So.......ya. Excitement levels after only two weeks are a bit down. Expectation levels are way down. And the, "We suck!" posts are way up.

But that's no reason to stop this week's key player thread........right?

Let's face it kids. This team isn't as good as they looked in pre-season. That's fine. That team looked like the 2007 Patriots reincarnate. The big question is, just how bad are they? I think we're all presuming (i.e. hoping like hell) that it's not 2008 or 2006 bad.

The next two weeks should give us a pretty clear indication. We face a reeling Rams team that while bad, is most likely pissed off (see also: Mark Sclereth's comments and the resulting comments from their GM) meaning, it's going to be a fight. Then, we take a trip up North to the land of all that is wrong with the NFL -- Minnesota. But that's for another thread.

THIS thread, is for this week's key player as the Pack go South to face the Rams. Clearly, someone's gotta step up this week in order for the team to get back on track. Things are shaky in 1265 these days, but a big win could at least add some solidarity and right the ship a bit.

So, who is your key player for this week?

For me, it's most definitely:







Aaron Rodgers

The line sucks. The defense is up and down, the WR's couldn't catch a velcro ball that was coated in honey. And you know what? I don't care about any of it. This is Rodgers' team, no doubt about it. He's the man. The big cheif. The man in charge. And he's gotta be the one to tell everyone to get their heads out of their asses and at the same time, throw the ball like he's got something to prove.

That's the guy I'm looking for this week. And ya know what? I think it's going to happen.

Rodgers rolls 29/35 310 yards 3 TD's


Let's go!!

Ryan Grant
This team needs to develop a run game to take some pressure off Rodgers. We have lost in time of possession the last 2 games with only one sustainted drive for a TD. Time to take the pressure off the defense and play more physical football

Colledge. If he doesn't clean it up this week the offense is going nowhere. AND he has to carry success into next week against Jared Allen.

I say it is the ENTIRE O LINE that has to step it up this week. If we can get this offense back on track this weekend we should be able to win this game.

The Rams offense is all about their RB Jackson. If the D can keep him under wraps we'll force Bulger to beat us and the Rams' offense has struggled. That offense is ranked 31st in total yards.

Jolly.

Stop the run at all costs. Stack the box and make them throw. Let Woodson and Collins make plays and win the turnover battle.

Packers win:

28-17

then we can all breath a sigh of relief and proclaim:

See! I knew we weren't that bad!

Colledge. The Rams' defensive line is putrid. It's a great opportunity for Colledge to steady the ship in pass protection (the Rams have one sack in two games) and land a few pancake blocks in the running game on Chris Long. McCarthy has been calling even more off-tackle runs than usual, especially off the left side (45% of our runs so far, vs an NFL average of 25%). But Colledge won't get much help, as the max-protect machine will be occupied on the right side, assisting Allen Barbre against Leonard Little.

Mike McCarthy.

What Arrigo said.

But also, Derrick Martin.

(PS. Obviously Rodgers, Grant, Colledge, both lines, special teams, etc as well. Like every week.)

Usually I hate when people bring up coaches in this thread, but you may be right, Arrigo. McCarthy has got to get these guys going and formulate a gameplan that, as he says, "gets back to basics."

If we keep going with this Mike Sherman, air-it-out-at-all-costs kind of offense, we're doomed.

College making the start at LT.

For us to do anything, we need to keep Rodgers clean.

My KEY player this week. Jarrett Bush... IF HE DOESN'T PLAY!!!

Rodgers.

He must be patient and take the 8-10 yd. passes, and NOT go for the "kill shot" 40+yd every series. Dink, dunk, move the chains, and get into 2nd and short situations - frequently. The offense NEEDS to stay on the field and win the time of possession battle.

The D will see a steady dose of Jackson, as he's there best weapon, so the less they're on the field, the better.

That's not really easy when you have defenders about to take your head off on nearly every play.

Whoever the first pass is thrown to!!!

This player must catch the ball.

Another drop and the infection persists

I hope Jennings goes nuts this game. He needs it badly. One of the worse drops I've seen vs the Bengals. And no catches the entire game! Very Un-Jennings like.

Colledge. That was easy. If he doesn't play well we'll get destroyed. Can't cover up two OT's.

That's easier than you say, or might think ... an 8-10 yd. route would only be a 3 or 5 step drop, and the ball should be out of his hands in 2.5- 3 seconds. Where he (and the Packers) have trouble is the long-developing 20+ yard route(s) that force AR to hold the ball.

With the pressure coming so fast, he's got time for 2 reads and then he either must check-down or throw it away... but to wait will get him hurt. I'm NOT excusing the lack of pass-blocking, but there are ways to minimize the pressure/hits.

Colledge. Big game for him. The hits on Rodgers need to reduced drastically.

Jennings... if he has a great game that means we are moving the ball, and hopefully scoring.

BJ Raji

BJ has his coming out party and helps to stop their run game.

Mason Crosby

I would like to see 100% FG converted this week. No points left on the field.

Steven Jackson.

If the defense can stop him similar to how they stopped Forte, they'll cruise.

Jackson's strength and speed will also be a nice test as they prepare for AP next week.

Aaron Kampman.

In my opinion, this isn't about one player stepping up, it about the Team playing sound football. The Defense should rebound from last week poor performance that should be the ball game! A-Rod just needs to play within himself and fine the open man, stop trying too be the MAN (Victory is far better than a bomb-away hightlight show) Defense step-up...Pack 27-17 SF! Go Pack!

He needs to have some imagination with offensive play calling very predictable. He could phone Holmgren and pay him to be a ghost play caller from the booth.

If he can't play well against the Rams we are in huge trouble. I would suggest starting Flynn against the queens if he doesn't.