Chapter 10 The Struggles of A Legend
First Quarter
Announcer 1: "The Packers are looking to settle some questions tonight. Can Favre shake off last week's tension and take control of the offense?"
Announcer 2: "And will Rodgers continue to impress in limited action? We'll find out soon enough!"
Drive 1 - Packers' First Possession:
The Packers start at their own 25-yard line. Favre is in the shotgun formation, looking poised. He calls for the snap.
1st and 10: Favre drops back, but his pass to Donald Driver sails high and wide. Incomplete.2nd and 10: The next play, a handoff to Ahman Green, gains only 3 yards. The Bengals' defense swarms him.3rd and 7: Favre throws a dart over the middle to Greg Jennings, but the ball bounces off his hands. Incomplete.
Announcer 1: "Not the start Brett was hoping for. A quick three-and-out for the Packers."
Drive 2 - Packers' Second Possession:
Favre and the offense take over again at their 30-yard line. This time, he seems more determined.
1st and 10: Favre fakes the handoff and goes deep to Donald Driver. The ball hangs in the air, but the Bengals' safety swoops in, intercepting it at the Bengals' 45-yard line.
Announcer 2: "And that's intercepted! Brett Favre forces one downfield, and it's picked off by the Bengals!"
McCarthy paces on the sideline, frustration etched on his face. Favre jogs back, shaking his head in annoyance. Rodgers watches, arms crossed, quietly absorbing the scene.
I looked over at Brett jogging back to our own sideline and gave him a little smirk and then began to think about how to impress with my own game time.
Second Quarter: Favre's Frustrations Mount
Drive 3 - Packers' Third Possession:
With 10 minutes left in the half, the Packers take over again at their 20-yard line. Favre is visibly frustrated but still pushing to find his rhythm.
1st and 10: Favre hands off to Ahman Green for a solid 7-yard gain. The offense seems to be finding some life.2nd and 3: Favre drops back, and this time, he connects with Bubba Franks for a 9-yard pickup and a first down.1st and 10: Favre goes for a quick pass to Greg Jennings, but the ball is tipped at the line and falls incomplete.2nd and 10: On the next play, Favre rolls out to his right, looking for an open man. He spots Donald Driver downfield but overthrows him by a few yards. Incomplete.3rd and 10: Favre takes the snap, glances left, and throws into double coverage. The ball is nearly picked off again, but it falls harmlessly to the ground.
Announcer 1: "Favre is struggling tonight. He's just not in sync with his receivers."
The Packers are forced to punt. As Favre jogs off the field, he slams his helmet onto the bench, seething with frustration.
I walked up to coach as the special teams ran out on the field, "Coach just think about what I told you the other day, there's levels".
Third Quarter: The Turning Point
Drive 4 - Favre's Last Stand:
With 7 minutes left in the third quarter, the Packers get the ball back at their 35-yard line. The offense lines up.
1st and 10: Favre hands it off to Ahman Green, who breaks through for a 12-yard gain and a first down.1st and 10: Favre fakes the handoff, steps back, and launches another deep pass. The ball spirals through the air but is intercepted again by the Bengals' cornerback at the Bengals' 20-yard line.
Announcer 2: "Oh, no! Another interception! Favre is having a nightmare of a game!"
McCarthy grimaces, signaling for the change. He turns to Aaron Rodgers, who has been pacing the sideline like a predator ready to pounce.
McCarthy: "Aaron, you're up. Finish this."
I noded, strapping on my helmet. This is my moment.
Fourth Quarter: Rodgers Takes Over
Drive 5 - Rodgers' Quarter:
The Packers take over at their 40-yard line. Rodgers jogs into the huddle, his demeanor confident and sharp.
1st and 10: Rodgers takes the snap, quickly fires a pass to Greg Jennings on a slant route, and Jennings takes it for 15 yards. First down.1st and 10: Rodgers fakes the handoff to Ahman Green and hits Donald Driver on a deep post for a 25-yard gain. The crowd roars.1st and 10 at the Bengals' 20: Rodgers drops back, scans the field, and threads a pass between two defenders to Bubba Franks for a 20-yard touchdown!
Announcer 1: "Touchdown, Packers! What a throw by Rodgers! He's making this look easy!"
Score: Packers 7, Bengals 10.
Drive 6 - Rodgers Strikes Again:
The Packers get the ball back at their 35-yard line with 5 minutes left in the game. Rodgers lines up in the shotgun.
1st and 10: Rodgers hits Donald Driver on a quick out route for 8 yards.2nd and 2: He hands off to Ahman Green, who charges forward for 12 yards and another first down.1st and 10 at the Bengals' 45: Rodgers drops back and throws a bullet to Jennings on a crossing route. Jennings breaks a tackle and races to the end zone. Touchdown!
Announcer 2: "Rodgers to Jennings! Touchdown, Packers! This kid is unstoppable!"
Score: Packers 14, Bengals 10.
Drive 7 - Rodgers Seals the Deal:
With 2 minutes left, the Bengals fumble, and the Packers recover at the Bengals' 30-yard line.
1st and 10: Rodgers calmly hands off to Ahman Green, who picks up 6 yards.2nd and 4: Rodgers fakes a handoff, rolls out, and finds Bubba Franks for a 12-yard gain. First down.1st and Goal at the 10: Rodgers drops back, scans the field, and fires a pass to Driver in the back of the end zone. Touchdown!
Announcer 1: "Touchdown, Packers! Rodgers to Driver! That might just do it!"
Final Score: Packers 21, Bengals 10.
Tensions Rise
Favre sits on the bench, head down, as the crowd erupts in cheers for Rodgers. He watches the young quarterback getting swarmed by teammates, his frustration simmering. McCarthy approaches Favre, who doesn't look up.
McCarthy: "Tough game, Brett. We'll regroup and come back stronger."
Favre: (gritting his teeth) "Yeah… we'll see."
Meanwhile, Rodgers is surrounded by reporters and teammates, his face glowing with the thrill of his performance. He glances toward Favre briefly, knowing full well that tonight has stirred the pot even more.