Ted Thompson and the Packers did not just "luck into" Aaron Rodgers

[Terranimal]

Excellent article!!!!!!

Do also think a part of the equation is a strong arm too. Favre had a rocket from the get. Rogers had a strong arm that got even stronger here. Some of his throws last season were amazing and very few could have made.

 

[FlaPack]

There's no such thing as luck. There is only preparation, meeting opportunity.

And part of that opportunity is developing a guy like Aaron, who wasn't ready to do shit when he showed up.

There was luck involved to even have the opportunity to draft Rodgers. If Spears or Ware are still on the board Rodgers is not a Packer

 

[Pugger]

The best QB of 2006 class was with no doubt Jay Cutler.
All the 2007 QB picks bombed.
In 2008 there were Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, but we would've had to trade up even for Flacco.
We could've sucked in 2008, and had Matt Stafford with no 1 overall pick in 2009, or Mark Sanchez or Josh Freeman a bit later.

Maybe MM could've schooled one of those guys to a better level. If he still had a job, that is.

I'm pretty confident in saying TT picked the best option.

It still would have been interesting to see what MM and Clements could have done with these QBs in your post - including the redoubtable Jay Cutler.

 

[realitybytes]

I think your assessment of Rodgers abilities as a rookie are a tad harsh.

no it is not harsh. rodgers looked like a deer in the headlights his first two preseasons. and in his five regular season appearances in those first two seasons he looked even worse. but something clicked in his third season, and when he came in to replace an inured favre in week 13 against the cowboys, it was obvious that he had taken a huge leap.

 

[Nerd]

no it is not harsh. rodgers looked like a deer in the headlights his first two preseasons. and in his five regular season appearances in those first two seasons he looked even worse. but something clicked in his third season, and when he came in to replace an inured favre in week 13 against the cowboys, it was obvious that he had taken a huge leap.

Agreed, that Cowboys game is legendary.

It was a huge turning point in franchise history. Mike and Ted knew they could jettison Bert and all his baggage.

 

[Nerd]

Yeah but TT had nothing to do with AR being ready per say that's on MM but more on the QB coach then a HC even.
A lot of things go into the success factor not just a GM. If you look at the whole equation there are no guarantee's you can do that again as a matter of fact it's doubtful.

Ted hired Mike McCarthy specifically for the purpose of developing Aaron. Ted knew this was a passing league.

 

[FlaPack]

Ted hired Mike McCarthy specifically for the purpose of developing Aaron. Ted knew this was a passing league.

Was it part of the reason McCarthy was hired yes. The only reason no. He was hired to coach the football team. This has been a passing league well before Thompson became the GM.

 

[FlaPack]

Now let's look ahead 3-4 years from now because we more than likely be in ethe same situation. When do you take a QB To replace Rodgers? And no I don't think he's on the roster now. The organization has a big decision to make soon. If or when do you extend Rodgers.​

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The issue is that with the spread and option systems in college ball very few will be pro ready. In the next 2 draft class after this one 3 guys have a chance. Past that it's major project time. Will the organization get lucky and see one fall? Doubtful. When you look at the contract structures of the core group...Rodgers, Cobb, Nelson there is a tipping point coming soon.​

 

[Nerd]

Was it part of the reason McCarthy was hired yes. The only reason no. He was hired to coach the football team. This has been a passing league well before Thompson became the GM.

Yes, the trend was and is promoting offense and punishing defense. Ted knew that at the time.

That's why he drafted a QB and that's why he got someone who could develop that QB. Jim Bates thought he had the job sewn up, but he was a defensive guy.

 

[Nerd]

Now let's look ahead 3-4 years from now because we more than likely be in ethe same situation. When do you take a QB To replace Rodgers? And no I don't think he's on the roster now. The organization has a big decision to make soon. If or when do you extend Rodgers.

The issue is that with the spread and option systems in college ball very few will be pro ready. In the next 2 draft class after this one 3 guys have a chance. Past that it's major project time. Will the organization get lucky and see one fall? Doubtful. When you look at the contract structures of the core group...Rodgers, Cobb, Nelson there is a tipping point coming soon.​

Aaron has 1, maybe 2 solid years left in him before he really starts to decline.

Assuming he hasn't already...