Aaron Rodgers ushered in the post-Brett Favre era in Green Bay on Monday, leading the Packers to a 24-19 victory over Minnesota in the National Football League season-opener for both teams.
Playing against what is touted as one of the National Conference’s top defensive units, Rodgers finished 18-of-22 for 178 yards with one touchdown pass and no interceptions.
Rodgers also rushed for 36 yards on six carries, including a 1-yard plunge for a 24-12 lead with 6:03 to play that Rodgers punctuated with a Lambeau Leap into stands filled with his new adoring fans.
PHOTO: AFP
Rodgers became the first quarterback other than icon Favre to start for Green Bay since Sept. 20, 1992.
But he seemed anything but overwhelmed by the pressure of following a legend.
The team’s first-round pick in 2005, Rodgers was anointed the starter when Favre retired, and he kept that spot when Favre decided to come back, eventually landing with the Jets.
Rodgers finished with the second-highest completion percentage in history for a quarterback making his first start.
“You know, I don’t think he could have handled this whole situation better,” said Packers fullback Korey Hall, who caught Rodgers’ first touchdown pass as a starter.
“You can’t imagine the amount of pressure he has on his shoulders right now and he went out and he was collected and calm,” Hall said.
Rodgers was greeted by a standing ovation when he took the field.
“A little bit different feeling, obviously,” Rodgers said of the experience. “Before, when you take the field and you realize the only way you’re going to get on the field is if something happens to Brett, which you don’t root for, or [we’re] way ahead or behind.”
“So tonight, knowing I was going to get the first snap was pretty special, and running out the tunnel to the electric atmosphere we had, it was a pretty special night,” he said.
BRONCOS 41, RAIDERS 14
In Monday’s other game, the Denver Broncos ran roughshod over the Raiders in Oakland, posting a 41-14 victory.
Denver quarterback Jay Cutler threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns, including one to rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal, who made a spectacular NFL debut with nine receptions for 146 yards.
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