First time poster, but I've been reading these boards for while now, even before the lay-out was changed ...
I'm a "passionate" NFL fan, and as such I don't have one "specific" team, however I do have some teams I root more for than others
I've always watched the Packers, as my very first NFL experience was at Lambeau Field (in 1993), while visiting "relatives" (not blood-related, but we known them ever since I was a little child - I'm 32 now and we have been visiting each other on numerous occassions for more than 30 years now) in Green Bay.
I really think trading Kampmann would be a mistake ... - 4 games into the season, learning a new defensive scheme ... Now granted, given past history and time, it could be argued both for and against, how come the Packers, given how much talent (or lack there of ?) still are having troubles ? But I don't think Kampmann is one of them, given some more time, I have no doubt Kampmann will adapt and become even more "versataile" (sp?)
Aaron Rodgers is showing promise, but really lacks experience (or perhaps just innate "feel" - personally I think he has had more than enough playing time, and should be more "aware" by now) ... I mean, look at the WR Corps of this team ...
In fact one could argue in some ways he is thinking and wanting to make "Big Plays" (too much ?), however, this "want" (?) also results in him holding on to the ball alot longer than is necessary ... - Looking at the game against the Vikings, there are actually numerous opportunities for Rodgers to check down the ball and avoid the sack (especially on the play where he was sacked for a safety), but for some reason he just doesn't do it ... - (wanting to make "The Big Play" ? or is he just "afraid" of losing ? Giving up the int ?) ... To say Aaron Rodgers is among the best in the NFL at this point, is in my opinion a bit premature, because at the moment it would seem Rodgers has "tunnel-vision" - he can't "see" his sides, only what's ahead of him ... Yes he has alot of talent ... however, I can't help but see a little comparison to Matt Cassel (when Cassel was playing instead of injuretd Brady in NE ...) ... Now Cassel is in KC and how is he playing there ? ... On most plays I would say Rodgers has "more than enough" time to get the ball out, but for some reason he just doesn't, unless it can go down the field ...
And to say that Aaron Rodgers is still "only" starting his 2nd season (as a starter) is also a little "flawed" imho ... - Look at how Romo did in his 2 first seasons (as a starter) after having been on the bench for numerous season before (behind a more experienced QB).
Yes, I know that some people are going to say that Romo "choked" etc etc, however, I would still say that if we take performance as a starter, I don't think anyone would disagree ... What will people say next season, if it starts out like the previous 2 ? - Will the media be all over him like they have been Romo ? In my opinion, both of them are very talented and gifted, and one could even say that Romo is playing under alot more "pressure" than Rodgers is ...
Personally I think it is time that Aaron Rodgers shows he is "worth his money" ... Again, I think Rodgers is a very talented and gifted Quarterback, however, I just don't count him among the "Best in the NFL" just yet ... Yes his stats are impressive, but when they don't result in a win, it couldn't really matter less ... Aside from Fantasy Leagues ...
When the ratings start to integrate sacks and fumbles in them, I think alot of peoples "tunes" MAY change ...
"Food for thought" : I am pretty sure, had Rodgers "utilized" his check-downs, - personally, I think 3-4 sacks could have been avoided ... - Would the Packers have won the game if he had done that ? - I doubt it ... given that close to 150 out of his 400 yards came in the 4th quarter, where Packers were forced to "air it out" ... But that is a moot point to argue, as we will never know ...
No doubt that the O-Line is in need of reinforcements, however, given the past history, I think it will be doubtfull as to that happening via big moves on the FA market, and that window will be closed very soon ... Botton line is that when ever you win games, things always look better than when you lose, and in the end ... wins vs loses are what matters ...
Just a few thoughts from Europe