 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Training Camp Report: Rodgers Remains Focused
by Tom Fanning, Packers.com
posted 07/29/2008
Aaron Rodgers spent the second day of training camp answering many of the same questions he did Monday, but said his focus isn't changing. He is the Packers' starting quarterback and will continue to try to put himself in the best possible position to lead the team.
With Tuesday afternoon's news of retired quarterback Brett Favre filing for reinstatement, Rodgers knows that this is the first step to Favre possibly reporting to training camp this week in Green Bay, but said it doesn't concern him.
"We'll probably joke around the first time we see each other," Rodgers said. "We don't have any problems. We had a great relationship when he was here and I'm sure we'll pick up where we left off.
"I'm not as affected as you guys (in the media) think I am or should be. They told me I am the starter, and until that changes, that is going to be my focus."
When asked whether Favre returning could cause some division amongst players, with the younger players supporting Rodgers as the starter and veterans behind Favre, Rodgers expressed confidence in a unified locker room.
"We're a tight-knit group and I don't think his coming back would be a distraction," he said. "We're a focused team. We've got the right mix of youth and veteran leadership, and there is not anything that is going to get in between the guys in this locker room.
Rookies making plays
Rodgers connected twice with rookie wide receiver Taj Smith on some long pass plays on Tuesday afternoon. In a team (11-on-11) drill, Smith made a diving catch on a long pass down the sideline with Jarrett Bush in coverage.
A little later in a 7-on-7 drill, Smith made another nice grab on a deep ball from Rodgers, this time beating cornerback Joe Porter and even knocking down the official after making the catch.
Another rookie pass catcher made some notable plays during Tuesday's practice. Tight end Evan Moore made a nice catch on a pass from Rodgers down the seam with Abdul Hodge covering him in 7-on-7 work, and later made an impressive one-handed grab on a low throw from Rodgers during team work.
Cornerback Charles Woodson made an impressive interception of Rodgers during team work when he cut underneath to jump a throw intended for wide receiver Greg Jennings.
Camp interns
The Packers annually welcome coaching interns as part of the NFL's Minority Coaching Program for training camp, and this year's group is made up of Ricky Brumfield, John Rushing and Curtis Fuller.
Rushing tutored Bush at Utah State, where he is currently the cornerbacks coach, and Fuller played safety for the Packers for two seasons (2003-04).
The Packers also have Scott McGarrahan, Giradie Mercer and Joe Walker interning in football operations during camp. McGarrahan played safety for Green Bay for three seasons (1998-2000). Walker is a local product, having graduated from Green Bay Notre Dame Academy.
Injury/participation update
Cornerback Tramon Williams (hip flexor) sat out Tuesday's practice, with Bush working as the nickel back in his place. Defensive tackles Ryan Pickett (hamstring) and Justin Harrell (back) sat out for the second straight day and running back Ryan Grant (contract) remained absent. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
