In a normal world, Aaron Rodgers couldn't walk into a more perfect situation.
Were the world of sports fair, Rodgers would enter his first season as a starting quarterback in the National Football League with minimal expectations.
Following a legend, Rodgers would get the benefit of the doubt. While Brett Favre led the Green Bay Packers to a 13-3 record the NFC Championship game a year ago, there is no way anybody would expect Rodgers to come close to duplicating that feat this season.
Unfortunately, that's not the way things work in the world of sports; especially in Green Bay.
Instead of -- easing his way into the starting job, Rodgers -- through no fault of his own -- is being thrown into the fire. He's expected to lead the Packers back to the playoffs, despite going up against a slate of opponents that compiled a .531 (136-120) winning percentage a year ago -- the 11th toughest schedule in the NFL this season.
What's even harder is he'll be facing those foes with -- for the most part -- the same team his predecessor did a year ago, and with the same weaknesses.
Rodgers' secondary of Charles Woodson and Al Harris is another year older and shows no signs of improving its ability to tackle anytime soon. His linebacker corps, anchored by Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk, is still young and coming into his own, and the running game, expected to revolve around second-year starter Ryan Grant, isn't exactly causing fantasy team owners to rethink their strategies.
In short, this is the kind of situation tailor-made for a young starter to make his debut. At any other time, in any other place, Rodgers could line up under center with the understanding that this is a year of experience; a time to get acclimated to his position.
This should be a season for Rodgers to grow into his role. He's no Brett Favre, and he'd be the first person to tell you that. But so bitter was the breakup, and so much made of Rodgers' status as the quarterback of the future, that's it's hard to believe anything short of a trip back to the NFC title game would be acceptable.
Rodgers does have some things working in his favor. His receiver corps is talented and among the best in the NFL. Donald Driver has the ability to be a go-to much like Sterling Sharpe was to Favre in the early stages of his career.
First-round draft choice Jordy Nelson only makes that group better, and the better the receivers are, the better Rodgers looks. Donald Lee is quietly emerging as a reliable pass-catcher at tight end.
Question marks still surround Grant's ability. He did come close to rushing for 1,000 yards a year ago, but a couple of big gains made his average-per-carry numbers look much more attractive. Brandon Jackson, though, has shown flashes of brilliance and Favre's departure could give head coach Mike McCarthy occasion to implement more running plays into the game-plan (the Packers passed on more than 60 percent of their plays a year ago), taking more pressure off Rodgers.
No doubt, the Packers' 0-2 exhibition season record is causing many to second-guess general manager Ted Thompson's steadfast and almost stubborn dedication to Rodgers, drafted 24th overall in 2005, at the expense of Favre.
Only time will tell if Rodgers is the Packers' long-term answer at quarterback. General manager Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy petty much bet the farm on him, using the Packers' first-round draft choice on him in 2005 and trading Favre away to the Jets.
Favre, meanwhile, hasn't fared much better in his short preseason. While he did complete five of six passes for 48 yards with a touchdown in his exhibition debut with the Jets; his new team still fell, 13-10, Saturday to the Redskins.
It's safe to say Jets fans have pretty lofty expectations for their team this season, but it's tough to decide which quarterback will take more blame for his team's shortcomings.
