This isn't that difficult, really. The Vikings are a better team than are the Packers. Most notably, on both sides of the line where football games are won and lost. For as much talent as the Packers have, their worst area is, by far, the offensive line . . . which it is. Not only are they unable to protect Rodgers, but they also cannot open many holes for Grant to run through. Defensively, as we all know, we're in a new scheme. Given just that alone, I think most people fore saw the Packers defense having some problems adjusting the first year. I was shocked to hear that the Packer defense is ranked 5th over all. Certainly, and again, there's talent. But, they're weak at a few positions and execution isn't consistent.
Having said all that, the Packers came close . . . to within 5. Take away the two run backs that gave the Vikings incredible field position, and you might have a different game. Had the Packers played all game they way they did in the 3rd quarter, and you might have a different game. Take away the penalties that really killed the Packers, and you might have a different game.
All of those things are part of the game. Fact is, the Vikings took advantage of all those situations and were able to capitalize. For that, they deserve credit. And, they played a well executed game. Where did this Rice guy come from? Wow.
As for Favre, he played good . . . not great. There wasn't any highlight reel material. Just a good game. 17 of 28 for 244 . . . not awesome. He threw 4 touchdowns. Aaron was 26 of 41 for 287 and 3 touchdowns. Not bad. Those stats and 26 points will win many games. Just not this one.
But, for those who think that Favre is a god . . . and we'd be much better off with him . . . let me ask . . . what planet are you from? Yes. He's playing as good as ever. So is Aaron. What is Aaron doing that Favre would or could be doing better? I've said this before, people forget how foolish Favre can look. Yes, he led us to a Superbowl. Yes, we were 13 and 3 his last season with us. But, in all the time he's been with the Packers it's just ONE Superbowl. A handful of division titles. But, what do they matter, really? Look at the Packer records. There are a lot of 9 and 7, and 10 and 6 years. A few of those 10 and 6 years were good enough to get the Packers in to the playoffs.
What? The Packers constantly losing in the playoffs wasn't Brent's fault?
Exactly.
Getting back to the game . . . I actually thought Aaron looked a little spooked. It took him a bit . . . a long bit . . . to get in to the game. Much like Brent was in domes, and against the Cowboys.
There are 9 games left. The Packers can still win some games and make a run at things. I still think they have a pretty good team, and that Aaron is an excellent quarterback. The biggest problem right now, is that the Vikings have a very easy schedule from here on out. I don't think they'll go far in the playoffs, but it looks as though they'll win the division.
Wild card?
2 comments:
Two points for you to consider.
The game rankings for each QB was Favre at 128.6, Rogers at 108.5 'Nuff said on that one.
Two, it can't be Favre's fault when he played for the Pack and the O-line's fault now. Either Favre, who had the crappy O-line then, was forced to make to many errant throws because he was always rushed, or Rodgers is just as bad as Favre, if not worse.
The only thing that's really changed offensively is the QB. That said, Rogers holds the ball too long. Between that bad habit and the crappy protection, I wonder how much longer Rodgers is going to be able to go before getting seriously hurt.
Don't get me wrong, I think Favre is a great quarterback. He's just not the saint everyone wants to make him out to be. Nor is he the saviour everyone thinks he is. I doubt the Vikings would be doing as well with Jackson. Even then, however, they still would have sacked Aaron 57 times, and would be a better team than the Packers.
I never said it was Favre's fault then and the o line's fault now. In fact, the point I was trying to make is that it IS the o lines fault . . . then and now. Favre, and Rodgers, is at his, their best when there's protection afforded them. The one edge I'd give to Rodgers, now, is that the boy can run.
Holds the ball too long. What? On 2 plays? Stop reading the paper and those idiot reporters.
As I said, look at the history . . . 10-6, 9-7, 8-8 . . . a lot of those. ONE Superbowl, a bunch of division titles only to get beat in the first round of playoffs . . . heck, we were 4-12 Favre's second last year!
One last thing. Over all ranking: Aaron 110, Brent 106. Aaron is 7th in the league. Imagine where he'd be if he had a line.
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