Key to Green Bay’s success: Let Rodgers loose

By Nik Sobic  |   Tuesday, September 09, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Green Bay Packers
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Monday, the Packers -- led by new quarterback Aaron Rodgers -- beat the NFC North rival Vikings in the teams' season opener; so, everything is cool in Green Bay, right? Well, not quite.

Commentary: The Packers clearly outmatched the Vikings on both sides of the ball and added a special teams touchdown, yet they only squeaked out a five-point victory. If Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson didn't badly overthrow the ball while driving his team downfield in the final minutes of the game, the Packers certainly could have lost.

The question is: With terrific performances by Rodgers, running back Ryan Grant, the defense and special teams, how was the final just 24-19 in the Packers' favor? Surprisingly, the answer is not Adrian Peterson, although you don’t have to look too far off the field to find the culprit. Last year's runner-up for NFL coach of the year, the Packers' Mike McCarthy, is to blame for the unreasonably close score. Fingers should be pointed at McCarthy for his team's 12-penalty, 118-yard showing, but his play-calling was worse. Against the Vikings, McCarthy was too conservative; frankly, he treated Rodgers like a rookie, not a fourth-year pro. Rodgers has the ability to go downfield, and the Pack should have let him.

A word of advice for McCarthy: Watch a Dallas Cowboys game and take notes. Play-calling that's smart and aggressive play can put championship-caliber opponents away quickly.

Fan Pulse: Fans are still so relieved to see Rodgers off to a good start that McCarthy’s conservative play-calling likely won’t face much scrutiny.

Fantasy Impact: If the Pack ever opens up the playbook, look for Rodgers to go off; for that reason, he's a worthwhile player to have on your roster.
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About Nik Sobic

Nik Sobic is a Graduate of Harvard University and former NFL/CFL football player. When he isn't writing about sports he's writing comedy. Nik's unique background and passion for writing make him a valuable addition to our staff. Nik was born and raised a Packer fan-he hails from Milwaukee, WI. ...
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