Is it time?

[Pokerbrat2000]

Notice how clean cut Rodgers is in his new home? He showed up in GB last year looking like Nic Cage, and them wore a haircut, if you can call it that, that made him look like Predator. He's smart not to call any more attention to him. He's got plenty already, and anything short of a Lombardi trophy will be considered a failure. Packer fans should relate.

Aaron is a very smart guy, he knew his image had taken a hit. He may outwardly tell people that he doesn't care what others think of him, but he does. He is in a profession and in a time in history, where public image does matter. At least if you want to keep cashing in on it.

His rebranding of himself is pretty obvious to those who have followed his career. I couldn't help but notice last night during his sideline discussion with Tirico and Collinsworth, that when pressed about his being at OTA's, appearing to be super happy in NY, mentoring all the young guys, taking a big pay cut, etc. he tried to make it sound like it was all things he had been doing in Green Bay. I wish him the best, sometimes people need a fresh start and maybe this was what AR and his ego needed.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Aaron is a very smart guy, he knew his image had taken a hit. He may outwardly tell people that he doesn't care what others think of him, but he does. He is in a profession and in a time in history, where public image does matter. At least if you want to keep cashing in on it.

His rebranding of himself is pretty obvious to those who have followed his career. I couldn't help but notice last night during his sideline discussion with Tirico and Collinsworth, that when pressed about his being at OTA's, appearing to be super happy in NY, mentoring all the young guys, taking a big pay cut, etc. he tried to make it sound like it was all things he had been doing in Green Bay. I wish him the best, sometimes people need a fresh start and maybe this was what AR and his ego needed.

I agree. Rodgers performance and demeanor last year had been building up through years of post-season disappointment. He's wise to maintain as low a profile as is possible in NY. And yeah, I wish him success with the Jets (just not at the expense of the Packers - very unlikely in the foreseeable future).

It will be interesting to see how he handles post-game pressers with NYC reporters. It's NY after all, and everyone is loud and direct, especially when things go south. It will be different than GB, a bit of an understatement. And he's likely to attract regular attention from the national sports outlets as well.

I must admit, they have assembled an impressive roster in NYC for the Jets. We've seen that before in GB. But if anyone can handle that pressure, it's Rodgers.

 

[OldSchool101]

You're right Schultz, and it's wrong for commenters to assign a direct comparison where none exists. This is how lies become "facts".

We can agree/disagree on Martinez, but no one directly compared him to Bobby Wagner. I missed that, so thanks for pointing it out in fairness to OS.

Oh no hard feelings at all. I respect others weren’t impressed with Blake at all.
I know there’s players I didn’t like. As one example I couldn’t stand MD Jennings I’m not sure how he got on the field. So I’m ok with someone not liking Blake it’s perfectly fine. No I’m not saying Blake was as bad as MD Jennings gosh dang it!

 

[Mondio]

just to be clear, I did like Martinez. No dislike here at all, I just think his stats tend to overinflate perceptions of what he was.

 

[OldSchool101]

just to be clear, I did like Martinez. No dislike here at all, I just think his stats tend to overinflate perceptions of what he was.

I’d agree to trade 15 of his solo tackles a season for 5 more TFL (stops). TFL is really important part of being a LB. He was just ok there, but made up for a lower % in getting involved (90+ Solo is crazy good)
That TFL is also an area I personally put some extra weight. Look at LB Arron Mosby we brought in (spelling?) He had like 40 Tackles last season, but 15.5 Were TFL. It’s mostly based on %.
30%+ TFL = Elite
20%+ TFL = Very Good
10%+ TFL is normal

But yeah I get the quality over quantity concept I think you’re alluding to. There’s an equilibrium magic # where you really want both. He was leaning heavy Quantity, light Quality %. Arron Mosby would be an example opposite on that spectrum. He posted a 38.75% TFL and that’s just dominant behind that LOS. Obviously factoring he’s Mountain West, but at LB some really good ones came from that Conference. Cowboys LVE comes to mind.

 

[Voyageur]

I think the biggest misconception is that when people talk about Martinez, they're talking about an average player who was doing a fairly decent job in what could arguably be called the toughest job on defense, in the system he played in while a Packer. On about one out of every three plays, in a game, the person playing that position appears to be making, about to be making, or missing making a play. It's part of what the defense is, and the responsibilities they have.

 

[rmontro]

Aaron is a very smart guy, he knew his image had taken a hit. He may outwardly tell people that he doesn't care what others think of him, but he does. He is in a profession and in a time in history, where public image does matter. At least if you want to keep cashing in on it.

I was never one to care too much about Rodgers' personality, but he could have been the biggest ******* in the world, and one more Super Bowl here would have garnered him more favor than anything.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I was never one to care too much about Rodgers' personality, but he could have been the biggest ******* in the world, and one more Super Bowl here would have garnered him more favor than anything.

I think you're right and I think it's that simple. Both Favre's and Rodger's late-career antics would have been tolerated a lot better with a second Lombardi Trophy. And if that seems unfair, the elite QBs are paid a ton to produce. And while I don't have game specifics, I'm certain both of these guys could have at least gotten another ring had they made a few more plays in the playoffs. Neither Favre nor Rodgers will be remembered for their great playoff careers. Favre threw too many INTs and Rodgers just couldn't handle the brightest lights.

Don't get me wrong. They are both great, HOF QBs. But look at what Mahomes did in the last SB run to get a ring on a badly sprained ankle. That's what the GOAT candidates do.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I was never one to care too much about Rodgers' personality, but he could have been the biggest ******* in the world, and one more Super Bowl here would have garnered him more favor than anything.

Would it be safe to conclude that you feel that a SB ring is all that matters?

Rings and trophies are nice, but for me, it is just a game. A game that these guys are paid millions to play. They are on a big stage and the spotlight shines very bright on many of them. Kids all over the world look up to and idolize these guys, as do many adults. So I guess for me, I would rather see a bunch of high character guys on and off the field, whether they win or lose.

 

[rmontro]

Would it be safe to conclude that you feel that a SB ring is all that matters?

Rings and trophies are nice, but for me, it is just a game. A game that these guys are paid millions to play. They are on a big stage and the spotlight shines very bright on many of them. Kids all over the world look up to and idolize these guys, as do many adults. So I guess for me, I would rather see a bunch of high character guys on and off the field, whether they win or lose.

A Super Bowl ring counts for a lot, that's the ultimate goal, or why play football? What did Rodgers do that was so awful? He wasn't a murderer, he never did anything to hurt me personally. He just had his own distinctive personality, which I'm sure is part of what made him a great player. I'm not here to be buddies with the quarterback, I want to see the team succeed, on the highest stage.

 

[AmishMafia]

A Super Bowl ring counts for a lot, that's the ultimate goal, or why play football? What did Rodgers do that was so awful? He wasn't a murderer, he never did anything to hurt me personally. He just had his own distinctive personality, which I'm sure is part of what made him a great player. I'm not here to be buddies with the quarterback, I want to see the team succeed, on the highest stage.

I think his personality interfered with the Packers success. His attitude on the field with body language isn't conducive to a cohesive team. Throwing teammates, coaches, and the GM under the bus in the press sure didn't help either. There was a change when 'insiders' reported that his teammates didn't like him very much. He got on camera smiling and warmly interacting with teammates that year in TC. But that didn't last too long. His new attitude in NY? I don't think it will last an entire season. I think his skills have eroded and his ego forces him to blame everyone else for issues. We shall see.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Would it be safe to conclude that you feel that a SB ring is all that matters?

Rings and trophies are nice, but for me, it is just a game. A game that these guys are paid millions to play. They are on a big stage and the spotlight shines very bright on many of them. Kids all over the world look up to and idolize these guys, as do many adults. So I guess for me, I would rather see a bunch of high character guys on and off the field, whether they win or lose.

Good point and I agree. Although SBs are very, very nice - and we have four which is four more than the queens - it's one game. Like him or not, Bill Bellichik nailed it when he said that at the end of the season, there are 31 plane crashes and one winner.

What we have had as GB fans is nearly 30 years of legitimately competing for a SB every year. That has made for a lot of excitement, and a lot of broken hearts, but as fans it's hard to ask for more. Just look at Chicago, Detroit, and Minnesota - with one SB between all three - and we've had a good run.

Now, one more please.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think his personality interfered with the Packers success. His attitude on the field with body language isn't conducive to a cohesive team. Throwing teammates, coaches, and the GM under the bus in the press sure didn't help either. There was a change when 'insiders' reported that his teammates didn't like him very much. He got on camera smiling and warmly interacting with teammates that year in TC. But that didn't last too long. His new attitude in NY? I don't think it will last an entire season. I think his skills have eroded and his ego forces him to blame everyone else for issues. We shall see.

Well said Amish, nothing to add about Rodgers.

Favre was a goofball at the end of his career, and he had a big ego, but it didn't seem to impact the team as much as Rodgers. Playing for the queens is unforgivable, but I enjoyed the Favre years much more. He wasn't as good as Rodgers technically, but was a lot more fun to watch.

Might as well face it, it's tough dealing with these elite QBs near the end of their career. At least we got a lot of good football out of it, and a couple more Lombardi Trophies.

 

[Half Empty]

A Super Bowl ring counts for a lot, that's the ultimate goal, or why play football? What did Rodgers do that was so awful? He wasn't a murderer, he never did anything to hurt me personally. He just had his own distinctive personality, which I'm sure is part of what made him a great player. I'm not here to be buddies with the quarterback, I want to see the team succeed, on the highest stage.

I think that's the point - was all want the team to succeed. A lot of personal quirks are accepted when successful, but since AR was at the helm for so long and brought only one, we're less likely to forgive.

 

[rmontro]

I think his personality interfered with the Packers success. His attitude on the field with body language isn't conducive to a cohesive team.

I agree he was not a good leader, that was part of who and what he was. Had he won another Super Bowl, that reputation would not be resting so heavily on his head. But I'm not going to sit here and hate on him for that, none of us are perfect. I'm sure being a pampered superstar athlete isn't the most conducive route to building a great personality.

He was here, he won a lot of games for us, but the ultimate feeling we're left with is that the team underperformed. That's not all his fault, he rarely got to play with good defenses. He's gone now, so he's not our problem. Someday he'll be back in the Packer Hall of Fame, and deservedly so.

 

[tynimiller]

I think Rodgers is back to about as motivated as he has ever been and with that the NFL is gonna see a different type of Rodgers.

I bet he pushes his ego down more than he had for years here…I bet he takes ownership of failings more publically and I personally expect him to be in the top 5 of MVP vote getters if healthy.

That all said I fully expect they aren’t good enough to get out of AFC and he will crumble next year back to more of what we’ve grown accustom to of late.

First ballot HOFer still no matter what happens and when times were good here it was awesome.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

A Super Bowl ring counts for a lot, that's the ultimate goal, or why play football? What did Rodgers do that was so awful? He wasn't a murderer, he never did anything to hurt me personally. He just had his own distinctive personality, which I'm sure is part of what made him a great player. I'm not here to be buddies with the quarterback, I want to see the team succeed, on the highest stage.

I guess you and I view a "Packer Season" in different ways. For me, games are strictly entertaining, I don't gain anything from them, but emotions and memories.

I liken Football to watching a TV Series. 17 Episodes, some great/memorable, some bad, some just ok, but still entertaining. Maybe they have a Season where they throw in a few extra episodes, high drama, main character is dying, getting married or rumored to be leaving the show. Still just entertainment, still the same storyline, they have just turned the heat up more on the drama. When the season finally concludes. I talk about it with friends and family and then weeks later, put it away and wait for the next season. Maybe it was such an excellent season, the writers, producers and actors win a bunch of Emmy's for it. Do those accolades make it a better season for that series? Sure, but still doesn't change the fact that I was entertained each and every episode.

That's entertainment, for me, same goes for Football.

 

[Schultz]

Here's what I can't get my head around. IMO Aaron Jones and Mercedes Lewis on field fumbles each cost the Packers a play-off game. Rightfully so they are still beloved in GB. IMO Aaron Rodgers off-field personality has not cost the Packers any play-off games. Even now that he is gone, not so much.

 

[gopkrs]

I think his personality interfered with the Packers success. His attitude on the field with body language isn't conducive to a cohesive team. Throwing teammates, coaches, and the GM under the bus in the press sure didn't help either. There was a change when 'insiders' reported that his teammates didn't like him very much. He got on camera smiling and warmly interacting with teammates that year in TC. But that didn't last too long. His new attitude in NY? I don't think it will last an entire season. I think his skills have eroded and his ego forces him to blame everyone else for issues. We shall see.

When Malik Taylor caught that long pass in the Brown's game, I thought, there he goes again, catching everything thrown where he can catch it. Then I thought, but ARod won't throw to him. I'm thinking like you that maybe Aaron's attitude has really changed. Maybe he will throw to the open man even if he did not run great patterns in practice. Time will tell.

 

[gopkrs]

I guess you and I view a "Packer Season" in different ways. For me, games are strictly entertaining, I don't gain anything from them, but emotions and memories.

I liken Football to watching a TV Series. 17 Episodes, some great/memorable, some bad, some just ok, but still entertaining.

It used to be that (since Favre) a loss kind of upset my week. I'm not like that anymore but I think I have more invested (emotionally) in them than you just stated.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Here's what I can't get my head around. IMO Aaron Jones and Mercedes Lewis on field fumbles each cost the Packers a play-off game. Rightfully so they are still beloved in GB. IMO Aaron Rodgers off-field personality has not cost the Packers any play-off games. Even now that he is gone, not so much.

I think any of us can point to any game, any player and find reasons for a loss. You win as a team and you lose as a team.

I have never had an issue with Rodgers on the field game, he is, was and will be one of the top Packers of all times. That said, I would say that Rodgers has had quite a few character flaws that did have a negative impact on the team through the years. They have been discussed ad nauseam in this forum, so I am not going to rehash. Those wanting to ignore or forgive those character flaws because he was such a GREAT player, I get it, I just don't agree with it.

 

[AmishMafia]

Here's what I can't get my head around. IMO Aaron Jones and Mercedes Lewis on field fumbles each cost the Packers a play-off game. Rightfully so they are still beloved in GB. IMO Aaron Rodgers off-field personality has not cost the Packers any play-off games. Even now that he is gone, not so much.

It's rarely 1 play, but a series of plays or lack of plays that results in a loss. Chemistry goes a long ways in the performance of a team.

I think Rodgers is back to about as motivated as he has ever been and with that the NFL is gonna see a different type of Rodgers.

I bet he pushes his ego down more than he had for years here…I bet he takes ownership of failings more publically and I personally expect him to be in the top 5 of MVP vote getters if healthy.

That all said I fully expect they aren’t good enough to get out of AFC and he will crumble next year back to more of what we’ve grown accustom to of late.

First ballot HOFer still no matter what happens and when times were good here it was awesome.

Agree with all of this. Rodgers career was helped by the motivation from the draft day slight. I am not sure if he would have had as much success had he been drafted 1st overall. Much of that had do to with sitting and learning - and he developed a long way with even changing his throwing motion.

I feel his resurgence a few years ago was the result of the perceived Sligh in drafting Love.

I have no doubt he will be trying very hard and will focus more on football this season.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

When Malik Taylor caught that long pass in the Brown's game, I thought, there he goes again, catching everything thrown where he can catch it. Then I thought, but ARod won't throw to him. I'm thinking like you that maybe Aaron's attitude has really changed. Maybe he will throw to the open man even if he did not run great patterns in practice. Time will tell.

Could be, but I can't really name a WR that didn't pan out in Green Bay and then went on to another team and shined. If that happened frequently enough, I might point the finger at A-Rod. That is one aspect of the Packers I will defend Aaron on from now until eternity, the Packers did not give him or the offense enough receiving weapons in his last 5 or so seasons in Green Bay.

 

[rmontro]

I liken Football to watching a TV Series. 17 Episodes, some great/memorable, some bad, some just ok, but still entertaining. Maybe they have a Season where they throw in a few extra episodes, high drama, main character is dying, getting married or rumored to be leaving the show. Still just entertainment, still the same storyline, they have just turned the heat up more on the drama.

Well, if you like drama, you must have loved Rodgers.

 

[Voyageur]

Well, if you like drama, you must have loved Rodgers.

With Rodgers, it was a soap opera, named "As The Stomach Turns!"