Q&A with the QB: Rodgers talks success, pressure and life in Green Bay

titmfatiedNo Code

quote:
Q&A with the QB: Rodgers talks success, pressure and life in Green Bay
Green Bay Press Gazette
by Mike Vandermause on 06-08-13

During a wide-ranging interview, Rodgers talked about a relationship with Packers coach Mike McCarthy that goes beyond the football field, the prospect of turning 30 later this year, why he never feels satisfied with his football success, and the secret to handling pressure.

Q: You could have gotten more money if you wanted with your new contract. Do you agree with that premise and, if so, why didn’t you attempt to get more money?
Rodgers: I don’t know if I agree with the premise. I think that when we went through the process, we wanted it to be a process where both sides felt good about the way the negotiations went, the way the contract was. Obviously, we wanted some fair-market value, but we wanted to make sure that this team was still in position to be successful and to be competitive. So in the end, I was extremely happy about the contract and I think the Packers were happy about it as well.

Will you be ready to retire after your new contract expires following the 2019 season?
Rodgers: I said (in the past) eight more. I played eight (seasons), I think I can get eight more. But this contract, the way it’s set up, it’s not comparable to some of the other similar contracts where the cap number becomes so large at the end of three and four and five (years) where they might have to re-do it. I think we can legitimately see this all the way through seven years. Now that would take very consistent play from me, for me to be worth those numbers for the next seven years. But I fully expect to play well and if I can play seven more good years and we can have some more success and win a couple more (titles), then it might be time to hang it up.

Maybe you would keep playing?
Rodgers: I’ve always said as long as I can be (a) 100 percent offseason contributor and be here for the OTAs and want to be here and continue to want to put in the time in the offseason, then I’m going to be playing. As long as I have my legs and that commitment to the team, then I’ll keep playing.

You lost a lot of seasoned veterans, including Charles Woodson, Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Is that going to hurt this team and how do you make up for that?
Rodgers: Experience-wise, it does hurt the team. You’re taking away some playmakers, definitely. But I think what you lose in experience you gain in that ignorance almost, that these guys bring in a hunger. They don’t have the experience but they have the strong desire to be great and that hunger kind of penetrates the team. You’ve seen that this spring. There’s a different energy about this team. We’ve gone from kind of a middle-aged to veteran feel at times last year to now I feel like we’re kind of a younger team again. Part of that is we have different guys up front in different positions, but the other part is we did get rid of some older players and there’s a young feel to the team, especially the defense. That brings naturally an energy that kind of permeates throughout the entire ball club. It’s exciting being around them. Makes you feel a little older at times, but it’s exciting to see the young talent and the excitement that these guys have.
continue

Tons more past the click

6/8/1311:17 PM

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titmfatiedNo Code

And a little something on the state of the backups before training camp competition starts

quote:
Backup plan
espnwisconsin.com
by Jason Wilde on 06-07-13

It’s Harrell’s even-keeled, calm approach – coupled with his knowledge of the offense as he preps for his second season as Rodgers’ primary backup – that seemingly gives the coaching staff such confidence in him despite the fact that he’s thrown just four career regular-season passes.

“Graham’s been practicing well, he knows the offense and he’s a good decision-maker,” McAdoo said. “We trust him.”

Third-stringer B.J. Coleman, a 2012 seventh-round pick who spent his rookie year on the practice squad, appears to be a long way away from gaining the staff’s trust, much less challenging Harrell as the backup. After last season, McAdoo acknowledged that he wasn’t sure exactly what the Packers had in Coleman, and while McAdoo said this week that Coleman has “improved tremendously from last year,” he quickly admitted that he’s still in the rebuilding phase as a quarterback.

“We’re going to build him up brick by brick,” McAdoo said. “Fundamentally, he’s come a long way and still has a ways to go. Because in the drill work, he’s a lot better. When you carry it over to the team stuff, (only) some of that carries over. You have to carry everything over into the team drills.

“He still has some work cut out for him. At the same point in time, in training camp, when we go out there and are competing for jobs and not to improve, he’s got a chance. It’s an open competition.” continue

6/8/1311:39 PM

MaynardPathetic, an embarrassment to true Packer fans

quote:
Maybe you would keep playing?
Rodgers: I’ve always said as long as I can be (a) 100 percent offseason contributor and be here for the OTAs and want to be here and continue to want to put in the time in the offseason, then I’m going to be playing.

He must have learned that from Brent.

6/9/1312:00 AM

Satori"...going where the climate suits my clothes"

From the PG Q&A linked above by titmfatied:

Q: On the offensive line, not one person will be in the same spot since the start of last season? How do you feel about that? That's a major turnover.

Rodgers: " I like the way those guys are playing right now. I like the attitude. I think we're in a lot better spot this year as far as personnel-wise, the depth that we have. We have Don Barclay who played a lot for us and Derek Sherrod coming back from an injury, and Greg Van Roten who has really improved himself and put himself in a position to be a very important backup for us.

The guys who switched spots, there's an expectation they're going to be able to pick that up quickly. I think it will help once we put the pads on and they really get to see how their stance affects their weight distribution and their blocking ability.

But I love what Evan (Dietrich-Smith) has done being the center, leading with his energy and his intelligence. I think he's grown a bunch in the last couple years. I think he has a really bright future for us. It's going to be important that the rest of those four guys get to a quick comfort level with their new position and I think when they do, you're going to see an improved line and we're going to do a better job eliminating some of those sacks."

.

6/9/134:40 PM

PackyMember

I wonder if the starting offensive linemen will play more in pre-season games because of the change? Maybe more risk of injury but they need more reps together.

6/9/135:58 PM

titmfatiedNo Code

Though I do believe it's a good idea to switch Bulaga and Sitton over to the left, the constant shuffling with the younger players impedes their progression, imo. I have no problem flipping guys around a bit in the minicamp, however I'd like to see defined positions for the younger players come training camp (though it won't happen). Between Lang and Newhouse there should be plenty of versatility on the roster to handle any cross line moves to cover injury and let the young guys stick to a set position.

The arguments for versatility are well noted and with reason, but there's something to be said for giving a guy a role and letting him develop into it. I think the best will always rise to the top given a chance to focus on one position. If they want Barclay at center, leave him there and let him develop the skills necessary. I feel the same way for Datko. If it's guard put him at guard and let him see how far he can take it. I think the Packers play fast and loose with a limited amount of preseason reps and I'd rather the lineman be dedicated to learning a particular craft.

All the flip flopping last year and grandstanding about finding the best five and they clearly couldn't identify the best five until well into the season. All the "versatility preparation" blew up in their face in 2012 when it became more than clear that EDS was an awful guard and TJ Lang was and always will be a terrible RT. Something they should have well known with all the time they devote to evaluation.

I'm near certain (though I could very well be wrong) that other teams don't handle young lineman the same way. I intend to find out how they do handle young lineman during 2013 training camps.

This line is essentially being rebuilt from scratch. It should improve over the season but early on it's perfectly reasonable that they will need time to see the areas Bulaga needs to shore up to play his best at LT.

I also have some serious doubts about Newhouse starting at RT. His run blocking is terrible and as of now I really don't think he has the nastiness to improve it to where it needs to be. It's not like he's a guy we haven't seen a bunch, either. I'm not counting on Sherrod, either. His situation looks ripe for the PUP list to start the season.

My admittedly very uninformed opinion on the line is that Barclay is best suited as a RG and Datko a RT. I'd like to see both given an extensive opportunity to fight for those spots instead of being kicked around every 3 snaps. I'd challenge Lang to compete both for the C with EDS and the RG. He's been here more than long enough that he, if anyone, should be the one challenged to move and compete.

I'll try not to rant about the offensive line again until training camp

6/9/138:42 PM

Pack88Member

I agree with a lot of what I read regarding the O-line. My reservations are similar to what I read from other fans in that I worry about continuity. I do believe that unlike any other position set in football who you play next to is as important as the skill set the guy next to you has. If you are mind melded with your flank mate you are so comfortable with what you are doing and can approach your job fully confident that if you let your man loose your wingman will cut him off or in the case of a stunt you know exactly what he is thinking in regards of who to block! I compare this situation to soldiers on line. No matter how experienced you are you never fully trust the newbie until he has heard a little "noise"
This is why I think Bulaga and Sitton swapping at the same time helps not hurts. It is the right side that will now have to step up to the plate.

Pack88

6/9/1311:36 PM

GBFanForLifeLarge Member

http://www.espnwisconsin.com/c...=2&id=8101&is_corp=1

Another interview. This one is long.

6/18/1310:08 AM

TdogProspective Member

this was my favorite part of the interview - in bold:

quote:
Q: If you say so. Let’s finish here: What are your expectations for 2013? You’ll be asked this again in training camp, but with what San Francisco and Seattle have done, do you feel like your team goes in as a contender, but an under-the-radar one? Because that’s when you think your team is at its best, no?

Rodgers: I love it. I love being under the radar. For sure, we’re a contender. For sure. I mean, we’re going to put ourselves in position to win a lot of games. Our goal is to win our division and get to the playoffs. And anything can happen. And then hopefully we can take care of business like we did in 2010 when we get back there. The NFL didn’t do us any favors with the schedule, but we don’t need them to.

that's m' boy!!

6/18/1310:19 AM

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