Did Aaron Rodgers Make a Tactical Error?

[B. Grant]

Couldn't help but wonder what Aaron Rodgers was thinking as he trashed some of his NFC teammates for their uninspired effort in the Pro Bowl game. Consider this Aaron:
1. It's the Pro Bowl, not the Super Bowl. It is not easy for players to take it serious and play at a top level. I doubt there are any pep talks delivered prior to a Pro Bowl game. Were you upset with the losers share of pay, or what? Unlike baseball, it does not determine home field advantage for next year's Super Bowl. It means about as much as a "discount double-check".
2. These "teammates" of yours are going to line up on the other side of the ball next fall, and players who can't remember the sanp count from the huddle to the line of scrimmage WILL remember what you said about them. Don't be surprised if someone leans over you after a sack next year and says, "Am I playing hard enough now, Rodgers?"
3. Coming off your performance in the playoffs this year, I think you are maybe not the one to be calling out the performances of other players. You are a very good QB, but if you have many more playoff perfomances like that, your legacy will change in a hurry. Maybe you should analyze your play in that game and let others analyze theirs in the Pro Bowl game.

Have a nice off-season, Aaron, but be be mindful that your approval rating is down a bit, both in and outside Packer land.

[adammwarwas]

Interesting, Coach. I don't think any players will really take it too seriously, what he said, because he wasn't wrong. I do agree with what somebody else said recently, the game would be more entertaining if they put flags on them... for real.

[B. Grant]

Agreed, Adam. My point is that you don't "call out" your all-star teammtes" play. Its an exhibition game and should be viewed as such. Have you seen the NHL and NBA games? The only All-Star game that is truly competitive is baseball, and that is because they are actually playing for something. I just don't think it was a very smart quote on Rodgers part.

[Fran the Man]

All I can say is that I hope it's Jared Allen that is the guy asking the question; "Am I playing hard enough now?"
I'd also like to see Jared actually tie up some hapless QB after a sack and quit faking it. Cutler comes to mind.

Couldn't help but wonder what Aaron Rodgers was thinking as he trashed some of his NFC teammates for their uninspired effort in the Pro Bowl game. Consider this Aaron:
1. It's the Pro Bowl, not the Super Bowl. It is not easy for players to take it serious and play at a top level. I doubt there are any pep talks delivered prior to a Pro Bowl game. Were you upset with the losers share of pay, or what? Unlike baseball, it does not determine home field advantage for next year's Super Bowl. It means about as much as a "discount double-check".
2. These "teammates" of yours are going to line up on the other side of the ball next fall, and players who can't remember the sanp count from the huddle to the line of scrimmage WILL remember what you said about them. Don't be surprised if someone leans over you after a sack next year and says, "Am I playing hard enough now, Rodgers?"
3. Coming off your performance in the playoffs this year, I think you are maybe not the one to be calling out the performances of other players. You are a very good QB, but if you have many more playoff perfomances like that, your legacy will change in a hurry. Maybe you should analyze your play in that game and let others analyze theirs in the Pro Bowl game.

Have a nice off-season, Aaron, but be be mindful that your approval rating is down a bit, both in and outside Packer land.

[FragileFreds]

Are you kidding Buds? Have you gone soft? The old coach calling out a player for wanting his teammates to play harder? Of all people, YOU? So disappointing Buds.

[B. Grant]

Freds, Freds, Freds... These aren't his "teammates". They are his opponents who joined up with him for an exhibition game. Do I like the fact they play soft? NO, I hate it. Which is why I don't have any interest in watching it, or the NBA or NHL all-star games either. They really aren't games (which is the key point here), they are shows, so don't even pretend that someone is going to go 110%. Now, all of a sudden one guy wants to make it something different, and runs the risk of creating bulletin board material in the process? Dumb, in my book. I don't like my players creating bulletin board material.

No, I have no intention of going soft, but even IF a rare "call out" is needed, not in the newspaper, my friend.

[FragileFreds]

Freds has to agree with your comments on all star games, all of them suck. Pro Basketball is the most sucky, though Freds has no appetite for the NFL version either.

So Buds, when America plays in the olympics ( let's say basketball), these guys aren't really teammates? Just so Freds is clear about this... a bunch of opponents playing on the same....team? But they aren't teammates? Whatever you say.

[B. Grant]

Shame on you, Freds. Trying to raise the blood pressure of an old football coach. If I really thought you didn't know the difference between teammates on a Pro Bowl squad and an Olympics squad, I'd go into one of my half-time melt downs. But since I know you know that difference, I'm not gonna bite. I will consider your comment to be your white flag. Thanks.

[LeCount]

ha ha ha , love you two old timers.....which one of you is gonna be the Joe Kapp of this converstion?

[B. Grant]

Nah, Terry, Freds is just trying to get an old guy off his game, and I'm just trying to avoid it. I know we agree on one thing, though and that is the fact that the Vikes first draft choice better weigh more than 300 lbs. Are you in with us on that?

[adammwarwas]

Coach,

"...don't even pretend that someone is going to go 110%."

You must have missed this year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z4R7Bo3ZHk

[Malte]

Nah, Terry, Freds is just trying to get an old guy off his game, and I'm just trying to avoid it. I know we agree on one thing, though and that is the fact that the Vikes first draft choice better weigh more than 300 lbs. Are you in with us on that?

Matt Kalil is listed as 295 at the moment (:

[B. Grant]

Doesn't change my mind, Adam. That's just Adrian, and we've seen him better than that. Are you seriously challenging my statement that they play less than their highest level? I thought you said that very thing earlier - let me check - yes, you did. Are you waffling a bit during this heightened political season, O Great Blogmaster?

If you want me to say it was OK for Rodgers to say what he said, I won't. Sorry.

Malte, I'm guessing he'll be over 3 by the time of the draft. After all, it is the offseason. Pizza deliveries run high to the football houses this time of year. The charge card will be paid off in a few months, and the coaches don't care so much about what the seniors do anymore, so let 'er rip!

[adammwarwas]

Coach,

1. Not sure I did say that very thing earlier. Did I?
2. I wasn't challenging that statement at all. Instead, I was challenging "...don't even pretend that someone is going to go 110%." That someone has been Peterson and Faulk in past years.
3. I'm not sure the word "heightened" is an accurate description of this political season. I know what you mean, but perhaps Emmit Smith's patented word "debacled" should be revived.
4. I prefer an apostrophe in my official title: O' Great Blogmaster

[B. Grant]

Adam, did I misinterpret the meaning of your quote?

"I do agree with what somebody else said recently, the game would be more entertaining if they put flags on them."

I thought that meant you felt they didn't play hard, but perhaps it meant something else. I remain convnced that "calling out" Pro Bowl teammates has more potential for harm than good, but I am quite certain Aaron Rodgers can say whatever he wants, so "whatever"...

LOL at the political and blogmaster points. I hereby stand corrected on both.