emergency Caesarean section while giving birth.
McCarthy didnt say when he would return.
Ready For The End
The Packers have completed 19 training camp practices and Thursday was the final two-a-day of camp. The team moved out of the dorms at St. Norbert College on Wednesday and there are five training camp practices remaining.
Tight end Jermichael Finley wishes they were done now.
Its just one of those things where you get a little tired, Finley said. You get tired of those two-a-days. Im just ready to get rolling with the regular season, to tell you the truth. Preseason is more for learning curves. I liked it when I was learning, (but) now that Im full speed Just ready to get rolling.
The preseason, I think they need to cut it down. Seriously. Four games, its kind of draining because then we have to go through a 16-game season. Thats pretty hectic itself.
Questionable
Inside linebacker A.J. Hawk sprained an ankle during the morning session and did not participate in the evening. McCarthy said he would be evaluated by doctors today to determine whether he will be available Saturday.
Knowing A.J., hell want to go, so well see how he feels in the morning, McCarthy said.
Tidbit
McCarthy expects the starters to get about 20-25 plays against Seattle. The Packers entered the Cleveland with a similar estimation.
Some positions (will be) different, just based on the health of it, McCarthy said.
Rob Demovsky/Press-Gazette