Aaron Rodgers is an elite QB. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Bucky Brooks posted an interesting take on Aaron Rodgers today at NFL.com – one that has raised more than one eyebrow among those who have watched the Packers’ quarterback week in and week out since he became a starter three years ago.
Brooks’ entire thesis is built around the opening line of his piece: “Don’t believe the hype.”
What hype? (more…)

Ever think we’d be saying that?

Well it happened Sunday, as Rodgers went 21-of-28 for 186 yards and one touchdown, while Manning went 21-of-42 for 229 yards and two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns by the Packers.  The Packers jumped out to a 17-7 on the Indianapolis Colts halftime lead and never looked back.

The real story of Sunday’s game is the re-emergence of Ryan Grant, who had been basically useless for the first part of the season.  Grant carried the ball 31 times, unheard of for this season, gained 105 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season.  Grant seems to be hitting his stride at the right time of the season, similar to the same time he hit it last year.  The Packers would doubly appreciate last year’s Ryan Grant to make an appearance.

Rodgers did a good job of managing the offense, completing passes to eight receivers.  Brandon Jackson was the leading receiver, catching six passes for 37 yards.  Jackson has emerged as a solid backup option after being useless like the rest of the Packers running game for the first few weeks of the season.  Donald Lee caught the touchdown pass from Rodgers early in the second quarter.

The defense is what shined for Green Bay on Sunday though.  The highlights were two interception returns for touchdowns, a 62-yarder by Nick Collins in the third quarter and a 99-yarder by Aaron Rouse in the fourth, that helped put the game out of reach.  Brandon Chillar led the defense with nine total tackles (seven solo) while cornerback Tramon Williams, subbing for the injured Al Harris, had seven solo and a forced fumble.

For the Colts, Dominic Rhodes had 70 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 20 carries, while Dallas Clark led the receivers with eight receptions for 81 yards.  Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne combined for only four catches and 35 yards, showing a defensive prowess in a depleted secondary.

This is a solid win for the Packers going into a bye week, with the Tennessee Titans awaiting them after the bye.

Matchups To Watch

Colts Wide Receivers vs. Packers Defensive Backs

The Packers defensive backfield has been shaken up in recent weeks while Marvin Harrison has shown he is back, totally owning up on Chris McAlister in last week’s game.  Charles Woodson better leave his McAlister-impression at home.  Reggie Wayne is in the league’s top three receivers on any given week, while Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark are dangerous out of the slot.  Basically any wide receiver or tight end put out their by the Colts can easily be hit by Peyton Manning and should be considered dangerous.  Atari Bigby is doubtful for the Packers while Woodson and rookie Pat Lee are listed as probable.  They will need to be on top of their game to shut down this potent passing attack.

Packers Defensive Line vs. Colts Offensive Line

One of the best ways to get to Manning is to knock him around and harass him to force him to not get the ball if when he wants to.  Baltimore could not get to him last week and he was given all day, so it is imperative that he does not get all day to stand around.  This gets harder for the Packers, as Cullen Jenkins is done for the year, Jason Hunter is doubtful, Michael Montgomery is doubtful, and Ryan Pickett is questionable.  This leaves it up to Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila to put the squeeze on Manning.  And even then, KGB is not the sure thing he once was.

Packers Offensive Line vs. Colts Defense

Aaron Rodgers isn’t Joe Flacco, but the Packers need to keep Rodgers upright for good to happen.  Rodgers will need time to get the ball to Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, but he can’t do that with Dwight Freeney in his face.  He needs to be standing for the Packers to win.

My player to watch is rookie wide receiver Jordy Nelson.  The Colts secondary is mildly banged up and James Jones is listed as doubtful for the game, giving the rookie from Kansas State a chance to shine.

The Verdict: Colts 27, Packers 24