NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Green Bay Packers

Let me make this perfectly clear, I really liked what I saw from Aaron Rodgers last season. He did an excellent job stepping into the role as the Packers starting quarterback.

Rodgers had the unenviable task of playing in Brett Favre's shadow. Even Bubby Brister didn't deal with that when John Elway retired from the Broncos. Rodgers performed very well in his first full season as starting quarterback. He passed for 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Sadly, there was still some who compared Rodgers and Favre. Rodgers can be a great quarterback for the Packers franchise. Hell, he could be one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. The good news is that, with the success Rodgers had last season, the comparisons might be stopping. I wish nothing but the best for Rodgers...until he faces the Bears.

The Packers were a lot better last season than their 6-10 record. In fact they outscored their opponents by 39 points in 2008. They were the only team in the NFL to outscore their opponents, despite a sub-.500 record.

The Packers offense was fifth in the NFL, but the defense was 22nd overall, in the points category. The Packers lost a lot of close games late in the season to Jacksonville, Chicago, Carolina and Houston, all by no more than four points. If just a few of those close games goes the Packers way, maybe they're 8-8, or 9-7.

The Packers plan to implement a 3-4 defense scheme for this season. If it works out, I don't see why the Packers couldn't make the playoffs. If it doesn't, well, who knows!

Time for those burnin' yearbook style questions:

Most Offensive Player (Offense MVP): Greg Jennings
Most Defensive Player (Defense MVP): Aaron Kampmann
Best New Guy (Rookie of the Year): B.J. Raji (if he ends his holdout)
Coolest Twitter Page: Nick Barnett
Team Song: The BoDeans- Closer to Free (NOTE: Also theme song for Party of Five)
Coolest Names (Top 3): Breno Giacomini, Jordy Nelson, Atari Bigby
Most Likely to Succeed (Team MVP): Aaron Rodgers
In 2009, the Packers will go: 10-6 (Make playoffs)

I'll cover the Lions on Friday.

Tuesdays with Romo: Rodgers wins, Jackson not so much

Okay Green Bay fans, how happy were you at your new quarterbacks performance? I'd be feeling pretty good, but then again I'm not a Packers fan.

Rodgers completed 18-of-22 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown pass. I know it's not Brett Favre numbers. I really didn't think it was that big of an issue though. Rodgers didn't make a lot of mistakes. He had a far better night than Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

Jackson completed 16 out of 35 for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson managed to run for 103 yards on 19 carries with one touchdown. Ryan Grant ran for 92 yards on 12 carries.

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza Double Feature: Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers

Today is our last day of the month and a half long look at the preview of all 32 teams. This is saddening because I've had so much fun with these previews. I did what I could and did it gosh darn it! Hey, it was a fun ride and I hope you enjoyed these previews. They've certainly kept me busy since mid-July. Don't worry, I have every intention of keeping the previews going next year. So don't shed a tear, I have this day for you guys. Today enjoy this combo. Sorry if it seems mashed together.

What do the Bucs and Packers have in common? If you said they don't have Brett Favre then you're right on the money. However, that's not what I'm talking about. Both teams won their respective divisions last season and both teams lost to the New York Giants in the playoffs.

Only the Packers have a better team all around. The Bucs are a team that played well in 2007, but decided to slow up for the playoffs once the division was clinched. This ultimately led to the Bucs being trounced at home to the Giants on Wild Card weekend.

The Packers took a 13-3 record in the regular season all the way to the NFC title game. In sub zero temperatures, the Packers stood toe-to-toe with the Giants. Ultimately, the Giants had their way and the Packers lost the game.

Believe it or not, the Packers and the Bucs will face each other this season, which is probably why Brett Favre isn't in Tampa. The Packers play Indy, Dallas and New Orleans. The Bucs play KC, Dallas and San Diego.

Once more for these previews in 2008, it's time for those burnin' questions (yearbook style):

• Better season: Rodgers or Garcia: Rodgers
  
  
• Passing yards for each: Rodgers- 2900 and Garcia 2800
  
  
• Better rusher, Grant or Graham: Ryan Grant- 1013 yards
  
  
• Better receiver: I have no clue
  
  
• Better defense: Packers only because they are younger
  
  
• Who lasts longer, McCarthy or Gruden: McCarthy
  
  
• Coolest names on both teams (Top 4): Jovan Haye (TB), Jeremy Trueblood (TB), Atari Bigby (GB) and Mason Crosby (GB)
  
  
• 80s song to best describe both teams: (I've Had) The Time of My Life- Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (AND I OWE IT ALL TO YOUUUU!!!!)
  
  
• For the last time this year, both teams will: Miss the playoffs

That's all I have. I will have a recap of the first week's action on Monday, so I'll see you then.

Should Rodgers kick Favre in the balls?

If you're like me, then you're sick and tired of all of this Brett Favre crap. You've probably had it all up to here with this Favre fiesta. So, I leave you with this question and this question only. If you had $40, would you pay that amount to see Aaron Rodgers kick Brett Favre in the balls? This is not a hard question. Is it a yes, or a no? It's your call.

Here's the poll.