Do the Packers still have a chance to win the Super Bowl if Aaron Rodgers has an average game?

Some would say with confidence that outside of Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers is the single most important player to his team in the NFL.   I would be hard-pressed to say that those “some people” are wrong. You could certainly argue that despite being a first round draft pick Aaron Rodgers has had to work twice as hard to earn the respect of Packers fans.  Against all odds, Aaron Rodgers greatly exceeded the expectations that would be laid before him.  I could be like every other blogger and discuss the obstacles and distractions that Brett Favre created, and how at even such a young age Aaron Rodgers was able to prosper with stats like the following: Having the highest average QB Rating in NFL History! He has the lowest career interception rate at a stunning 1.43 percent!  I could talk about the amazing post-season he is having!  Above all, the media, owners, and players depict him as possibly the classiest player in the league, and I believe he will soon probably take the roll from Peyton Manning as being the face of the NFL.    Due to #12’s recent success there is absolutely no way the Steelers are going to let Aaron Rodgers drop back for 5 seconds to throw the ball down field. Blitzes will be coming from every angle. This post will about the “other players” that need to step up to neutralize the aggressive style of the Steelers defense.

Over the history of the NFL there is a very common trend among successful post-season teams.  They are able to run the football, and control the time of possession. The packers finished the regular season 24^th in rushing yards, with James Starks ranked 47^th in the league running as an individual.  Then, Mike McCarthy called upon what he proclaimed “our most talented back.” The rookie James Starks came out of nowhere. With his ability to run with both speed and power he is a very difficult back to tackle.  Also, we cannot forget about Wisconsin’s newly found favorite power-back.  On short yardage downs you can hear the roars from the crowd KUHHHHNNNNNNNN.  John Kuhn is a very strong running back with the ability to push a pile of big defensive lineman backwards.  If the packers can get both these guys rolling, it will certainly make a statement that they are not afraid of running the ball against Pittsburgh’s “steel curtain.” 

Outside of the Aaron Rodgers, it’s no secret that the two veteran leaders on the Packers offense are Greg Jennings and Donald Driver.  I feel like these two players have been around since I started playing MADDEN on Sega Genesis!  They may be old by Wide Receivers standards, but they certainly do not play like it.  Both players have huge big-play capabilities.  Quick passing and yardage after catch will be essential if the Packers want to be the side raising the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the game on Sunday.  The Packers will certainly have to rely heavily on the athletic ability of Jennings and Driver to make the first tackler miss in order for the Packers offense to keep the chains moving. 

In conclusion, Aaron Rodgers will need to get the ball out of his hands quickly in order for the Packers to be successful.   Along with consistently running the ball, quick passing, and relentless Wide Receiver screens, the Packers have an excellent opportunity to be raising the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the day, and Aaron Rodgers can give a little wink into to the TV and let Brett Favre know the packers and doing just fine.