Packers' Rodgers still a work in progress

[denverYooper]

Big Ben never had a problem with this and won a super bowl with an equally bad line.

Big Ben got lots of defensive help when he won the SB.

2005 - #3 in ppg and #4 ypg in defense in the NFL
2008 - #1 in ppg and #1 ypg in defense in the NFL

Let's not pretend he did it all himself.

Big Ben's rating was 22.6 in the 2005 SB. 9/21 123 yards, 2 INT.

[pbmax]

A very weak article but without a doubt there are still key questions about Rodgers. In PS, he looked great. To me this season he has looked pretty poor outside of a few key plays.

It would be a rare QB that would look good whilst the line looks bad. I just don't get why you do not understand this...

Rodgers is NOT the problem.

I understand what you're saying I just do not agree with it entirely.
If he is so aware of where the next hit is coming from as you claim, why is he not unloading the ball in this case or scrambling to get out of the pocket and unload the ball?
Big Ben never had a problem with this and won a super bowl with an equally bad line.
Play calling can easily compensate for the line play, so MM shares some of the blame.

Roethlisberger is 6' 5" and 30 pounds heavier than Rodgers. He often, despite initial good protection, holds the ball past 5 seconds in the pocket, taking tremendous hits and turning the ball over quite frequently. He has been blasted for it repeatedly. His protection problems are often of his own making. And he has missed gametime because of this style.

The Steelers line has previously been worse than league average run blocking. That is their biggest weakness, they are better at pass protection. This would be the reverse of the Packers O line so far this season.

His defense frequently keeps the offense in the game, and Roethlisberger has had many fantastic drives at the end of games. But either O line mixture could be a recipe for disaster, yet Roethlisberger benefits from the best aspect of his line, unlike Rodgers.

As for coaching overcoming bad line play, that only goes so far. A team would need to be otherworldly to avoid being forced into a one dimensional attack and have the weakness exposed. Maybe the 07 Patiots or the 99 Rams. That said, McCarthy is treating the line now like he treated his defense last season. he keeps relying on it to pass protect and expecting it to respond.

The D rarely responded last year. Hopefully, the return of Clifton will let this unit respond. Otherwise, we will all get to watch a team run ineffectively early hoping to wear the defense down late.