Jul 02 2009
Aaron Rodgers Leadership
Stepping into his new role as the starting quarterback of the GreenBay Packers, Aaron Rodgers seemed so focused on being a good quarterback that he forgot he also needed to be a good leader. In fact, early in the 2008 season, Donald Driver mildly rebuked Rodgers, encouraging him to step up as the leader of the team.
In the face of that rebuke, Rodgers made a feeble attempt to become the on-field general he needs to be. He mechanically instructed receivers on fine-tuning their routes or making better decisions, but it all seemed forced.
However, 2009 will be a different story.
Rodgers now has a full season under his belt as the starting quarterback. His fairly consistent play has earned him the type of respect necessary to be a great leader. The team no longer looks to him as the first-year starter, now they just see him as the starting quarterback.
Fortunately, the Packer offense doesn’t have a prima donna like T.O. for Rodgers to contend with for leadership rights. That should help.
All in all, Rodgers is poised to take command of the team and the team has the talent to respond. The combination of these two factors will give the Packers the ability to better adjust on the field and, more importantly, the ability to finish drives, something they struggled with in 2008.
I thought Rodgers did pretty well finally getting a chance to start for a full year…he had over 4000 yards I believe, not too shabby.
I agree. Rodgers had a great season as a first year starter. From a productivity standpoint, he was solid. I just think his leadership ability lacked, and that’s something that comes with time. I think Aaron will become a better leader each year he plays, and I think that 2009 will be the start of him becoming a more natural leader and not the forced, rigid leader he was in 2008.