Brando19
03-08-2008, 09:08 AM
http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080308/PKR01/803080587/1989
Time is now for Rodgers
By Tom Pelissero
tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson refused to talk about Aaron Rodgers during the news conference announcing quarterback Brett Favre's retirement. But they didn't dodge the topic Friday on the main stage at the team's Fan Fest event.
"I have zero concerns about Aaron Rodgers," McCarthy told emcee Larry McCarren, in front of a standing-room-only crowd in the Lambeau Field Atrium. "I think his time is now. He's ready to go, and he will have another offseason to prepare for that. We need to make sure that we're ready for the whole quarterback position, and that is our focus."
Rodgers received a loud — but not overwhelming — ovation when McCarren introduced him with the words "the future is now." Rodgers stayed on stage less than 2 minutes with two dozen teammates and didn't address fans, which he's expected to do today. He also is scheduled to speak with Wisconsin reporters for the first time since Favre retired this week, ending nearly 16 seasons as the Packers' starting quarterback.
"You're taking out a big hole, a big chunk, a big part of the heart of this place," Thompson said. "Now, what we have to do collectively — obviously, Aaron is going to be our guy — but collectively, our team is going to embrace this, our team is going to take over, different individuals are going to take some of that slack. And that's the only way we know how to do it."
It's no surprise McCarthy and Thompson would express support for Rodgers, who has been viewed as Favre's successor since the Packers selected him in the first round (24th overall) in the 2005 NFL draft. He played in only seven games and threw 59 passes in his first three NFL seasons.
"He understood his role," Thompson said. "That's a difficult thing to do for a young man that wants to play. So, I think he's positioned himself as a leader even though he wasn't playing, and I think he's positioned himself to be a leader going forward."
McCarthy said he expects the offense to adjust, as in any other year but doesn't anticipate significant changes with a new quarterback. The key for Rodgers, McCarthy said, is "just to play the quarterback position the way Aaron Rodgers knows how to, not try to do too much.
"It's a common mistake younger quarterbacks make," McCarthy said. "I think it really has helped Aaron that he's had three years to prepare himself for this situation."
Time is now for Rodgers
By Tom Pelissero
tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson refused to talk about Aaron Rodgers during the news conference announcing quarterback Brett Favre's retirement. But they didn't dodge the topic Friday on the main stage at the team's Fan Fest event.
"I have zero concerns about Aaron Rodgers," McCarthy told emcee Larry McCarren, in front of a standing-room-only crowd in the Lambeau Field Atrium. "I think his time is now. He's ready to go, and he will have another offseason to prepare for that. We need to make sure that we're ready for the whole quarterback position, and that is our focus."
Rodgers received a loud — but not overwhelming — ovation when McCarren introduced him with the words "the future is now." Rodgers stayed on stage less than 2 minutes with two dozen teammates and didn't address fans, which he's expected to do today. He also is scheduled to speak with Wisconsin reporters for the first time since Favre retired this week, ending nearly 16 seasons as the Packers' starting quarterback.
"You're taking out a big hole, a big chunk, a big part of the heart of this place," Thompson said. "Now, what we have to do collectively — obviously, Aaron is going to be our guy — but collectively, our team is going to embrace this, our team is going to take over, different individuals are going to take some of that slack. And that's the only way we know how to do it."
It's no surprise McCarthy and Thompson would express support for Rodgers, who has been viewed as Favre's successor since the Packers selected him in the first round (24th overall) in the 2005 NFL draft. He played in only seven games and threw 59 passes in his first three NFL seasons.
"He understood his role," Thompson said. "That's a difficult thing to do for a young man that wants to play. So, I think he's positioned himself as a leader even though he wasn't playing, and I think he's positioned himself to be a leader going forward."
McCarthy said he expects the offense to adjust, as in any other year but doesn't anticipate significant changes with a new quarterback. The key for Rodgers, McCarthy said, is "just to play the quarterback position the way Aaron Rodgers knows how to, not try to do too much.
"It's a common mistake younger quarterbacks make," McCarthy said. "I think it really has helped Aaron that he's had three years to prepare himself for this situation."