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.

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.

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.

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.