On The Subject Of Aaron Rodgers’ Feelings » Brats & Beer

One of the more hilarious, although increasingly annoying, sentiments to come out of the NFL Draft weekend is has been this general opinion among certain mainstream media scribes that by selecting Brian Brohm in the second round, Ted Thompson has sent a message that he and Mike McCarthy have serious doubts about Aaron Rodgers’ chances for success. “What will poor Aaron think?” they ask, “Won’t this put too much pressure on him?”

Puhleeze. I seriously doubt Rodgers is such a dainty flower that his feelings are going to be hurt by what transpired during the draft. And as for added pressure, let’s see: He’s getting his first start in the NFL with an elite team supported by a rabid fan base with high expectations, oh and he’s replacing a bona fide football legend in the process. Is it even possibe there can be more pressure in that situation?

Maybe if these “journalists” were to, I dunno, interview Rodgers (isn’t that what they teach at them there journalism schools?) they might find out he’s actually pretty happy with how things stand right now. The pressure to succeed is great, yes, but unlike fellow 2005 draftee Alex Smith or this year’s top QB draft pick Matt Ryan, Rodgers is getting his first start on a great team that was stocked with offensive weapons already before Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley were selected in the draft. He’ll be playing behind a solid line that will give him plenty of protection, and he’ll be backed up by a defense that was fifth in the league for yards allowed and sixth in scoring.

Let’s not forget the fact that for the past two seasons Rodgers has been under the tutelage of a solid and stable coaching staff, and has been fully steeped in MM’s system. He also has the confidence of his teammates, most of whom have had at least a season to get to know him.

If he can stay healthy, which admittedly is still an issue at question, Rodgers will do just fine this season. My biggest concern at this point is whether or not he brings back the porn stache this year. (Please don’t!) If we’re going to worry about someone’s “feelings,” it’s probably Brian Brohm we should be more concerned with: For maybe the first time ever, he’ll have to deal with what it’s like to not be at the top of the pecking order.

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