Packer Report: Aaron Rodgers Benefits From Improved Offensive Line Play

After nearly seven weeks, and countless knockdowns, it finally appears that the injured shoulder of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is nearing 100 percent. In fact, this week was the first time since Sept. 28 that Rodgers wasn't listed on the teams' weekly injury report.

Part of that could be because of how well the offensive line played last Sunday in the Packers' win over the Chicago Bears.

“I haven’t felt that good Monday and Tuesday waking up all season,” Rodgers said. “I really appreciate those guys. I said after the game, those guys dominated the line of scrimmage. I got touched one time, and it was because I made the wrong protection call. So those guys did an incredible job. We need a repeat performance like that.”

Officially, the Bears did not record a sack or register a "quarterback hit"—something the NFL now tracks—Sunday, a big improvement over the previous game in Minnesota where Rodgers was hit numerous times. Packers coach Mike McCarthy was impressed with the turnaround.

"I thought they [offensive line] did a very good job of establishing the line of scrimmage, and in pass protection, like we already talked about, Aaron wasn't even touched," McCarthy said. "They played at a very high level."

Statistically, the play of the offensive line has had a big impact on the Packers this season. In games where Rodgers is sacked two or less times, Green Bay is 5-1. However, when Rodgers is sacked more then two times, that record drops to 0-4.

"Games are won and lost in the trenches—any coach will tell you that," McCarthy said. "We've got to do a better job of being more consistent in that category from this point on for our football team to continue improving."

Packers Recognized in Big Win Over Bears

Following the Packers win over the Bears, Packers coach Mike McCarthy was named Motorola NFL Coach of the Week for games played from Nov. 13-17. McCarthy beat out New York Jets coach Eric Mangini and 49ers coach Mike Singletary for the award—his second this season. McCarthy also won the award back on Week Seven after the Packers defeated the Indianapolis Colts.

Packers running back Ryan Grant was also recognized for his efforts this week by being named FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week. Grant racked up 145 rushing yards and a touchdown in his most impressive performance of 2008.

Grant beat out the Pittsburgh Steelers' Willie Parker and Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams for the award, and it marks the Packers' first Ground award since 2007.

Lighter Wallet for Vikings' Allen

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen was fined $25,000 by the NFL for his hit on Aaron Rodgers in the Vikings 28-27 win over the Packers two weeks ago. While the play did warrant a roughing penalty, Rodgers didn't think the hit deserved the negative attention it got.

“I don’t think the hit was a malicious hit at all,” Rodgers said. “We actually joked about it afterwards. In no way do I think it was intentional nor did he want to hurt me.”

There was talk that Allen could be suspended—considering this is the second time he's been fined for hits on a quarterback—but that turned out false. The leash is continually getting tighter for Allen, however, so keep your eye on that the rest of the season.

Still Hurting

While Rodgers was taken off the injury list, several Packers still remain. Here's the injury report for this week, and practice status as of Thursday: linebacker Nick Barnett (out, knee), cornerback Jarrett Bush (ankle, did not participate), left tackle Chad Clifton (knees, limited participation), receiver Donald Driver (family issue, did not participate), defensive Jeremy Thompson (groin, full participation) and cornerback Charles Woodson (toe, limited participation).

Driver is expected to play following the alleged police beating of his father. McCarthy granted Driver leave to be with his family in Houston. Woodson, Clifton, and Thompson are all expected to play as well. Bush (not including Barnett) looks to be the least likely to play.

Barnett underwent surgery on Thursday for his torn ACL, but his spot on the roster has yet to be filled. McCarthy seemed hesitant to address the issue in too much depth.

"Potentially," McCarthy said about finding a replacement this week. "We talk about different options every day, but as of today we have not made that decision. But it's definitely a possibility."

The Official End

In possibly the last chapter of the Brett Favre era in Green Bay, Favre's old home in Ashwaubenon, Wisc., was sold for $445,000 after spending 47 days on the market.

The house, located at 2085 Shady Lane, is around 3,000 square feet—with four bedrooms and three baths—and was appraised at a value of nearly $425,000. Favre hadn't been there since August, when he and the Packers were in the midst of an ugly divorce. Now that he is a New York Jet, the family had no interest in keeping the home.

Loss of a Champion

Bob Jeter, a former All-Pro and Green Bay Packer, died Thursday of an apparent heart attack. Jeter was a two-time Pro Bowler and won three championships as a part of the Packers. His former Green Bay teammates had nothing but praise for the fallen Packer.

"The first thing you think about with Bob Jeter was his speed," former teammate Dave Robinson said. "He had an awesome amount of it. People didn't say he was a speedster, but I remember one time Gale Sayers was running downfield and it looked to me like it happened in four frames: Bob ran him down and stopped a touchdown."

Jeter teamed with Herb Adderley to form one of the best corner tandems of the time.

"I think they realized that with two good corners you could cover the pass and be physical up front with your ends and force everything inside," Adderley said. "Jeter and I were able to do that. We talked a lot about our (position) and we both applied the discipline needed to help win some championships."

Speaking on behalf of b/r, I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Bob Jeter.

Bush Appears Ready to Go

The New Orleans Saints already-potent offensive attack will get a boost Monday Night when running back Reggie Bush returns from his injury-induced absence. Bush hurt his left knee nearly a month ago, but after arthroscopic surgery and rehab, seems ready to play Monday.

"I was encouraged with the workout," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "I'm anxious to see tomorrow, the effect of him moving around today. But he took a good deal of reps, so I'm optimistic this additional time has helped him."

The Packers know it will be a challenge to stop the former Heisman Trophy winner.

"He's just a very dynamic player," linebacker A.J. Hawk said. "They do a good job of getting him open, getting him in space and getting him the ball many different ways. He can do a bunch of different things. You just have to be aware of where he's at."