Aarons Rodgers' First NFL Starting Performance

Comparing Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers in Week One 2008

Sep 8, 2008

Sportscasters and fans alike have been waiting for the most anticipated comparison of the first week of the NFL. How did Aaron Rodgers compare to Brett Favre in week one?

Making his first ever career start in the National Football League, Aaron Rodgers took his position as starting quaterback for the Green Bay Packers against the Minnesota Vikings in the first Monday Night Football game of the 2008-2009 football season. Leaving behind the summer drama that unfolded as Brett Favre once again came out of retirement, the Green Bay Packers, lead by Rodgers, increased the Vikings' losing streak at Lambeau to 0-5, with their Monday night win.

The sports world has been holding their collective breath, waiting to see if Aaron Rodgers could lead the Green Bay Packers to victory while standing in the shadow of Brett Favre. But in a side-by-side comparison to Brett Favre, how did Rodgers perform?

Brett Favre

In the 2008-2009 season opener for the New York Jets, Brett Favre managed to make two incredible passes that seemed to come out of nowhere, resulting in two touchdowns for his new team. He completed 15 out of 22 pass attempts, earning a completion percentage of 68.2 and a passer rating of 125.9. However, with a revamped Jets offensive line, Favre was sacked three times in his matchup with the Dolphins, resulting in a loss of 13 yards for the game.

Aaron Rodgers

In 2007, the Minnesota Vikings had one of the worst passing defenses in the entire league, making Rodgers' first career NFL start in this heated division rivalry look all the better. Rodgers completed 18 out of 22 pass attempts, for a completion percentage of 81.8. He rushed eight times for a total of 35 yards, including a goal line carry that resulted in the first touchdown of his NFL career and subsequently, his first Lambeau Leap. Rodgers continued to perform well, without being sacked all night long, and just as importantly, he did not cause any turnovers.

Favre vs. Rodgers

While Favre put up a solid season opener with the Jets, it was expected of him. He's a veteran quarterback who has played long enough to adapt to a changing offensive lineup. Having watched Favre, arguably one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, for four years, Aaron Rodgers arrived in his first NFL game with a calm head and an eye for his offense. He had the benefit of working with talented receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, and while he only scored one touchdown on his own, Rodgers composure and confidence off the field translated into a memorable first career performance on the field.

The copyright of the article Aarons Rodgers' First NFL Starting Performance in National Football League (NFL) is owned by Annalise Kaylor. Permission to republish Aarons Rodgers' First NFL Starting Performance in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.