The Green Bay Packers’ first string offense was finally intact for the first time Friday night against the San Francisco 49ers and if you didn’t know better you could have sworn it was 2015 again. Instead of the surgical precision we had become accustomed to from quarterback Aaron Rodgers we got more of the if the first read is not there, dance around Aaron Rodgers.
I think Rodgers looked rusty right from the start. His first pass was thrown behind a wide open Jared Cook. Yes, a questionable interference call ended up killing the drive but Rodgers was anything but sharp. The second drive was painful to watch but did result in a touchdown pass to Randall Cobb. If you are a betting man you might want to try the slots rather than bet on what Packers offense will show up this year.
I know it may be a rush to judgement, but I have to admit I was expecting more of a 2011-like Aaron Rodgers, bing, bing, bing and a touchdown. After all, the talk out of camp was Rodgers was on fire and ready to bounce back after a rough year. But even on the touchdown drive he led it was like pulling teeth for every yard, no splash plays at all. In fact, you didn’t see the ball thrown downfield until Joe Callahan took over the offense.
The Packers certainly have to be optimistic about running back Eddie Lacy, who once again looked much more explosive than the overweight player of a year ago. Lacy might hold the key to the Packers’ season, if he returns to form the passing game will be much improved, with or without Jordy Nelson.
I sure wish Rodgers would have played more this preseason because what we got Friday didn’t exactly inspire hope for the future. Even one more series Friday might have helped. The 49ers are a pathetic football team and the next time we see the Packers’ offense they will be on the road against one of the better defenses in the league in Jacksonville.
Are they ready?