In life and in sports, optimism isn’t seeing the glass half full

. . .It's recognizing you have a glass

Sometimes the glass is half empty.  Sometimes it’s completely empty.

Just ask these guys:

When the odds are against us – when our glasses are empty, half full, cracked or full of sour milk – how do we react?

Sports, while a great distraction from the stresses of “real life,” can also be an inspiration to overcome its challenges.

Just like the athletes and teams we follow so intently, we identify the defenses against filling our glasses, strategize a formula for success, then execute using our talents and strengths.

Even when we perform at our highest level, all goes according to our plan and our pursuit is with great passion, outside factors may keep us below the fill line. Glasses may leak or chip – perhaps you lose a star player to a season-ending injury –these are factors we cannot control. It is up to us to figure out how to patch the glass and reconstruct for the future.

When we struggle, we should remember our lives are what we pour into them. Do we have the strength, fire, focus, determination and talent to fill up our glasses, similarly to how Peyton Manning, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and the Boston Red Sox did?

At this time of year, especially, many of us give back, helping fill others’ glasses. Like athletes who teach kids the importance of reading or construct homes for families in need, giving our time and talent fills our community’s glass, thus benefiting us all.

When we get it all just right, and every break – or lack thereof – goes our way, we win. Our championships are graduations, successful fundraisers, promotions at work.

Teams who finish one yard short of the Super Bowl winning touchdown or with a franchise-worst losing season still begin the next year targeting a championship. Similarly we cannot be discouraged with rejection or obstacles. Every empty glass is like a new season.

As long as we have a glass, there is reason for optimism.

So here’s a toast – with our glasses, empty or full, may we find happiness and gratitude in our celebrations this time of year, and inspiration to pour dedication and kindness into our lives and others’ all year through. May all our glasses be full this holiday season, and many seasons to come.

Cheers!

So Long, Shadow. What a Journey for Rodgers Since Last Trip to Dallas

Lost in the Super Bowl hype of Big Ben boozing at piano bars and Ted Thompson’s triumph is Aaron Rodgers’ history in Dallas. You’re probably wondering what history, as the Packers demolished the Cowboys this year and barely squeaked out a win vs. America’s team last year at Lambeau.

Let’s flash back to that adrenaline-rush of a season in 2007. Thursday Night Football. The NFC’s No. 1 seed potentially on the line. Favre vs. Romo. Favre trying to record his first career win in Big D. Favre … goes down with a funny bone boo boo. In jogs the number two QB. I bet no one was excited to see what this kid could do – we needed to beat the Cowboys, for cripe’s sake!

Prior to this Week 13 matchup, Rodgers had logged minimal playing time in a game against the Vikings three weeks before. It was garbage time – the Pack ultimately routed the ‘Queens 34-0 – and Rodgers was two for two for 17 yards passing and -1 yard in two rush attempts. Since being drafted, Rodgers had appeared in five regular season games, playing substantial time in only one of those stints – a 48-3 trouncing at Baltimore in the forgettable 4-12 2005 season.

Back to Dallas – almost halfway through the second quarter, Favre exits and Rodgers steps in with the Packers trailing 10-27 and momentum completely on the Cowboys' side. Because the defense appeared as if it couldn’t stop Jessica Simpson at this point and Green Bay lost its star QB, I’m sure many fans thought the game was over. Then A-Rod started hitting his stride. The offense became more conservative – likely to keep things simple for Rodgers – and it worked. Connecting on crisp, short passes and scrambling to pick up yards here and there, Rodgers marched the Packers down field on a 4 minute, 52 second drive to get them within 10 before the half. I remember thinking, “Wow, he’s not looking too bad. Even if we don’t win this one, he may be able to win some games when Brett retires.”

Then, in the third quarter, Green Bay executes another solid drive (69 yards, 7:05) to make it 24-27. On the ensuing possession, Dallas is driving; it doesn’t look good for the Pack on 2^nd down from the Green Bay 6-yard line. Romo drops back … and is picked by Al Harris! Green Bay ball at its own 20. Rodgers starts the drive with a 15-yard toss to Greg Jennings, but is sacked three plays later to force Green Bay to punt. As had been the case so many times in the early 90s, the defense couldn’t stop Dallas’ O and the Cowboys pulled away, 27-37.

Three years later, Aaron’s back in Big D. And he’s competing, not for a No. 1 seed for Brett Favre and Green Bay in the playoffs, but for a world championship as the Pack’s No. 1 QB. Wouldn’t it be something if Aaron Rodgers wins his first Super Bowl and the biggest game in recent franchise history in Dallas, a place where Brett Favre went, not counting the 2007 game, 0-9 (0-3 in the playoffs)? If any one of those games in Dallas goes to the good guys, the franchise could be in a very different place today (more hardware, most likely).

Alas, what’s done is done. And with a Packers win this Sunday in Dallas, a new era for the Green Bay Packers would truly begin.

So long, shadow.

Who Cares About Brett Favre? Me ... and Maybe This Guy ... but Not the Packers

I read an interesting story today by the San Francisco Chronicle's Terence Moore. He is one of most assuredly only a handful of people who share thoughts similar to mine re: Favre v. Rodgers. I enjoyed his story not only because some of his thoughts are congruent to mine, but because it is laid out in a fair, factual, logical manner. Bottom line: The Packers have forgotten Brett and want you to do the same. Check it out here.

Good thoughts about similarities to Montana-Young. Mr. Moore makes a good point in that the organization wants to pretend Favre didn't even happen. I was poking around packers.com the other day and didn't see a peep about Favre. I suppose that's smart in some regards ... but to me, it's also disrespectful (as was Favre's behavior, yes). Stalemate once again.

I know I'm not changing anyone's mind; just sharing some other thoughts from the wide world of sports.

Super Bowl XLV: Let's Get Some Perspective, People

Packers fever is reaching unbearable stages for those of us who do not suffer from the condition. The infected, in their euphoric state, are oblivious to the pain suffered by the uninfected minority. It is worst for the even smaller minority of us holding our ground, resisting a jump back on the bandwagon after abandoning it three years ago (I use "us" in a somewhat hopeful manner). All those Cheeseheads demanding that Ted Thompson’s doubters apologize and admit they were wrong are more offensive than an aged block of Limburger. What should I apologize for – you don’t even know what you want! Is this about Brett Favre … or Aaron Rodgers … or Ted’s strategy to build through the draft? Let’s explore …

Before talking about Favre relative to the Packers, let me say that I think it’s ridiculous to compare him with Rodgers. First off, Favre is history in Titletown; Rodgers is still playing and Brett’s retired (or at least not playing any more this season). The door on Favre vs. Rodgers should have been shut when the clock in the still-inflated Metrodome hit 00:00 in the Packers’ 31-3 rout of the Vikings to sweep the season series. Or when the 41-year old legend’s head hit the turf at TCF Bank stadium in December. To discuss who is the better quarterback is to compare apples to oranges. We’re talking about a young signal caller at or nearing the prime of his career in Rodgers, and a 40-plus year old legend at the end of his in Favre.

Alas, since some of the Packers faithful insist on asserting their precious #12's superiority, I’m game to play along. However, I suggest a more level playing field; comparing the last two seasons doesn’t reveal much. This season, Rodgers was the better QB in every way – individual stats, head-to-head matchup, regular season wins and postseason success. No contest. Last season, it was Favre, no contest.

The fairest assessment includes looking back at the 27-year old Favre, who reached his first Super Bowl after six years in the league, and match him up with the 27-year old Rodgers, who has reached his first Super Bowl in ... you guessed it, his sixth year. How do you like them apples?

	Favre	Rodgers
Age at first Super Bowl	- 27 years, 3 months	- 27 years, 1 month
Experience	- Backup in Atlanta (Chris Miller and Billy Joe Tolliver) and Green Bay (Don Majkowski) with little playing time for one and a quarter seasons	- Backup in Green Bay (Favre) with little playing time for three seasons
First full season as starter	- Led Packers to 9-7 record and playoff berth (beat Lions in Wildcard, lost to Dallas in Divisional round). - NOTE: Favre took over in the third game of the ’92 season and led the Packers to 9-7 record (missed playoffs)	- Led Packers to 6-10 record during first full season as starter (missed playoffs) - NOTE: Rodgers started the 2006 season as the first-string QB
Playoff history	- Won six playoff games prior to first Super Bowl start (during four seasons)	- Won three playoff games prior to first Super Bowl start (all in 2010)
Offensive weapons	- 5th in total offense - 1st in scoring offense - Receivers: Brooks (lost after Week 7); Freeman; Beebe; Rison; Chmura; Jackson - Backs: Bennett; Levens	- 9th in total offense - 10th in scoring offense - Receivers: Jennings; Driver; Jones; Nelson; Crabtree; Lee - Backs: Jackson; Starks
Defensive support	- 1st in total defense	- 5th in total defense
Special teams	- 13th in NFL in kick returns	- 26th in NFL in kick returns
Coaching	- Mike Holmgren (38-26 record as head coach entering 1996 season)	- Mike McCarthy (38-26 record as head coach entering 2010 season)
Season	- Record: 13-3 (8-0 at home)	- Record: 10-6 (7-1 at home)
Passer rating, regular season	- 95.8 (2nd; Steve Young)	- 101.2 (3rd; Tom Brady, Philip Rivers)
Passer rating, playoffs	- 107.5 (1st)	- 109.2 (1st)
Individual awards	- NFL MVP (second consecutive) - Pro Bowl selection (fifth)	- None

If we really want to talk about whether Rodgers is a better quarterback than Favre, we’ll have to wait. Even then – if Rodgers plays an equal number of seasons as Favre did, and at his current pace – there could still be debate. Rodgers is a finesse, accuracy-above-all, system passer; Favre is the legendary risk-taking, tough-as-nails gunslinger. Each is valuable and endearing for different reasons, and will likely have his own Lambeau legacy. The debate may be decided by rings, or it could be stats. Only time will tell.

Regarding all this ubiquitous “Ted was right” talk, there are two issues to debate:

1. The Favre decision
   
2. Thompson's strategy to build almost exclusively through the draft

On the first point, I will say only that I respect a GM’s opinion in what he thinks is the right direction for an organization. After all, if he’s wrong, he’ll pay for it (theoretically). If Thompson felt that Favre was no longer right for the Packers, man up and make a move. My issue is not whether Thompson was right in moving on from Favre; I’m still upset about the manner in which he (and the team) did so.

Ted could and should have avoided all the melodrama (something for which the organization likely knew Favre had an affinity – even more reason to avoid it) of the Summer of ’08 (oh, yes, capital letter, my friend). Whether that means putting something in writing when Favre tearfully retired, or trading him when the rumors began in June, Thompson needed to be proactive. Bottom line for me: Save the fan base, organization and players the agony of that summer, and the relationship among all parties (Favre perhaps included) is much different today. Heck, I may even be wearing green and gold (and a number 12 jersey).

For those of you still conscious after that revelation, we investigate Thompson controversy number two: Building almost solely through the draft and shunning free agent and trade options.

I know my share of family, friends and acquaintances who all agree that good ol’ Ted resembles an alien in more ways than his awkward antisocial behavior. Oh, c’mon, you’ve heard it – or even said it – yourself. I’m not trying to be mean, only descriptive. OK – I’ll make this better – growing up, my dark locks, large, round glasses and sarcastic demeanor compelled my peers to call me “Daria,” and chant the MTV show’s theme song when I was around. (If you’re not familiar with the show, you can check out a clip here. Note how intelligent young Daria is, too.) Middle school’s a bitch, man. There. Now we’re even; I called Ted an alien, but also revealed an embarrassing name-calling secret of my own.

Anyhow, back to TT. For the past five years, he’s been spawning his own army of aliens – in the truest sense of the word, relative to other teams in the league. Many of these guys are mutations of the typical NFL mold; they are walk-ons, late-round picks and (previously) relative unknowns. And they’re all Ted’s. Once he did away with Favre, Thompson was in control. His hybrid army has been dismantling teams during the past five weeks more thoroughly than Tom Cruise’s nemeses in War of the Worlds. The path of destruction is impressive.

Not all Packers fans and experts have always been on board with Thompson’s strategy, however … which makes the praise about it now even more maddening (two of the most prominent symptoms of Packer fever are clearly delusion and confusion). My argument is perfectly illustrated through tweets, blog posts, sports reports and all out rants by fans and the media over the course of the past 2-3 years. Popular Milwaukee-area Packers reporter Bill “Big Unit” Michaels exemplifies this paradox well in three reports spaced across a two year period:

“The optimism you have as a Packers fan is the fact that Ted Thompson has all but eliminated salary cap ramifications and dead money, stock piled quality players for depth, hasn’t been afraid to make the unpopular choice and stayed true to his vision … I’m still not thrilled with Justin Harrell but … I’ll withhold judgment until this point next season. Beyond that, where are all of the Thompson haters now?”

- From blog post, “Would All Of The Ted Thompson Haters Please Step Forward,” May 14, 2009

"Brett Favre extracted a smile this evening as the Vikings beat the Packers 30-23 but more importantly, Favre was brilliant. Revenge against Ted Thompson, according to Favre, it’s not about revenge but I’m sure Brett’s giggling inside at the thought of Ted and Mike McCarthy’s misery and the ire of the fans that they’re about to face.

Rodgers, to his own fault, took 2 sacks when he should have gotten rid of the football but the rest…the sacks, the pressures, the inability to run the ball at all…that falls squarely on the head of Ted Thompson. Why Ted Thompson, I’ll tell you.

For the last few years I’ve listened to fans complain about Favre or Thompson, McCarthy or Murphy or all of the above, picking up or not picking up Randy Moss, getting Brett or Aaron Rodgers more weapons, ect. ect. Where Thompson has remained steadfast is to his commitment to the draft…to a fault.

Take a look across the field Ted, those guys in purple were built via the draft and their quality leaders were put into place with creative trades and free-agency. That’s what a winning team looks like. You can have all of the quality weaponry stockpiled in your arsenal but if there’s no one to block up front it’s like having a Ferrari with no wheels, you’re all show and no go. I feel for Rodgers, Jennings, Finley, Driver and the rest. They’re superstars in the making but no one will ever know it.

But hey, at least the Packers are well under the salary cap.”

- From blog post, "Obstinance, Ted Thompson's Downfall," October 5, 2009

(Oh, 2009, how I miss you ... )

“The Packers didn’t play the perfect game that I expected against the Eagles but certainly were good enough to overcome some of their own mistakes. That is a testament to the depth and talent on this overall roster accumulated by GM Ted Thompson.”

- From a blog post following Green Bay’s win in Atlanta, January 12

Another confounding example: A website created in 2009 with the URL “firetedthompsonnow.com” now contains only this image. Wow.

Packers followers sure are fickle.

They also can't seem to appreciate a good thing. Hey, Packers backers, you're team is a few days away from a potential world championship and you're still drawing comparisons to the past? Leave that to those of us still squatting in the bitter barn, and enjoy the moment. If you'd like to play the Favre vs. Rodgers card, be careful what you wish for. Two seasons does not a career make; if it does for Rodgers, he won't come close to filling Favre's shoes.

As far as the 2010 Packers, I will say as a football fan and aspiring journalist, that Thompson built one heck of a pod. . .er, team. Beyond the players, his coaches have made the difference this season. Mad-style props to Dom Capers; his tenacious D instills as much misery in its opponents as the band of the same name does in audiences (sorry, Jack, that one was too easy to pass up). Many of them are reserves, playing because of injuries. Some of them are original starters. But all of them are Ted’s.

So can we make the Super Bowl about the Packers versus the Pittsburgh Steelers instead of Favre vs. Rodgers or Thompson vs. Favre? We can all move forward together and take in the 2010 version of the Packers for what it is in itself.

After all, five of the last 12 Super Bowl champs and eight of the last 12 big game losers missed the playoffs the next year. So you might as well enjoy the success while it lasts, Cheeseheads. You could be Ted-bashing again before you know it.

NFL Week 1: Someone Tell These Guys Preseason Is Over

I’m sorry, was that the first weekend of the NFL’s regular season or the last week of the preseason? It may just be me, but debut performances all around the league seemed much sloppier this year than in past years. From the top – last year’s Super Bowl qualifiers – to the bottom – I’m looking at you, Rams of St. Louis – teams displayed considerable rust and some form of memory loss regarding how this fine game is to be played.

There were, of course, exceptions in New England and, surprisingly, the Titans. (Shout out to my boy V.Y.; here’s hoping he can finally find some success in this league) But what about those Saints and Packers – two teams many experts pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl? They barely eked out W’s, at times sleepwalking through their respective games. The Vikings and Cowboys looked almost lifeless in their losses, and poor Peyton couldn’t rally his Colts, even with 57 (57? Yes, 57!) passing attempts. A controversial call prevented the Lions from stealing a win in the Windy City, where Jay Cutler and Co. seemed to try everything to give that game away; the refs apparently didn’t get that memo. Speaking of which, did some officials think they were still on summer vacation, too?

Perhaps teams weren’t mentally ready for full speed. They didn’t look physically prepared, either. Trainers are probably in better shape than the boys in uniform tonight. Injuries ranged from the getting-into-game-shape cramps to more serious varieties. I found it unsettling, in fact, how many times players motioned frantically for training staff to assist a downed comrade or a head coach tended to an injured player – two less-than-encouraging signs when analyzing injury severity. I quickly decided to check how Dustin Johnson was faring when FOX started replying Leonard Weaver’s gruesome knee injury. And how many hard knocks to the noggin were there today? Injury lists this week will be more crowded than the 49ers bandwagon. . .this morning. Is the game getting more violent, more dangerous? I understand that teams and players may need an adjustment period at the beginning of the year; time away from live hitting and game speed account for the sloppiness and injuries. Today the rust and wounds seemed more rampant . . . hopefully not a foreshadowing of the potential mess that could transpire for the NFL in 2011.

LeBron, Tiger, Brett, Oh My! (Right, and that Iniesta Guy) For Sports Fans, It's Christmas in July

I recall lamenting the dearth of sports news in the dead of . . . er, spring. That stretch after March Madness' culmination in early April when all we have is opening day - the excitement of which wears off rather quickly, especially in Milwaukee - is almost unbearable.

Today, however, I was giddy as I poured over stories detailing the NCAA's new tourney format, previewing the All-Star Game, recapping Spain's World Cup triumph, analyzing the Heat-fecta (that one'll go on for a while), and of course. . .ESPN's annual Favrefest - 2010 edition.

I have a LeBron James post that I've been working since last Thursday . . . my fingers can't keep up and my mind overheats every time I try to put it together. It's unprecedented. It's selfless and selfish at the same time. It’s . . . I, I just can't talk about it. . .

In the meantime, I'm going to revel in the current sportsabord. Especially the Brewers' chance to have a great couple days. What's that? Oh, sure, I know they don't play - it's their best chance not to lose.

OK, I don't mean to hate on the 'Crew. I mean, they are, after all, building a giant new scoreboard - to supersize the sucking! Funny that the only two teams that have larger boards are the Royals and Diamondbacks. Huh. Maybe the teams figure if they blind the fans (those who bother to show), they won't notice the teams' futility on the field. No, I bet the Brewers need all the room to list the pitchers they burn through in a game. Sorry, Mark Attanasio, it wouldn’t be so frustrating if those horrid teams from the early 2000s were still in town . . . but with this team’s talent (albeit one-, maybe two-dimensional), I expect more. I tasted the playoffs two years ago; the bar ain’t goin’ back down.

Phew, now that I have that out of my system . . . time to move on and check out ESPN's profile of St. Andrews to gear up for the Open.

Ahhh, July.

World Cup Wonder: Soccer Should Exist in U.S. More than Once Every 4 Years

Was that brief period of excitement about the U.S. soccer team another demonstration of Americans’ imperialistic nature, or the beginning of a beeeeaaa-uutiful relationship?

Every four years or so (purely by coincidence), I’ve follow the sport of soccer. The fascination typically lingers for a few weeks and then quickly dissipates after a month or so (purely by coincidence). This year was different. Thanks to some of my friends who have a legitimate interest in and passion for the sport (read: who actually follow it more often than every fourth summer), I’ve watched more soccer during the past two weeks than during the entirety of my 26 years. It really is an engaging and exciting sport. Really.

Soccer’s recent fleeting presence in the American sporting arena was both predictable and disconcerting. It was gone so fast I didn't even have a chance to make one blog post . . . or even a "headed to the Nomad" Twitter post. Only a select few U.S. residents are true soccer crazies, and only a few more have jumped on the bandwagon. Soccer is not popular in America (what a revelation, right?). I’m not even sure a majority of Americans know how the game is played . . . or that the World Cup is even taking place. We are a bunch of soccer haters. Even Microsoft is in on it – spell check is telling me there is something wrong with the word “fútbol.” It doesn’t slap that annoying red line under “résumé” or “adios.” A little respect, please.

I am anything but a soccer expert and am certainly not qualified to argue its pros and cons and place in America. I have, however, made some noteworthy observations during the past two weeks’ worth of World Cup action that I would like to share in an effort to at least suggest consideration for adopting soccer into our sporting hearts:

1. The pure excitement. Although the final score may be determined in literally one second, each of the 90 or so minutes of a game is therefore engaging. A goal can be scored and a team’s fate sealed at any moment, so every moment counts. Do not mistake me for bad-mouthing America’s pastime, but in a soccer match there are at least 11 men constantly in action, setting up plays and hustling to balls hurling toward the end- or sidelines – all to score that fateful goal. Isn’t that more exciting than watching at least 11 men scratch themselves in the dugout? OK, OK, baseball is baseball and I won’t mess with it. I also acknowledge that, during that 90-plus minutes of soccer action, the same strapping and hustling men also occasionally nancy around holding their calves, heads, or whatever after merely brushing up against another player. Nonetheless, there is an art and thrill to the game that I have found captivating.

2. The uniforms. I know, we all hate the middle-aged chick in the office NCAA Tourney pool who can’t even spell Gonzaga, but wins the whole darn thing because her Final Four had the “prettiest outfits.” I, like every other college hoop sucker . . .er, fan. . .out there think I’m a genius and pick based on my basketball “knowledge.” In this case, though, I have to play the pretty jersey card; I think soccer jerseys are some of the coolest in all of sports. A friend of mine introduced this topic at our U.S. soccer team post-mortem on Saturday. Granted, the beverages may have made the conversation seem more captivating than it really is, but hear me out. I like me a good football jersey to layer up come fall, and nothing feels better than a worn ball cap and pristine white Brewers jersey in the bleachers on a sunny summer evening. . .but there’s something about those fútbol unis. Maybe it’s the sociologist in me that is fascinated by the various cultures materialized in the fabric donned by their representatives on the world’s stage. Or maybe it’s the bright, shiny colors. Whatever it is, they’re just cool. And special thanks to Adidas and Puma for form-fitting jerseys . . . yum. Nike, there is room for improvement; I’ll be looking forward to your craftsmanship in 2014.

3. The commentators. Listening to some dude with a Scottish accent sizing up a Phil Mickelson putt drives me nuts. That barely-audible whisper is maddening; I always wish some dude in the gallery would yell, “Don’t chunk it!” one of these times. Anyhow, a similar brogue during a soccer match is charming to me. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the culture thing again. It’s also because these guys say what they think – and react to what’s going on in the field of play. There are no Joe Bucks plugging their networks, celebrity name-dropping, or tippy-toeing around questionable calls to suck up to the league. No, these guys say what you’re thinking at home, and then teach you a thing or two about the game.

4. The celebration. Who knew it would be so fun to yell “GOOOOOAAAAALLLLL” at the top of your lungs?

5. The Vuvuzelas. Even some true soccer buffs can’t stand ‘em. I like them – the sound adds a certain character to the game. They outrank cowbells in my book.

Clearly, I saved the most relevant and significant arguments until last. Truth is, there is much, much more to the game itself than the supplements I documented in my 2010 World Cup diary above. For me, these extras just added to the fun of the past couple weeks. Looking ahead, I will certainly be watching the rest of the Cup play out and intend to follow the action across the pond a little more closely. A tiny part of me also hopes the sport gains a bit more footing in America, but I highly doubt this summer’s short-lived soccer “interest” will start a craze, given the domestic league’s shallow talent pool and Americans’ seemingly innate apathy for the sport.

But who knows, if the NFL can’t get its stuff together by next season, there could be a new fútbol in America.

Rodgers Ready for Super Run? Thank Favre.

With the Packers’ offseason officially ending Wednesday following a 3-day minicamp, it’s time to gear up and ponder the upcoming season. Will the team fulfill the prophesies of those who predict a green and gold NFC Championship, merely inch a bit closer by winning a playoff game, or perform poorer than in its 2009 campaign? Whatever the Packers’ fate, one of the guarantees we can make is that Aaron Rodgers’ play will significantly influence it.

I did some thinking about Mr. Rodgers this offseason, following a successful year in ’09 and the drama in ’08. As painful as it is for me to admit, Rodgers looks good; he was groomed to be an elite NFL QB and is so far coming into the part well. During the offseason drama that included a trade of franchise icon Brett Favre to the New York Jets, I was convinced that Aaron Rodgers was the personification of Ted Thompson’s best Ron Wolf impression – it was clear Thompson wanted the team to be completely his and his alone. Rodgers was his QB.

No worries – I won’t bring the hate in this post (anymore); in fact, I was pondering about how good Rodgers is.

Before we begin, you must understand how much it pains me to admit that Rodgers is a solid QB. To give you an idea of how much it annoys me, consider my Halloween costume last year – green and yellow flowered mini skirt, pigtails adorned with green and gold ribbon, green tights and the capper – a replica #12 Packers jersey with “ERIN” carefully stitched on the name plate.

I digress – point is, I still think Rodgers has much work to do before being considered a top NFL QB or MVP candidate. Like win. Favre, despite being in the doghouse for inconsistent play during his first few seasons in Titletown, never had a losing season and won his first playoff game in only his second season.

Still, Rodgers posted monster stats last year and looks to be using the tools Thompson knew he possessed before drafting him with Favre still in the driver’s seat. My question is – would he be the same quarterback today if Brett had kept his mouth shut and butt on his tractor in the summer of 2008?

It is my opinion that Aaron Rodgers is as good a QB as he is today – and viewed as such by those in and around the NFL – because of Brett Favre. Sure, the man has talent – and did when Thompson snagged him in the first-round in 2005. What he had when he took the reins in 2008 was that talent, plus 3 years’ experience behind Favre. . .and, perhaps more significant, a huge chip on his shoulder.

The years behind Favre were obviously invaluable in shaping the young quarterback. Working behind a legend – whoever it is – would be invaluable to any NFL novice. And regardless of how much or little Favre put his arm around Rodgers and instructed him, Aaron could still learn a lot during practice, film and game time with Favre; just listen to how much the Vikings players said they’ve learned in just one year of playing with him.

As for the chip, Favre may have very well created a monster. In his campaign to bust down the doors of Lambeau because he thought he was the best option for the Packers (guessing), he turned off the organization and most of the fan base from someone they held in such high regard for nearly two decades. Favre pushed us into Rodgers’ waiting arms, and the fans embraced him. Everyone – fans, the front office and his teammates – wanted Rodgers to succeed. That support, coupled with the indirect hostility and implied challenge from Favre set a raging fire under Rodgers. What helped his cause was keeping his head down and mouth shut (with the exception of this dig that was almost immediately forgotten). Even after he was out of Green Bay, Favre was still breathing down Rodgers’ back – from halfway across the country, but nonetheless on everyone’s mind.

But Rodgers didn’t shrink from the spotlight, and the spotlight embraced him. The NFL was obsessed with Favre versus Rodgers comparisons in ’08. Because of that media attention, folks who follow, write about and live and breathe the NFL saw more of Rodgers and the Packers. Especially last year focus was back on the NFC North and, more specifically, the Packers-Vikings rivalry. Without such attention paid to Rodgers during the past two years, would analysts forecast Rodgers to be the 2010 MVP? Phillip Rivers, another young QB who posted impressive stats and took his team to the Divisional playoff round, isn’t as publicized or lauded as Rodgers. (The conspiracy theorist in me swears Thompson paid off his share of NFL analysts to hype his young investment; how else does Rodgers telling Packers fans to shut up not create more waves? C'mon, it could totally happen.)

It was not the compelling scenario between Favre and Rodgers that kept the Packers in the media, however. Rodgers made Thompson’s argument by coming out firing in September. Amidst the turmoil and controversy, the young QB put the team on his back and embraced it – he made it about the team, not the QB, which is exactly the opposite of what Favre did before his bitter dismissal from Green Bay. I’ve heard several accounts of how massive Rodgers’ ego is; had Favre not indirectly emphasized the importance of operating, practicing and playing as a team, Rodgers may have begun his career as a very different player and teammate.

It is, after all, that team mentality that has given the Pack success the past two seasons. C’mon, two of the best –and most critical – defensive starters in Al Harris and Aaron Kampman go down with season-ending injuries and the team still makes the playoffs last year – it’s the system, it’s the guys. They think together, play together and win together.

The lessons Rodgers learned behind Favre were invaluable in a football sense. What he learned during that infamous summer in Packers history was invaluable in a leadership and life sense.

Favre once had unbreakable chemistry with and loyalty for his teammates and organization in Green Bay; because he somehow lost that may be one of the biggest reasons Rodgers may become the next Lambeau legend. It's now completely up to Aaron to determine whether it's as "that dude who followed Brett" or something of his own.

Can Celts Close It Out in 6?

The CPSN called last night’s X-factor in Paul Pierce. L.A. – or more accurately Kobe – was not enough to withstand the Celtics’ charge in Game 5. Now the pressure is on the Lakers and, judging by his performance and post-game outburst, Kobe is up to the challenge. It will be up to his teammates to decide whether there will be a Game 7, because Bryant clearly can’t do it all on his own. He tried last night – scoring the Lakers’ only points (23 at that) over about a quarter and a half – but managed to only keep L.A. within double digits. Check that, he single-handedly kept his team in the game.

Without Kobe’s scoring barrage, the Lakers would have suffered the same drought the Bucks did in Game 6 against the Hawks – a nearly-eight minute cold streak during which the Hawks peeled off 19 points versus the Bucks’ goose egg. That deficiency spelled the team’s series demise.

Could the Lakers’ feeble performance outside of its star in Game 5 be the turning point in the Finals series (even though the Celts seemed to overtake momentum after Game 1’s drubbing)? We’ll see how L.A. responds in friendly confines. Will home court advantage work its magic, as Phil Jackson suggested in his post-game comments or will the wheels completely fall off for the Lakers.

Revisiting the CPSN’s predictions following Game 4, we expect to see Kobe take over to give the Lakers its 16th title. But will it be enough? Game 5 showed us that even a spectacular individual effort can’t win a game; perhaps the X-factor L.A. needs in Game 6 is playing as a team.

You're Hot Then You're Cold; You Win Then You Lose

Is it because the bar is so much higher and the game so much more challenging in the Finals? Perhaps it’s because they’re too overconfident and therefore less focused after a big game. Whatever the reason, the X-factors – the stars in Games 1, 2 and 3 my earlier post discussed – severely underachieved in the game following their big performances. In Game 2, Kobe Bryant, Game 1’s hero, missed significant playing time because of foul trouble. Despite posting 21 points, he shot only 8 of 20 and couldn’t save his team from losing its first home game during these playoffs.

Ray Allen not only cooled after setting an NBA Finals record for 3s, he froze. Should we give credit to the Lakers for figuring out how to effectively defend Allen? Something knocked Ray Ray completely off his game – he went ice cold and shot 0 for lucky number 13.

Tonight, Derek Fisher was anything but heroic. In fact, he looked like someone who hadn’t nearly the amount of playoff experience that he possesses, taking poor shots and getting into foul trouble. The Lakers controlled most of the game until late in the third, when momentum started to swing. No one stepped up for L.A. tonight; instead, it was the Celtics bench stealing the show and another win to even the series.

A play symbolic of the Lakers’ second half meltdown was a baffling possession by Fisher in the waning seconds. Upon gaining possession with 31 seconds remaining and his team down 8, Fisher dribbled furiously up court, pulled up as if to take a tre, passed up the shot, drove to the basket . . . but then pulled the ball back out beyond the perimeter! He then made a layup, but let valuable second tick off the clock for only a deuce. And, granted the Lakers were in deep trouble at that point, but a quick 3 keeps them in the game. Who better to make that shot than the man who’s done it on that very stage so many times before?

After dominating Game 1 of the Finals, the Lakers have let the Celtics make a series of it. Now that Boston has found its rhythm, a Game 5 win by the Celts puts tremendous pressure on the Lakers to stand their ground at home. Who will step up next and give his team a 3-2 edge going west? The CPSN predicts it will be someone in green and white (Paul Pierce has been way too quiet thus far). Then Kobe shows us why he’s still better than LeBron because he wins games in the playoffs – namely, Games 6 and 7 in L.A.

NBA Finals So Far All About the X

Through three games, the NBA Finals have been about the X-factor. Three games, three different players making an impact for his team, which, without his production, would have likely been on the losing end. Not surprisingly, these fellas are no strangers to carrying their teams to playoff wins; they're consistent performers - no Dante Halls in this mix (pause for reflective, "Ohhh yea, I remember that guy").

Game 1 it was Kobe; he blew up the Celts D and left them too awestruck to generate any offensive or defensive rhythm. Game 2’s X was of course three-baller Ray Allen. The Celtics needed all of his eight record-breaking threes and eight additional points to pull away from the Lakers, who kept things close until a fourth-quarter meltdown.

Tonight’s X-factor? Veteran playoff X-factor Derek Fisher. In a game during which the Lakers somehow built a 17-point lead as quickly as the Celtics shaved it down, Fisher was the difference in the critical fourth quarter. In the quarter, Gasol sank a couple clutch shots and Kobe made a few hustle plays, but Fisher’s 11 points and key defensive board with the Lakers clinging to a 4-point lead with 53 seconds left solidified the win.

Who'll step up in Game 4? Boston needs it to be someone in green and white to stay in the series.

Lakers' Complete Game Cans Celts

Watching Game 1 of the 2010 Finals was like watching the Celts pound on the Magic for 4 out of 6 games a round prior. The Lakers’ defense was stifling, offense aggressive and productive and composure in tact. These two teams are talented enough to keep things competitive through 7 games, but the way the Lakers dominated at home tonight, home court advantage may be influential. That and the fact that Kobe & Co. were faster, quicker and seemingly hungrier.

What I’ve learned from watching the NBA the past few years is that not much matters until the 4th quarter. It’s what I call the perfect party sport. I’m more than happy to invite friends over or attend functions to "watch" a basketball game, because I can not only listen to people, but also reply coherently. If it’s a blowout, I’m not missing anything; if it’s close, everyone starts to pay attention. Football is a much more solitary sport . . . at least in my case – I'm really just looking out for the safety of others.

Back to tonight’s Lakers-Celtics contest, which was an exception to the party rule. That is, I was excited enough about the start of the Finals to watch from minute one. . .and was bored by the end of the 3rd quarter. If I had plunked out almost twice an entire month’s salary to attend the game (oh, yea, I considered it enough to do my research), I’d have serious buyer’s remorse (then again, if I’m buying Lakers tickets, chances are my salary analogy wouldn’t be accurate).

Fact is the Celtics were owned tonight. How significant is this Game 1 loss? A series is hardly over after one contest, but history is not encouraging for the Celts' chances. Since the NBA’s first season in 1946-47, the team that won game 1 of a best-of-seven series won 319 of 407 series (that’s a whopping .784 winning percentage, kids). Oh, and my friends and yours at ESPN also note that Phil Jackson's teams dominate after posting a W in game 1 of a playoff series – they’ve won 47 straight series.

As fun as it was seeing Kobe fly around and feeling the energy halfway across the country at the Staples Center Wednesday evening, it would be all the more fun to see a competitive, well-played series. If the Lakers stay true to historical form, here’s hoping they do so in 7 games.

He's (Coming) Baaaaaaack. . .

Have you heard? ESPN broke news of Favre’s Friday morning ankle surgery approximately two hours ago, but we'll undoubtedly hear MUCH more about it – and him – in the coming days and weeks.

Could this mean he's definitely returning? If I'm a betting woman (on this, not the CWS), I'd say yes. A man who loathes surgery going under the knife for the second time in as many years . . . yea, I'd say that's a sure sign he's leaning toward competing for that coveted second ring.

More on this story to come - it will be interesting to witness the team's reaction to this news and a possible return.

Lakers-Suns Game 1 Recap

Tonight's line: Kobe drops 40 on Suns in 35 minutes. I'm not gonna say it.

Stop. Kobe Time. Ohh-ohh. . .Can't Touch This. . .Ohh-ohh. . .

A couple months ago I wrote about Tiger Woods’ return to golf and the quandary about how we should receive him – with forgiveness or scorn. While crafting that post, one of my thought processes was how we can love athletes for what they do on the court, field or course, but may not even respect what they do off it.

For years, I’ve had a slight obsession with Kobe Bryant. Like a little kid, I get a thrill watching take the buzzer-beating, sink the game-winner and move around the court with his patented swagga. Even after his legal debacle, I had to watch when Kobe was on – and once again marvel at his skill almost to the point of admiration. In all fairness, he righted his wrongs and hasn’t been in trouble since – at least not to the public’s knowledge. Oh, and dude changed his jersey number. C’mon.

This all breaks down to me either having forgiven him in a sense or accepted the double-standard of liking an athlete for what he or she does between the lines. I’d like to believe I haven’t lowered my standards . . . but truth is, we can all have our guilty pleasures, can’t we? I just can’t help it – he’s like the Derek Jeter of the NBA in the sense that he comes up in crunch time to make the biggest shots of all – often times in jaw-dropping fashion. All I know is that I’m stoked to see what Kobe has in store against the risen Suns and perhaps beyond.

Coming soon: Why I still haven’t forgiven my college hero, one Dwyane Wade. Or as we at MU called him, “D” or “D-Wade” (I can’t help it the rest of the world is full of copycats).

My Boston Beef In Prelude to Tomorrow's Celtic Commotion

Is it just me or are Boston fans either whining about how we should feel sorry for them because their sports teams are failures (oh woe is them) or running their mouths about how awesome their teams are (enough already)? (With all due respect to Sports Guy Bill Simmons)

Get ready for some hard-core braggin' tomorrow. Meanwhile, Cleveland fans - who legitimately have a beef - are once again left out in the cold.

A New Primetime

So I’m sitting enjoying a run-of-the-mill episode of Criminal Minds this evening (guilty pleasure) and a supporting character comes on screen who looks quite familiar. In fact, dude looks like Greg Jennings! “Nah,” I tell myself, “It’s just the football withdrawal; I must be seeing things.” But I could swear this lab tech - who utters no more than two lines and then vanishes - is Jennings’ long-lost twin brother . . . er, actor twin brother.

Fast forward to the late local news, which promotes a piece about Greg Jennings’ acting debut on tonight’s episode of Criminal Minds. Ohmygosh, it’s true! Yikes, players do have serious time to kill during the offseason. Props to Greg for using his well – he did a decent job in the role and looked his usual fine self. Check out more info about Jennings’ cameo, what he thought and another potential acting opp for the wideout.

Yes, It's Time For . . . Favre Watch 2010

Wow. Just when you thought the whole world is sick of Brett Favre and any shred of news related to the legend, USA Today publishes one of the most detailed Favre Watch accounts this Four Fanatic has seen. I expected to see a recollection of Favre’s past flip flops and foibles, dripping with sarcasm and satire. Instead, it’s a legit timeline that includes links to full stories about each juicy detail.

What is it about the guy that makes you either loathe or love him? Want to either stick a pencil in your eye or pour over every word when you see another story about Favre? I don’t know, but at least for me, football will be significantly less interesting once he’s on his tractor – for good.

Badass Bucks

Well, they did it. Took care of business in A-T-L and now have a chance to close out the series at home. Do the Hawks Fear the Deer now?

Even the team mascot is getting in the act – check out Bango intimidating the opponent with a death-defying dunk getting mad-style hits on YouTube . . . and a rather entertaining skit that calls to mind Andy Samberg’s SNL “Punched” bit.

Can I just say that I love the attitude the Bucks are rolling out? Let the excitement continue!

Bogut-less Bucks Bounce Back

The beginning of the end or the start of something good? After Saturday’s drubbing of the Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks could easily lose Monday night and bow of the playoffs in ATL with only one win. Such is how the NBA playoffs play out sometimes. On the other hand, this could be the momentum and confidence boost the underdog and short-handed (hoofed?) Bucks need.

Thus far in their series with Atlanta, the Bucks have been nothing to fear. The Hawks are preying upon the Bucks’ weaknesses and caging their strengths. Last night – with the help of a crowd hungry for Hawk meat (Josh Smith was on special) – the Bucks bound free and dominated the visitors. The Hawks looked more like fish out of water than wild birds of prey.

(I could go all day with these animal metaphors)

Monday night will tell us whether the Bucks found their rhythm or if the Hawks were perhaps just fatigued after flying north.

Let’s hope it’s the former and, come Game 5, the Hawks will Fear the Deer.