As a result of my own lackluster performence lately in the past few weeks I will be presenting the latest two games in the same package! Merry Early Christmas!
Aaron Rodgers provided another show of grit in the face of adversity when he completed 66.7% of his passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns in week 12 of the NFL season. Nedamekung Suh provided a fearsome pass rush for the opening quarters, until he stomped on a packer player and was ejected from the game. Rodgers had smooth saling from there in a game in which neaither team scored for the first quarter and half the second.
This game was the Thanksgiving game which meant that Rodgers had a full nine day span to recuperate and prepare for the next obstacle: The New York Giants, a team which had garnered a reputation for ending undefeated streaks. From my personal observation, this was one of the best games of the season as a whole and easily the best of the Packer's campaign in that it displayed defensive deception and power in the beginning, but then ended with one of the greatest quarterback duels of the year. Aaron completed only 60% of his passes which did result in 369 yards and four touchdowns, but also included the first horribly thrown interception of his hallmark season. That being said, what started as a shaky performence in the early minutes of the game transformed in an amaizing clutch effort for the game winning field goal. Rodgers crossed sixty yards in 58 seconds driven by three passes of close to twenty yards each!
To me, the simple fact that this game was so close and hard fought reveals a lot of the character that the Packers have. That they are not a high-flying team who rides a wave of emotion cause by their fiery quarterback, but that when the chips are down and the game is on the line: they will preveil.
Side note: Aaron Rodgers now has 37 touchdowns, a 71.1 completion rating, a overal rating of close to 126. I predict that he will end the season with a rating of about the same, 46 touchdowns, six interceptions, and close to 4900 yards!
Gabe Lagarde.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Is the weather becoming a factor?
The Tampa Bay Bucheneers fell to the Greenbay Packers during week 10 in a exciting and close game which ultimately came down to a comeback killing throw and catch of over 40 yards between Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson for a score. Final score 35-26.
Despite the obvious success as a team many would point out that Rodgers had possibly the worst game of his stellar season. (He eclipsed Peyton Manning as the quarterback with the most consecutive games of over a 110 passer rating with now 10 games) Aaron completed 23 of his 34 pass attempts (67.6%) which amounted to 299 yards and 3 touchdowns. That being said, Aaron also threw his fourth interception of the season and seemed off-target on many of his throws which his highly uncharacteristic when compared to his last three games in which he averaged a almost perfect 140 passer rating.
That brings a lot to the debate table when you consider the myriad of factors that could be contributing to Aaron's lackluster play. (I almost laugh out loud at this statement. I think Rex Grossman would have sacrificed his left arm to have a game like Rodgers had against Tampa Bay.) But, for the sake of argument let us imagine that Aaron's almost perfect performance so far is actually very poor and needs to be changed. Is it the physical punishment at the hand of viscous pass rushes that has started to mangle Rodger's throwing form and mental frame of mind? Is it opposing defensive coordinators are finally unlocking the key his methods? Is it blind luck that he had such a great season so far? Is it blind luck that such failures have befallen the Greenabay quarterback?
To me the answer is simple and hardly alarming: it's getting cold out. It's easier for quarterbacks like Matt Ryan and Drew Brees to attain high completion ratings when they are protected by the covering of domes. (Oh, is your pass a little of target, Drew Brees? Why don't I blast the air conditioning at the right moment so it gets back on track...) Well, that is what I imagine happens some times. But, seriously, your not going to complete every pass or miss every defender on the field when your standing ankle deep in snow throwing with half-frost-bitten fingers through a thirty mile an hour wind coming straight towards you.That is a rather common occurrence in Lambeau Field during the depths of December.
Thus, I predict that Aaron Rodgers will not break the completion percentage record held by Drew Brees merely by the fact that he faces poor weather in the future. (I know packer fans, it makes me angry too.) But hey, looking back at the history of NFL there is one conclusion about cold weather that I have made. Judging by legendary playoff games like the Ice Bowl and the Tuck Rule Game there is little chance of completing the vast majority of your passes. But, it is in these games that legends are made. Do many NFL fans remember how Tom Brady completed 92% of his passes in a single game? Not many. But, how many die-hard fans remember or are aware of when Bart Star pulled a quarterback sneak and fell into the end zone to win the Ice Bowl in negative twenty degree weather? Now we're talking.
Somehow, I think Rodgers would not have it any other way.
Gabe Lagarde.
Despite the obvious success as a team many would point out that Rodgers had possibly the worst game of his stellar season. (He eclipsed Peyton Manning as the quarterback with the most consecutive games of over a 110 passer rating with now 10 games) Aaron completed 23 of his 34 pass attempts (67.6%) which amounted to 299 yards and 3 touchdowns. That being said, Aaron also threw his fourth interception of the season and seemed off-target on many of his throws which his highly uncharacteristic when compared to his last three games in which he averaged a almost perfect 140 passer rating.
That brings a lot to the debate table when you consider the myriad of factors that could be contributing to Aaron's lackluster play. (I almost laugh out loud at this statement. I think Rex Grossman would have sacrificed his left arm to have a game like Rodgers had against Tampa Bay.) But, for the sake of argument let us imagine that Aaron's almost perfect performance so far is actually very poor and needs to be changed. Is it the physical punishment at the hand of viscous pass rushes that has started to mangle Rodger's throwing form and mental frame of mind? Is it opposing defensive coordinators are finally unlocking the key his methods? Is it blind luck that he had such a great season so far? Is it blind luck that such failures have befallen the Greenabay quarterback?
To me the answer is simple and hardly alarming: it's getting cold out. It's easier for quarterbacks like Matt Ryan and Drew Brees to attain high completion ratings when they are protected by the covering of domes. (Oh, is your pass a little of target, Drew Brees? Why don't I blast the air conditioning at the right moment so it gets back on track...) Well, that is what I imagine happens some times. But, seriously, your not going to complete every pass or miss every defender on the field when your standing ankle deep in snow throwing with half-frost-bitten fingers through a thirty mile an hour wind coming straight towards you.That is a rather common occurrence in Lambeau Field during the depths of December.
Thus, I predict that Aaron Rodgers will not break the completion percentage record held by Drew Brees merely by the fact that he faces poor weather in the future. (I know packer fans, it makes me angry too.) But hey, looking back at the history of NFL there is one conclusion about cold weather that I have made. Judging by legendary playoff games like the Ice Bowl and the Tuck Rule Game there is little chance of completing the vast majority of your passes. But, it is in these games that legends are made. Do many NFL fans remember how Tom Brady completed 92% of his passes in a single game? Not many. But, how many die-hard fans remember or are aware of when Bart Star pulled a quarterback sneak and fell into the end zone to win the Ice Bowl in negative twenty degree weather? Now we're talking.
Somehow, I think Rodgers would not have it any other way.
Gabe Lagarde.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Vikings are massacred at Lambeau Field
Aaron Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to their ninth consecutive win over the Minnesota Vikings during this last Monday's game. The Packer's were able to outscore their opponent 45 to 7 in a dominating performance instigated by their fiery quarterback and maintained by a suffocating defense.
Gabe Lagarde.
Rodgers passed for 250 yards, completed 23 (76.7%) of his 30 passes of which four connected for touchdowns. He also added 21 yards rushing on the ground in a complete dissection of the Viking's defense.
One thing to note was that Rodgers was able to do this against a defense which was healthier than their last meeting. Also, Rodgers sustained massive pressure from a strong pass rush led by Jared Allen including three sacks which are notorious for knocking the quarterback off rhythm. Despite these factors, Aaron yet again came through with another masterpiece performance.
Although Greenbay's offense was explosive as usual Aaron was capable of completing tight, short yardage throws in the red zone and two touchdowns resulted from this precision. In many ways this would seem disappointing to fans in that long throws are more exciting, but to many analysts like myself it only reaffirmed A-Rod's title as the greatest quarterback in the game today.
The last nine games which has resulted in 2869 yards, 28 touchdowns, 72.9 completion rating, and only three interceptions and a record setting nine consecutive games over a 110 passer rating which has led many to conclude that Aaron may not only establish himself as the greatest quarterback of 2011, but possibly the greatest quarterback of all time.
Gabe Lagarde.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Shoot out in San Diego.
The Packers remain unbeaten after a high flying shoot out in San Diego which came down to an interception by Charlie Peprah. Peprah wrestled Phillip River's late pass out of the air during the final seconds of the fourth quarter to end River's final drive to tie the game before regulation. Phillip Rivers threw over for 385 yards, four touchdowns, but he also had three costly interceptions of which two were returned for scores. Final score: 45-38 Packer Win.
Aaron Rodgers had another career day as he passed for a season low 247 yards, but connected on four scoring passes and rushed for over fifty yards as well. He completed 21 of his 26 attempts (80.8%) which was also another great day in the accuracy department. It also had to be noted that A-Rod threw TD's to four different receivers during the course of the game. He has spread the ball around equally in a way that does not single out any player as a particular threat.
San Diego's defense held up it's reputation as a formidable team and gave the Packer's their worst passing yardage this season as well as slowing our more mediocre run game. Aaron had two or three passes over twenty yards and one big bomb to Jordy Nelson for 64 yards which was close to shutting down a high-octane offense which prides itself on the big play. He also resorted to using his feet on many occasions in scrambling behind the line or running with the ball which is reminiscent of his strategy against a powerful defense like the Chicago Bears. That being said, Aaron performed admirably and completed throws in mid run which were simply spectacular. Once again he not only beat the blitz, but many times used it to his advantage.
It's just one of the many ways that Aaron Rodgers has dominated during this season.
Gabe Lagarde.
Aaron Rodgers had another career day as he passed for a season low 247 yards, but connected on four scoring passes and rushed for over fifty yards as well. He completed 21 of his 26 attempts (80.8%) which was also another great day in the accuracy department. It also had to be noted that A-Rod threw TD's to four different receivers during the course of the game. He has spread the ball around equally in a way that does not single out any player as a particular threat.
San Diego's defense held up it's reputation as a formidable team and gave the Packer's their worst passing yardage this season as well as slowing our more mediocre run game. Aaron had two or three passes over twenty yards and one big bomb to Jordy Nelson for 64 yards which was close to shutting down a high-octane offense which prides itself on the big play. He also resorted to using his feet on many occasions in scrambling behind the line or running with the ball which is reminiscent of his strategy against a powerful defense like the Chicago Bears. That being said, Aaron performed admirably and completed throws in mid run which were simply spectacular. Once again he not only beat the blitz, but many times used it to his advantage.
It's just one of the many ways that Aaron Rodgers has dominated during this season.
Gabe Lagarde.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Byeweek: Aaron's first games in review.
The Greenbay Packers are taking a break after a successful seven game winning streak to start off their season. Unfortunately, while the players are able to relax and take some time off, I am not. Thus, as is the case of a blogger doing his story on one of those players, I have to use the last seven weeks in review to gauge how A-Rod has done in the past and how he could perform in the future.
Through week eight of the season Aaron has thrown 20 touchdowns, completed 71.5 of his passes, covered 2372 yards with the pass and 75 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns.
From the standpoint of a viewer Rodgers has looked flawless. He shows statue-like poise in the pocket despite offensive line issues which have left the QB exposed. His passes are accurate, quickly released, and not affected if Aaron is firing off his back foot, perfectly planted, or scrambling. One stat that may not be taken into account is Aaron's rushing stats. While seventy five yards is not up there with Micheal Vick it is still representative of how fearless Rodgers is when scrambling for yardage or first downs is needed. Two rushing touchdowns also add to his league leading 20 passing touchdowns.
If Rodgers can maintain his 71.5 completion percentage than he will hold the all-time NFL record by the end of the season. His QB rating of 125.7 is also a record if he is able to maintain or raise it by the end of the year.
The Packer's schedule is as follows.
San Diego, Week 9.
-The Chargers have a very effective offense led by the likes of Phillip Rivers, Vincent Jackson, and Antonio Gates which may pose a problem to a slow-starting Packer's D. Shouldn't pose too much of a problem for A-Rod on offense although San Diego is hardly a pushover on either side of the ball.
Vikings, Week 10
-The Vikings almost pulled out a win against the defending champions with a back field riddled with injuries. If Rodgers cannot perform well against a healthy backfield and if Adrien Peterson breaks out than it may turn ugly.
Tampa Bay, Week 11
-The Buccaneers are one of the youngest and most talented teams in the NFL which may account for their biggest flaw: inconsistency. However, that being said, Tampa Bay can be explosive especially if they can fix their issues by week 11. On the defensive side they have a great tandem of cornerback in Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber which may pose an obstacle to Rodgers. On the other side there is an offense which can make any defense pay once they are on a roll led by Josh Freeman and Legarret Blount.
Lions, Week 12
-The Lions may be the greatest threat of all. They have (In my opinion) the second best offensive in the league led by Jahvid Best, Matthew Stafford, Calvin "Megatron" Johnson Jr. and a young buck in Titus Young. They will make the Packers pay if either the defense cannot stop Megatron, which is doubtful, or Aaron Rodgers can't perform well under a pass rush comprising of Kyle Vanden Bosch, Nick Fairley, Cliff Avril, and the intimidating Nedamakung Suh.
Giants, Week 13
-The Giants, once a team that looked on the brink of failure when it's four starting defensive backs were injured, has now arisen as a legitimate contender in the NFC. While the defense is neither flashy or particularly dangerous I have a feeling that this game could be a sleeping threat on the horizon for Rodgers and the Packer Offense.
Raiders, Week 14
-All I can say is Thank God the Raiders no longer have Pro-Bowler Nhamdi Asumagha who was capable of shutting down an entire half of the field with his coverage abilities. They still have multi-purpose lineman Richard Seymour though and he is a force to be reckoned with.
Chiefs, Week 15
-If the Packers do not win this game (And if A-Rod doesn't have a spectacular performance for that matter.) than I will be genuinely shocked. The Chiefs are a team suffering a massive amount of injuries and they do not have the talent to back them up.
Bears, Week 16
-Jay Cutler and Co. may be a toothless monster nine out of ten times, but they may show up to play. The defense, which is the highest ranked of the Packer's future opponents, will be a challenge. As usual, expect this game to a slug fest.
Lions, Week 17
-Same as before, but it's scary to think that it may be a divisional title on the line in this game.
Gabe Lagarde.
Through week eight of the season Aaron has thrown 20 touchdowns, completed 71.5 of his passes, covered 2372 yards with the pass and 75 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns.
From the standpoint of a viewer Rodgers has looked flawless. He shows statue-like poise in the pocket despite offensive line issues which have left the QB exposed. His passes are accurate, quickly released, and not affected if Aaron is firing off his back foot, perfectly planted, or scrambling. One stat that may not be taken into account is Aaron's rushing stats. While seventy five yards is not up there with Micheal Vick it is still representative of how fearless Rodgers is when scrambling for yardage or first downs is needed. Two rushing touchdowns also add to his league leading 20 passing touchdowns.
If Rodgers can maintain his 71.5 completion percentage than he will hold the all-time NFL record by the end of the season. His QB rating of 125.7 is also a record if he is able to maintain or raise it by the end of the year.
The Packer's schedule is as follows.
San Diego, Week 9.
-The Chargers have a very effective offense led by the likes of Phillip Rivers, Vincent Jackson, and Antonio Gates which may pose a problem to a slow-starting Packer's D. Shouldn't pose too much of a problem for A-Rod on offense although San Diego is hardly a pushover on either side of the ball.
Vikings, Week 10
-The Vikings almost pulled out a win against the defending champions with a back field riddled with injuries. If Rodgers cannot perform well against a healthy backfield and if Adrien Peterson breaks out than it may turn ugly.
Tampa Bay, Week 11
-The Buccaneers are one of the youngest and most talented teams in the NFL which may account for their biggest flaw: inconsistency. However, that being said, Tampa Bay can be explosive especially if they can fix their issues by week 11. On the defensive side they have a great tandem of cornerback in Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber which may pose an obstacle to Rodgers. On the other side there is an offense which can make any defense pay once they are on a roll led by Josh Freeman and Legarret Blount.
Lions, Week 12
-The Lions may be the greatest threat of all. They have (In my opinion) the second best offensive in the league led by Jahvid Best, Matthew Stafford, Calvin "Megatron" Johnson Jr. and a young buck in Titus Young. They will make the Packers pay if either the defense cannot stop Megatron, which is doubtful, or Aaron Rodgers can't perform well under a pass rush comprising of Kyle Vanden Bosch, Nick Fairley, Cliff Avril, and the intimidating Nedamakung Suh.
Giants, Week 13
-The Giants, once a team that looked on the brink of failure when it's four starting defensive backs were injured, has now arisen as a legitimate contender in the NFC. While the defense is neither flashy or particularly dangerous I have a feeling that this game could be a sleeping threat on the horizon for Rodgers and the Packer Offense.
Raiders, Week 14
-All I can say is Thank God the Raiders no longer have Pro-Bowler Nhamdi Asumagha who was capable of shutting down an entire half of the field with his coverage abilities. They still have multi-purpose lineman Richard Seymour though and he is a force to be reckoned with.
Chiefs, Week 15
-If the Packers do not win this game (And if A-Rod doesn't have a spectacular performance for that matter.) than I will be genuinely shocked. The Chiefs are a team suffering a massive amount of injuries and they do not have the talent to back them up.
Bears, Week 16
-Jay Cutler and Co. may be a toothless monster nine out of ten times, but they may show up to play. The defense, which is the highest ranked of the Packer's future opponents, will be a challenge. As usual, expect this game to a slug fest.
Lions, Week 17
-Same as before, but it's scary to think that it may be a divisional title on the line in this game.
Gabe Lagarde.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Almost doesn't cut it.
Greenbay held off the valiant efforts of Minnesota's rookie Christian Ponder and their star runningback Adrien Peterson with a 33-27 win over the Vikings. Rodgers posted a spectacular 146.5 passer rating with three TD's, 335 passing yards, and 80% of his attempts were completed. This was a hallmark performance to be sure, but it's greatness is compounded by the fact that Aaron was able to produce these stats under tremendous pressure of the Viking's potent pass rush and a losing game situation during the first half.
There were few mistakes if any for A-Rod during this game. Of his four incompletions, two were drops meaning that without receiver incompetency he would have posted a performance of almost unbeatable perfection. Taking a sack from the defense can throw any quarterback out of rhythm, but after repeated pressures and sacks by the defense Aaron was not even fazed and still performed masterfully using his accurate arm and mobility in the pocket. Although, towards the end of the game the Vikings locked down and held Rodgers to two "three and out" drives which gave the Vikings multiple chances to take the game away. (Which they failed to do, although if Christian Ponder was experienced it could have been an entirely different outcome.)
All in all, A-Rod still leads the league in every major statistical category except passing yardage. (He ranks a close third and the first and second guys Drew Brees and Tom Brady don't even come close to his rushing yardage.) Aaron has been unstoppable up to this point and although they may have hit a bump in the road at the Metrodome they now stand at 7-0 on a break with the bye week. I don't see any real threat until they face San Diego in week 9.
Gabe Lagarde.
There were few mistakes if any for A-Rod during this game. Of his four incompletions, two were drops meaning that without receiver incompetency he would have posted a performance of almost unbeatable perfection. Taking a sack from the defense can throw any quarterback out of rhythm, but after repeated pressures and sacks by the defense Aaron was not even fazed and still performed masterfully using his accurate arm and mobility in the pocket. Although, towards the end of the game the Vikings locked down and held Rodgers to two "three and out" drives which gave the Vikings multiple chances to take the game away. (Which they failed to do, although if Christian Ponder was experienced it could have been an entirely different outcome.)
All in all, A-Rod still leads the league in every major statistical category except passing yardage. (He ranks a close third and the first and second guys Drew Brees and Tom Brady don't even come close to his rushing yardage.) Aaron has been unstoppable up to this point and although they may have hit a bump in the road at the Metrodome they now stand at 7-0 on a break with the bye week. I don't see any real threat until they face San Diego in week 9.
Gabe Lagarde.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Green Bay vs. St. Louis Week 6
What started as a game that followed every indication that it would be a shootout quickly turned into a defensive battle in the second half as Aaron Rodgers and Greenbay cruised to a 24-3 victory over the Rams. Aaron Rodgers performed masterfully throwing 3 TD's, 310 yards, and a final passer rating of 119.6 with a completion percentage of 60%.
At face value Aaron made a mistake in the third quarter when he threw an interception and he also had his worst completion percentage this season, but that was because of his receiver's errors. On multiple plays in second half players like Jordy Nelson, Jarmicheal Finley, and other dropped good throws. On one occasion Jordy dropped a third down attempt that was perfectly thrown to his chest without a defender within five yards, but then inexplicably lost control of the football. But, the worst mistake was by Greg Jennings who took a tightly thrown spiral to the center of the field and accidentally knocked the ball into the air where it was easily caught by the waiting Rams defender.
On a more positive note, Aaron showed more of the poise that has come to define his young career. The entire game can be summed up by one play when the pocket collapsed and it seemed that Chris Long was all, but certain to get the sack. Rodgers used his athleticism and speed to spin from the tackle and then sprinted right where he found an open Ryan Grant for a ten yard gain and the first down. In many ways number 12 makes it look easy, but there never can be enough said about the poise and concentration it takes to outmaneuver charging three hundred pound lineman and then to have the skill to fire a perfect pass down the field for the first down. He turned a negative play into a gain which changed the momentum of the drive and possibly the game.
With that in mind I believe if the receiving core starts to return to form then we can easily expect the Rodgers and the Packer offense to continue their remarkable effort this season. During the game against St. Louis he still showed the poise and talent of a potential NFL MVP despite a slump among other players on the offense and there is not reason to say that he cannot repeat his performance in the future.
Gabe Lagarde.
At face value Aaron made a mistake in the third quarter when he threw an interception and he also had his worst completion percentage this season, but that was because of his receiver's errors. On multiple plays in second half players like Jordy Nelson, Jarmicheal Finley, and other dropped good throws. On one occasion Jordy dropped a third down attempt that was perfectly thrown to his chest without a defender within five yards, but then inexplicably lost control of the football. But, the worst mistake was by Greg Jennings who took a tightly thrown spiral to the center of the field and accidentally knocked the ball into the air where it was easily caught by the waiting Rams defender.
On a more positive note, Aaron showed more of the poise that has come to define his young career. The entire game can be summed up by one play when the pocket collapsed and it seemed that Chris Long was all, but certain to get the sack. Rodgers used his athleticism and speed to spin from the tackle and then sprinted right where he found an open Ryan Grant for a ten yard gain and the first down. In many ways number 12 makes it look easy, but there never can be enough said about the poise and concentration it takes to outmaneuver charging three hundred pound lineman and then to have the skill to fire a perfect pass down the field for the first down. He turned a negative play into a gain which changed the momentum of the drive and possibly the game.
With that in mind I believe if the receiving core starts to return to form then we can easily expect the Rodgers and the Packer offense to continue their remarkable effort this season. During the game against St. Louis he still showed the poise and talent of a potential NFL MVP despite a slump among other players on the offense and there is not reason to say that he cannot repeat his performance in the future.
Gabe Lagarde.
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