I wonder if Daunte Culpepper will ever regret not signing with the Packers when he had the chance. I also wonder if Green Bay will wish that the former Minnesota quarterback took them up on their one-year, $1 million offer. Whatever, after Culpepper said thanks, but no thanks, Packers general manager Ted Thompson looked to the draft to stock the position behind first-year starter Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay made out, landing Brian Brohm in the second round and Matt Flynn five rounds later.
The problem, though, is that there is zero NFL experience behind Rodgers, who, unlike Brett Favre, has an injury history.
...the Packers will be taking a bigger risk than when Rodgers backed up Brett Favre as a rookie in 2005. Favre was a proven iron man, whereas Rodgers has an injury history (a broken foot and substantial hamstring strain the last two seasons). It's risky, but not uncommon for an NFL team. ...(Just so you know, Rodgers hates it when you bring up all the injuries.)
Last season, three rookies opened the season as their team's No. 2 quarterback, though none of the clubs made the playoffs: first-round pick Brady Quinn of Cleveland, second-round pick John Beck of Miami, and Buffalo Bills third-rounder Trent Edwards, who finished the season as the team's starter.
Anyway, Rodgers told the Green Bay Press Gazette's Pete Dougherty that he didn't feel comfortable in the Packers' offense until his third season, which means that if Brohm is forced into action, he'll be flying blind.
The coaches are very high on both Brohm and Flynn, however, and if it should come down to playing a rookie, I'm guessing there will be contingencies. I mean, it's not like a rookie quarterback has never taken an NFL snap; the big difference is that Green Bay is a pre-season favorite to make a deep playoff run and that could be more difficult with uncertainty under center.
Give the front office credit, though; they couldn't find a worthy veteran so they went out and filled the need via the draft. Just like the Bears, but exactly the opposite.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-21-2008 @ 12:18AM
George B Vieto said...
Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn could be the next ben Rothlisberger or Clint Longley. Aaron Rodgers will do just okay in Green Bay.
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6-21-2008 @ 10:52AM
Jan said...
Even though I am not a Minnesota fan, I feel that they made the right decision in not taking Culpepper. They have two young guarterbacks to work with them in the post Farve season coming up.
Culpepper seem to have lost his "motivation" and I am not surprised he is having trouble gettting a job right now but further along in the season, could make a position available for Duante.
Good luck to the Packers.
From a Raider fan...Jan in Beaver, Utah
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7-13-2008 @ 3:38PM
Nicolette said...
What is the Packer organization thinking? Favre is the organization. The Fans will not forget them losing him. Rodgers will go no where fast. To think that he is capable of filling Favre's shoes is ridiculous. Favre has had many backups that were a lot more skilled than Rodgers and for the organization to say that Rodgers is there starter, they will lose a lot of respect and fans. I will continue to watch and support Favre where ever he ends up. He is an amazing player and makes the game fun. That is really what it is all about. And who can forget almost going to the Super Bowl last year!! Obviously Ted Thompson! I hope he knows how much he is ruining The Green Bay Packers.
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