Chapter 20 A Chance?
I knew this season no matter how well I showed I wouldn't have a chance at the starting job. Brett was still elite and he was still a legend. Overall in the past, this season was a failure but it was a good opportunity to build upon something great. We went week after week losing games doing even worse than we did in my original time. Maybe it was because I was so good out of the draft and it messed with Brett but he seemed to be playing with a chip on his shoulder and it wasn't doing him good. We stood at 2-7 and we were about to play the future GOAT Tom Brady. My skin was tingling again, I couldn't get him before he retired and he won a Superbowl. I needed my revenge, it should've been me. I heard a noise coming from the hallway and I looked to my left and saw the shadow man standing in the doorway. "Aaron we came to the past to change things, here's your chance". and then it disappeared. I went to bed wondering what he meant by that.
Packers vs. Patriots - Week 9, 2006 (Halftime)
Lambeau Field. The Packers are struggling mightily against the Patriots, and it's clear that things are not going well. The score heavily favors New England. The teams are heading to the locker rooms for halftime, and the mood on the Packers' sideline is somber.
First Quarter:
Patriots' Offense:
Tom Brady: (at the line, confidently calling the play) "We're going with 'Trips Right 82 Slant.'"
Brady drops back and completes a 15-yard pass to Wes Welker.
Brady: (setting up the next play) "Let's run 'I-Formation 34 Power.'"
Brady hands off to Corey Dillon, who gains 10 yards.
Brady: (calling the next play) "Now, 'Singleback 72 Post.'"
Brady throws a 20-yard completion to Deion Branch, setting up a 3-yard touchdown run by Dillon. Patriots lead 7-0.
Packers' Offense:
Brett Favre: (calling the play) "We're going with 'Trips Left 84 Bench.'"
Favre completes a pass to Donald Driver for a 12-yard gain.
Favre: (quickly calling the next play) "Next up—'Double Tight 40 Cross.'"
Favre finds Greg Jennings for a 10-yard gain. The drive stalls, and Ryan Longwell misses a 45-yard field goal attempt.
Patriots' Offense:
Brady: (at the line) "We're running 'Trips Left 70 Dig.'"
Brady connects with Branch for a 25-yard gain.
Brady: (setting up the next play) "Let's try 'Singleback 46 Stretch.'"
Brady hands off to Dillon, who gains 15 yards. The drive ends with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Branch. Patriots lead 14-0.
Packers' Offense:
Favre: (trying to rally the team) "Let's go with 'Trips Right 56 Slant.'"
Favre throws a short pass to Jennings for a 6-yard gain.
Favre: (quickly calling another play) "Next—'Twin Left 42 Screen.'"
Favre completes a screen pass to Ahman Green, who gains 14 yards. The drive stalls, and Longwell makes a 50-yard field goal. Patriots lead 14-3.
Second Quarter:
Patriots' Offense:
Brady: (commanding at the line) "We're running 'Trips Right 80 Four Verticals.'"
Brady throws a deep pass to Branch, who makes the catch for a 35-yard gain.
Brady: (continuing the drive) "Let's go with 'I-Formation 34 Toss.'"
Brady hands off to Dillon, who gains 12 yards. The drive culminates in a 10-yard touchdown pass to David Givens. Patriots lead 21-3.
Packers' Offense:
Favre: (calling the play with growing frustration) "We need to get something going. Let's try 'Trips Left 67 Out.'"
Favre throws a pass to Driver, but it's incomplete.
Favre: (quickly calling another play) "Next—'Trips Right 94 Hail Mary.'"
Favre attempts a deep pass downfield, but it's intercepted by Asante Samuel.
Patriots' Offense:
Brady: (with the interception setting up great field position) "We're going with 'Trips Right 60 Flood.'"
Brady completes a 20-yard pass to Welker.
Brady: (continuing the drive) "Next play—'Singleback 73 Post.'"
Brady finds Dillon for a 15-yard gain. The drive ends with a 5-yard touchdown run by Dillon. Patriots lead 28-3.
Halftime:
Packers' Sideline: The Packers head to the locker room, trailing 28-3. There is a sense of urgency and frustration.
Brett Favre: (walking with a noticeable limp and wincing in pain) "I'm having a lot of discomfort here. I think it might be more serious than we thought."
Medical Staff: (examining Favre with concern) "We need to get you evaluated immediately. This could be a season-ending injury."
Favre: (with a resigned tone) "If it's that bad, you need to be ready to make a change. I don't want to risk further injury, but I'll do what I can."
Packers' Coach Mike McCarthy: (addressing the team) "Alright, listen up. We need to stay focused. Brett's going to be out for the rest of the game, and possibly for the season. Aaron, you're up. We need to rally and give it everything we've got."
Aaron Rodgers: (nodding, determined) "I'll do my best. Let's turn this around. We've got a lot of football left to play."
The Packers head into the second half with a new quarterback and a renewed sense of urgency, knowing that the rest of the season now hinges on Rodgers' performance.