An Open Letter To An Aged Peyton Manning

If you do not know who Peyton Manning is, then quite frankly, it is time for you to come out of your shell. Peyton Manning is the NFL’s biggest name in the modern era, is the greatest regular season quarterback who ever lived, and is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever period. Here is an open letter to Peyton Manning from me.

“Mr. Manning, let me begin by congratulating you on one of the greatest football careers ever. You are without a doubt, a first ballot hall of famer, and rightfully so. But, as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. We have enjoyed every moment of your career, but at the same time, Father Time is calling for you. Before you think about putting it off, remember, Father Time waits for nobody. If you believe you can defeat Father Time, let me also remind you that Father Time has never lost. He is undefeated, perfect, and without a loss since the beginning of time. Some may take longer than others, but eventually, Father Time defeats every opponent he comes up against.

I know you might also say that you think you can still play this game. Well, this may sound very brutal, but it is the truth. Sorry Mr. Manning, but you have looked old, tired, and uninterested the entire season. If I were your adviser, I would strongly advise you to walk away now with your health and dignity. I understand what you are chasing, it is the same thing Brett Favre was chasing. You, like Favre did, want the one thing you don't have, a Super Bowl MVP. I’ve got some bad news for you though, it's not going to happen. There is a reason why it is called "the prime of your career", and that prime does not take place at age 40. Brett Favre found that out the hard way as well. This is a young man's game.

You were beat on Sunday by young man named Andrew Luck who is better than you now. I know what you see when you look at Mr. Luck, you see yourself 15 years ago. You see a young, talented quarterback on the rise, destined for greatness, much like you once were. It is the same thing Brett Favre saw when he looked at Aaron Rodgers. I understand it must make you older guys jealous whenever you do that. Mr. Luck will continue his ascension to the NFL's elite next week when he defeats your career adversary, the legendary Tom Brady, and advances to the Super Bowl. After that he will complete his rise when he defeats the Seattle Seahawks on the biggest stage in football and walks away with the Lombardi Trophy as well as the Super Bowl MVP award, then rides back to the house that you built in Indianapolis a hero.

If you are reading this you must not feel too good about yourself at this moment. But Peyton, you can’t play forever. Nobody can. You have nothing to be ashamed of and you have nothing left to prove to anyone. Everyone enjoyed every moment if your great career,  and you can walk away with your head held high. So go ahead, take your millions, your health, your dignity, walk away for good, and start preparing that future hall of fame speech that you will need ready in five years. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors Mr. Manning, and one last time, thank you for a great career.” 

Ted Thompson Packers GM Makes The Right Moves Most Of The Time

As I was sitting here yesterday afternoon with the final round of the Master playing on my TV in the background (And yet another signature Masters finish it was) going through more possible draft scenarios that could unfold, I began to think about everything that has transpired for the Packers over the last eight years. Over the course of the last eight years, the moods swings of Packers fans have been equivalent to that of a woman who is eight-months pregnant. Going from screaming “we want Brett!” in Aaron Rodgers first game to five years later calling him “like the greatest quarterback ever," indeed Packers fans have had their share of not so brilliant moments.

Through everything that has happened though, one thing has remained certain. Despite all of his critics, despite all of the questioning, through all of the glory, Ted Thompson has remained sturdy as a rock, making each decision, and being confident in that decision. Once again, as we head towards the draft, Packers fans are left with more questions than answers. Why did Thompson not even make an offer to Jennings? Why did Thompson not even offer Woodson a cut in pay before releasing him? Why has Thompson once again done nothing in free agency to address any questions? Why in the world did he choose to hang on to Jermichael the loudmouth? Some may call Ted Thompson a mad genius, others may say he's just plain mad. However, if you look at Thompson's track record, you will notice a recurring theme- there is a method to his madness, and even though we may not see it right away, we will see the benefits in the decisions he makes eventually.

In 2005 Ted Thompson let go of pro bowl offensive lineman Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle. It's not that he tried to re-sign them because he didn't. Thompson let them both go without even offering them contracts. Yes, that's right. Case closed, not contract offered. Doesn't this sound much like what happened with Greg Jennings this offseason? For this decision, Packers fans went ballistic. However, Thompson, rather than sign them both to inflated contracts, instead used that money he saved to sign Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett. Now tell me how that worked out? Yeah, I thought so. Woodson went from draft bust to first ballot hall of famer in his eight years in Green Bay and Pickett has been nothing but a stalwart along the defensive line during that time period as well.

 

Pass On Lynch To Keep Rodgers And Matthews

In 2009 all it would have cost Thompson is a mid round draft choice for Marshawn Lynch. One little draft choice and the Packers running game is solved for a long time. Thompson saw it another way. Yes, all it would have cost was a mid round draft choice, but then he would be stuck paying Lynch a huge contract, which means that Packers negotiator Russ Ball would not be having discussions with both Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers on making them Packers for a very long time. Instead, James Starks got hot, and the Packers won the Super Bowl. 

Last season Woodson was moved to safety. Many understood the Packers need for another safety but they questioned if Thompson was leaving the cornerback position vulnerable. Thompson spent a 2^nd round draft choice on cornerback Casey Heyward, who was a candidate for rookie of the year. Then there is Sam Shields, who following the Woodson move to safety absolutely blossomed as a starter and is now the Packers ace cover corner. So as you can see, Thompson may make a lot of decisions that leave fans scratching their heads, but just remember, there is a method to his madness. 

Packers Versus Texans In Must Win Game

The Green Bay Packers will take on the undefeated Texans this weekend.  What fans first thought would be a great follow up season, has turned into a nightmare. The Packers are currently 2-3, with the replacement refs no longer to blame for all of their troubles. Losing to San Francisco in the home opener now makes sense, as the 49'rs have proven to be a playoff contender.  Losing to the Seahawks was partly due to Mike McCarthy's inability to move away from the original game plan, after sack number four or five. Yes, the non interception was the nail in the coffin, but the Packers dug their own grave first.

Cedric Benson Out For Eight to Ten Weeks

Green Bay will be heading to Texas without Cedric Benson.  Jermichael Finley, and B.J. Raji are possibly out for this Sunday's game as well. The Texans have lost Brian Cushing for the season, but one player does not a team make.  The Texans are riding high, and about to play the Sunday night "prime time" game. Green Bay still has time to fix their issues, but with fewer players to make it happen.  Benson may have struggled to gain yards, but he certainly knew how to block for Rodgers.  His backups are not in the same league, protection wise. Will James Starks regain his powerful running ability, now that he's going to be part of the active roster?  Can he come back from the nagging injuries that have kept him on the sidelines?

With every win, the Texans feel more pressure.  Green Bay will be coming into that game with a sense of urgency, something akin to how they felt when they faced the Saints. If Aaron Rodgers could find his wide receivers, and the team can muster up a run threat, there is a chance that Green Bay will be 3-3 on Monday morning.

B.J. Coleman Might Make Packers Practice Squad

B.J. Coleman just might make the Packers practice squad. He’s got the size for pro football, but with limited snaps during the 2012 training camp, he’s not likely to take over for Harrell as backup to Aaron Rodgers. One thing he already has is a very strong arm. When you get picked up late in the NFL draft, just getting a solid look is plenty to be happy about.

Coleman came to Chattanooga from the Tennessee Vol’s. His best season came in 2010-11, when he played in eleven games and scored 26 touchdowns. His passer rating for that season was a solid 137.8. In his senior year, his numbers dropped a bit, but he played in only seven games. The Packers picked him up as a raw talent, and that’s just what he is right now.

Coleman Shows Off Talent At San Diego

At this point, Coleman is getting half the snaps that Harrell is getting, and that’s not many, seeing that Harrell is getting just two to Rodgers’ four. If that sounds confusing, it is. Basically, Coleman might get the table scraps during practice and the fourth quarter snaps of preseason games. Speaking of, he managed to put together a nice drive late in the game against San Diego. If it weren’t for a fumble by Marc Tyler, there might have been an opportunity for Coleman to take a few chances at some deep passes to the end zone before time ran out.

Coleman is pegged as a quarterback who works best inside the pocket. That’s not going to fly if he wants to play for Green Bay. With a receiving core like the Packers have, you have to scramble left or right, find an open receiver, and make that completion. Rodgers did so well outside the pocket last season; you might think that guys like Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings are masters at extending the play. It’s a bit of both here, and Coleman needs to make mobility part of his game plan. That, and understand defensive set ups, pick up blitzes, calling audibles, and everything else that comes with being a quarterback in the NFL.

Aaron Rodgers and the Angry Blogger | NFC Championship at Soldier Field

After an amazing game at Atlanta, I'm picking up NFC Championship tickets for Soldier Field. It's been sixty years since there was a post season Packers versus Bears game. I can't miss this one.

After recovering from the night before a non story unfolded during the Bears versus Seahawks game yesterday. A sports agent who fancies himself a blogger as well as an NBC Sports talking head (okay?) ripped Aaron Rodgers on how he handled an autograph seeking fan who was obviously a cancer survivor. For the record, Rodgers had previously met with this woman and provided her with an autograph. That first meeting was not on film. What looked like a rude brush off was captured on film, and our blogger/sports agent / talking head went to work. Fact checking is very important. Context is pretty important too.

Aaron Rodgers Represents Green Bay Packers in Pro Bowl

I managed to catch one of two Aaron Rodger's touchdown throws. Yea the defensive line just pretends to rush the passer. It was still pretty cool to see a few more throws before heading into the off seasn. When the Green Bay Packers schedule comes out, then we will have something to write about here. Until then, I'm a big fan of the Milwaukee Brewers.