"Serenity Now!"

First preseason games can be dangerous, because people are so anxious to watch football that they make dramatic conclusions. Saturday night's Packers game certainly left plenty of room for pessimism. But, I would caution you that even the Packers had won, it wouldn't have meant much in the long run. Here are some quick impressions of the Packers 17-3 loss at San Diego.

The pass protection was awful. Brett Favre seemed to be mouthing the words "Why did I come back for this?" Even though the Chargers did a lot of blitzing, don't you think that other NFL teams are salivating at the chance to mess with the Packers inexperienced interior offensive line? That's why blitz pickup by running backs had better be good this season. It wasn't Saturday night.

Aaron Rodgers is vastly improved. All of that off-season quartertback school stuff has paid off. Despite throwing an interception (that looked like it should have been overturned by instant replay), Rodgers showed a poise and command that he didn't last year. That's only natural, since very few rookie quarterbacks (Dan Marino, Ben Roethlisberger) are able to immediately handle the move to the NFL.

The anointing of Abdul Hodge seems a bit premature. He looks lost in pass coverage. Then again, so does A.J. Hawk at times. Hawk did make a couple of good tackles, though.

The knee injury to safety Marviel Underwood could be very costly. With Marquand Manuel still recovering from a calf injury, the Packers safety corps is thinning. Underwood was having a terrific camp.

How does a special teams unit have to burn a time out in its very first punt of the preseason? Inexcusable.

Mike McCarthy didn't seem overwhelmed. He already showed a better grasp of replay challenges than Mike Sherman ever did.

If B.J. Sander can't punt longer than 35 yards, he'll be out of a job soon.

Charles Woodson made an impact. Unfortunately, it was by standing too close to the field and getting a penalty.

Greg Jennings dropped a 4th-and-2 pass he should have caught, but also flashed the promise that we've been hearing about.

Don't overreact to the first preseason game. The reality of this season could be better. Or even worse. "Serenity Now!"

2 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by OMCreader on Aug. 14, 2006 at 9:07 a.m. (report)

Buddy Lee said: WOW - I honestly can't see this team being any better than the WORST Forest Gregg or Lindy Infante squads. The talent level is severely depleted from a 4-12 team, and now offense needs to learn a completely new scheme. The ride is officially over folks. Favre should have asked for a trade to New Orleans so he could wind down his career with Reggie Bush. I'm guessing they might have dealt Drew Brees in order to get the last couple seasons from Bayou Brett.

Posted by OMCreader on Aug. 13, 2006 at 2:37 p.m. (report)

mikeg said: ah yes...I can't wait to see Favre/Jesus get devoured by the Nfl's premier defensive teams. Gobble gobble...Favre is going to retire from injury by Thanksgiving..Merry Christmas Favre loyalists..remember he is just a man...!! maybe he can serve up some of those lame ducks at home?

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