Aaron Rodgers: Why the Packers QB Might Struggle to Match His Success in 2011

Last night, the ESPYs were held.

As you may know, Aaron Rodgers was voted the Best NFL Player of the Year. Even though he was voted that, it still doesn't mean he's the best NFL player.

The trend of the night seemed to be the player who won the championship MVP award was crowned the best player. That is why Dirk Nowitzki was given the award for the Best NBA Player when LeBron James is clearly better.

The Packers have had a nice offseason, enjoying their time as Super Bowl champs.

For Rodgers, though, this season might not be as good as last year's, as there are some reasons as to why his success may not continue.

Lofty Expectations

As I noted earlier, Rodgers was voted the Best NFL Player of 2011 at the ESPYs.

However, many voters seemed to forget that Rodgers wasn't named the MVP of the league. That was Tom Brady.

His peers also voted Brady the No. 1 Player of 2011 in the NFL Network series Top 100 NFL Players of 2011.

Coming off the Super Bowl win, many people will be expecting large things out of Aaron Rodgers.

Let's see if he responds to the challenge.

Question Marks with the Receiving Corps

We'll know how this turns out once the season starts, but as of now there are several question marks at the WR position.

The Packers had the deepest and best wide receiving corps in the NFL last season.

However, James Jones seems to be moving out of Green Bay when free agency starts in order to collect a bigger paycheck.

That means that last year's No. 4 WR Jordy Nelson will likely be the No. 2 WR after an excellent Super Bowl showing (minus the drops).

Throw in Donald Driver's age and a rookie in Randall Cobb and the Pack's wide receiving unit becomes a little bit mysterious.

Running Game

This is probably the least likely to affect Rodgers, as the running game should be back on track in 2011.

Ryan Grant and James Starks will share the majority of carries with Alex Green contributing on third downs if Brandon Jackson is let go.

But remember, both Grant and Starks were injured last year. If the same fate falls, we may have some trouble on our hands.

Though it's highly unlikely, this may end up as a problem if Rodgers has to put the team on his back again.

Offensive Line

Josh Sitton is among the best guards in the league. Other than him, the Packers have somewhat of a problem with the offensive line.

Scott Wells, the starting center, is 30 years old. It seems about time to find his replacement via the draft, which is Ted Thompson's specialty.

Daryn Colledge, the starting left guard, is primed to leave through free agency. Derek Sherrod or TJ Lang will replace him there.

As for the tackles, we have the somewhat shaky play of second-year right tackle Bryan Bulaga and the 35-year-old left tackle Chad Clifton.

Though Green Bay is trying to infuse youth into its line, it has a strange mix of people exiting their prime and players beginning their careers.

Concussions

Rodgers had two concussions last season, an alarming amount. One was suffered against the Redskins and one was suffered against the Lions.

After Green Bay's star QB replaced his helmet, he seemed fine until this play.

As you can see in the picture, during the NFC Championship Game Julius Peppers created helmet-to-helmet contact with Rodgers.

The helmet lifts up and Peppers gets a nice shot to the jaw on Rodgers.

There was blood on Rodgers' tongue, and he didn't seem to be the same. Many speculate on whether Rodgers suffered a concussion on that play.

If it is true he had a concussion, then Rodgers suffered three concussions during the same season.

Another concussion could keep him out for a lengthy amount of time.