That standing ovation made me cry. But…
Who the ^&%$#&* were those announcers last night? What the &^$#&? When they started the coverage saying that they had gone for a brat before the game started (in an attempt to sound at one with Sconnie, I suppose) and talked to the brat seller who said, “I’m a Packer first. I’m angry about what happened, but I’m a Packer first,” and used this to adduce that that’s how most Wisconsinites feel, I should have known we were in trouble. No offense to any of my audience members, but I think those announcers would feel very comfortable in Waukesha County. It all made sense when one of them admitted to never having been to Lambeau before. You’ve never been to Lambeau? [And I’m not talking about folks who are real fans who just haven’t been able to go]. Then I don’t want to hear what you have to say about how other folks think based on one interaction with the brat guy. Additionally, when the offense came out for the first play and the crowd stood up and cheered like mad and one of them said, “They’re cheering Aaron Rodgers.” And the other one corrected him and said, “They’re cheering for the Packers” I almost threw my drink at the television. You think that if the defense had opened up the game there would have been a standing O? No way. Those fans were backing AR and that is all there is to it. Those announcers had their fingers on the pulse of nothing close to GB last night.
And wearing that Jets jersey later was tacky, rude, obnoxious and just stupid.
I think most Packer fans are pretty annoyed about how things went down, but more disappointed than angry. The article I read in the Journal Sentinel last week said — and this was before Favre was traded to the Jets (but nearing the eve of the trade) — that the folks in Wisco that had the least favorable opinion of Favre were in GB itself. Those with the highest opinion of him? Suburban Milwaukee. If the 100,000 some people in GB are pissed at Number 4, I think we should all take pause. I know I am a broken record here, but I’m really over him. I am saddened that he chose to end things this way. It was he who said that he could not continue in GB because he could not get over “things” that were said and stories that were “planted.” What stories and what things, he never really specifies. Maybe McCarthy could tell us from the six plus hours they spent discussing Brett’s feelings (who knew his feelings would take so much time to air), but I think McCarthy will probably continue to choose the high road here and keep his mouth shut to the media and stick to what he knows best: quarterback coaching.
Which brings me to the season opener. Rodgers threw several bullets with grace and accuracy. He performed well in and out of the pocket. And most of all, he looked calm and confident. I’m so proud he’s our quarterback.
Additional points: (1) Why are the announcers discussing Rodgers’ scruff? Shut up; (2) I’m glad that Jackson is on our team; (3) Maybe watching Favre calm in the pocket for three years was actually helpful to Aaron; (4) Donald Driver is so damn awesome and I love love love how he — unlike Mr. Woodson — has stayed out of this off-field drama; (5) I’ve never seen a touchdown scored without a helmet; (6) it must be repeated: the standing ovation was so great. Made me proud; (7) Kudos to the dude who said the obvious — Ted Thompson and McCarthy did what they did because they had to take their team back. Favre tried to hijack it and they said, “Enough;” and (lastly because if I put in the number eight it makes some goofy sunglasses smile) after the first quarter I pretty much just watched the Olympics. It’s the fever and all.
Final note: I have no doubt that Favre can still play football. And now he can play it in New Jersey. I think his behavior was abysmal — particulary whining nationally that Thompson didn’t hire Mariucci when Favre told him to ((a) Mariucci?!?!?!? (b) How’s that supposed to make McCarthy ‘feel?’ (c) Um, is Favre a player on the team or is he the manager? I always forget) — and I’m glad that he isn’t around to insist that all of GB cater to his every whim.
And I’m a believer. In the Green Bay Packers, as well as Aaron Rodgers.
And I will also stop talking about this soon. At least I will try. Next up: John Edwards and the book I’m reading, The Big Squeeze.
life and puppies 
Yay! Let’s talk about John Edwards!!
Kidding hee hee. Talk away Packer fans, talk away. You deserve it. You’ve been through a lot.
OK, I changed my name and e-mail address to see if I’m a different color now. Let’s see!!
That’s more like it.
You’re GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN. Very green, I dare say. Speaking of green, has anyone seen Heather lately? She’s been noticeably absent on the blog.
brilliant- and you look so businesslike with the link to the wsj. 😉
Shawn said it was a great game and he was a bit hoarse this morning from all the cheering.
I gotta admit that I didn’t watch it… Top Gear first (with delightful Jeremy Clarkson) and then Olympic Swimming Fever. I can’t get enough! Why aren’t Top Gear and the Summer Olympics on every day in the winter, when it’s crap outside and I have nothing else to do? Yes, I know the latter is illogical- but ever hear of the southern hemisphere?
I’ve never heard of the southern hemisphere.
Rodgers was awesome and will be a great QB. And those announcers were pathetic and should never be allowed in Lambeau again. Go announce for the Jets at whatever they call their stadium? Namath field?
Those announcers were pretty terrible. I can’t wait for Madden to be back – I’d really like to hear his perspective on all the things that have been happening. He’s always been such a Favre-lover, but I bet that’s changed a little.
Had to start flipping between Olympics and the Pack after Rodgers went out – go Phelps!
OK, I have been thinking about John Edwards myself. Did anyone read that extremely bizarre article in Newsweek about Rielle? She sounds kinda obviously nuts, and I can’t quite forgive Edwards the bad judgment there.
Kate, I have a vacant spot in my fantasy football league with my college gal pals if you wanted to give it a try.
you silly.
Go Phelps, indeed!
I think I’d love to try the fantasy football…only I don’t really know how it works….
I heart Ryan Lochte. I only really saw him in one race, but Phelps can keep his gold medals. Lochte has a halo of golden locks and the face of an angel. Sigh.
(trying one more name for one more color)
Not based on the name, but on the e-mail.
I think I preferred the grey, really.
I still heart Michael Phelps. I think he is so cute in a goofy looking way and I think he really just loves to swim. That was a cute story done on him in the beginning when his mom was saying that the coach came to her and said, “I think we need to start training him for the Olympics.” And she said, “But he’s only 11.” And the coach said, “I know, but I don’t think we can stop him.”
Here I am. I was in the hospital for the game, and only saw a brief glimpse in a patient’s room. he thought that rodgers looked pretty good.
i am also a phelps phan, although i can’t decide how cute he is. definitely kinda goofy cute. i did like that story with his mom.
For me, he’s cute like you want to give him a noogie (or however you spell it).
I did decide that I must be getting old, because now the Olympians are so much younger that its gross/dirty for me to have bona fide crushes on them.
Indeed! We would be really old hanging out in the Olympic village. Maybe we’d do better in the winter games.
I think he’s cute like he’s my son. Not that I have a son and it’d be weird to have had one at 10, but he seems so young and so excited and his smile is so great it just makes me smile. And I think his mom is so cute, too. Did you see that thing with Cris Collinsworth (who, by the way, I think is a GREAT football announcer) and him asking her, “Whose knee do you squeeze when I’m not next to you?” I felt there may be some subtext there.
Yay! Heather’s back! Now, where did that Gretchen go?…
I’m here, I’m here!! The blog exploded in the last few days . . . it’s hard for a girl to keep up! Still want to catch up by phone, dearheart . . . Soon, ok?