Rapid Reaction - Packers

As much as I don't want to pin this on Aaron Rodgers, considering his 400+ yards and 4 TDs, it's hard not to point to a few times in which he could have really made some plays. Completely putting the unfortunate game-ending play aside, the game should never have come down to that play. Overthrowing receivers on numerous deep balls took the wind out of the Packers sails, and caused them to become more conservative in their play calling. Give McCarthy credit, he had the balls to call the big plays and take the risks. Take the onside kick for example. Brilliant playcall, even better execution. And then going for the jugular right away in overtime was a gutsy call too. Jennings had the d-back beat. He got the defender on the inside shoulder, planted with his left foot, and cut right with nothing but green space in front of him. All he had to do was wait for the pass to come to him. Rodgers let it fly, but overshot Jennings by about 5-6 yards. Looking at second down, McCarthy had to call a screen pass which resulted in a positive gain, but was called back by a critical holding penalty. It's unfortunate how it ended, but I have to think the Packers are one of the favorites going into the 2010 season. With Grant becoming an upper-tier back, Jennings/Driver/Finley/etc. as one of the best receiving corps in the league, Barnett/Matthews/Hawk as legit linebackers, a 3-4 defense that is coming together, and a Pro Bowl QB in Rodgers, I think the Packers should be looking at a 12-4/13-3 season next year...at worst.