Chapter 14 Last Practice Of The Preseason

Rodgers Targets Woodson

 The Green Bay Packers' practice field, late afternoon. The sun casts long shadows as the team goes through their final practice session of the week. Coach Mike McCarthy has called for a full-speed, competitive practice to evaluate the new offensive concepts that Aaron Rodgers has been advocating. The first-team offense is lined up against the first-team defense. The defensive squad is led by Charles Woodson, who is assigned to cover Donald Driver and Greg Jennings in a variety of routes.

McCarthy: (blowing his whistle to signal the start of practice) "Alright, let's get this going. Rodgers, you know the drill. Work on those new plays, and let's see how well we can exploit the defense. Defense, stay sharp!"

Rodgers: (under center, calling out the play) "Alright, let's go with 'Trips Right Jet Motion.' Charles, you ready for a challenge?"

Woodson: (smirking, lining up against Donald Driver) "Bring it on, rookie. Let's see what you've got."

Rodgers: (motioning Jennings across the formation) "Set, hut!"

Rodgers takes the snap, and as Jennings moves in motion, Woodson follows, shifting his coverage. Rodgers immediately notices Woodson's position and quickly scans the field. He decides to go after Woodson's coverage, targeting Driver on a deep post route.

Rodgers drops back, and with a quick release, he throws a perfectly timed pass to Driver, who makes a great catch despite Woodson's tight coverage. The pass is delivered right between Woodson and the safety, resulting in a 25-yard gain.

McCarthy: (cheering from the sideline) "Great throw, Aaron! Good read!"

Woodson: (walking back to the huddle, slightly frustrated) "Alright, let's see if you can keep it up."

Rodgers: (calling the next play) "Okay, let's run 'Trips Left RPO.' Driver, Jennings, get open!"

The offense lines up again. This time, Rodgers sends Driver in motion before the snap, creating a mismatch with Woodson who is caught out of position. Rodgers snaps the ball, fakes a handoff to Ahman Green, and then quickly throws a screen pass to Jennings, who is open in the flat. Jennings turns upfield and gains another 20 yards.

Woodson: (frustrated, patting the ground with his hands) "He's really going after me today."

McCarthy: (to Woodson, encouragingly) "You've got to adjust, Charles. This is a great test. Show us what you've got!"

Rodgers: (smirking as he calls another play) "Alright, let's go with 'Trips Right Jet Sweep.' Driver, time for some motion."

Driver starts in motion as Woodson shifts to follow. Rodgers takes the snap, hands it off to Driver, who runs a quick jet sweep. Woodson tries to make a play, but Driver is too quick, gaining another 15 yards on the sweep.

Rodgers: (walking back to the huddle with a grin) "Charles, you getting tired yet?"

Woodson: (defensive, but smiling) "Not even close. Keep coming."

Rodgers: (calling out the next play) "Alright, let's run 'Empty Backfield RPO.' Charles, you're still my target."

Rodgers lines up in an empty backfield with five receivers spread out. He motions Jennings across the formation and reads the defense. He sees Woodson in tight coverage against Driver. Rodgers decides to test Woodson again.

Rodgers: (taking the snap, looking downfield) "Set, hut!"

He throws a quick, sharp pass to Driver, who is running a slant route. Despite Woodson's best effort to intercept the pass, Driver makes an impressive catch, turning it into a 30-yard gain.

McCarthy: (pumping his fist, excited) "That's it! Perfect execution, Aaron! Charles, great coverage, just an even better throw."

Woodson: (coming to the sideline, slightly exasperated but still competitive) "He's really on fire today. It's like he knows exactly where I'm going to be."

Rodgers: (walking over to Woodson, extending a hand) "Great defense, Charles. I'm just trying to make the most of the opportunity."

Woodson: (shaking Rodgers' hand) "Keep it up, kid. You're making me work."

McCarthy: (gathering the team for a quick huddle) "Alright, everyone. Good practice today. Aaron, you're really getting the hang of these new concepts. Defense, we need to be sharper. That's how you handle a top-notch receiver. Let's take this momentum into the next game."

Rodgers: (looking around at his teammates with a confident grin) "Thanks, Coach. And thanks for the challenge, Charles. It's all about pushing each other to be better."

Woodson: (nodding in agreement) "Absolutely. Keep bringing the heat."

McCarthy: (blowing his whistle) "Alright, let's wrap it up. Good work today, everyone."

As we all huddled up I noticed Brett was missing and I thought about the major criticism of me in the past, not being a good leader, not having the charisma and I needed to change that. 

Rodgers: (raising his voice to ensure everyone can hear) "Alright, listen up, everyone!"

The team quiets down, and all eyes turn towards Rodgers. He takes a deep breath, his face serious but filled with determination.

Rodgers: (speaking with conviction) "We've had a great practice today. We're trying out new things, pushing each other, and getting better every day. But I need to tell you something important."

Rodgers: (looking around at his teammates) "We're not just here to practice. We're here to build something special. It's about more than just running plays and hitting targets. It's about developing a winner's mentality. A mentality that says we're going to be the most physical team on the field. That we're going to outwork, outthink, and outplay every opponent we face."

Rodgers: (pausing for emphasis, making eye contact with several key players) "And that starts with how we practice. We need to be relentless. If you make a mistake, don't hang your head. Learn from it, correct it, and move on. Mistakes are part of the game, but it's how we respond to them that defines us."

Rodgers: (his voice growing firmer) "I'm going to be the first one to step up and take the blame when things don't go right. If I make a bad read, if I throw an interception, that's on me. But I need you guys to trust me and focus on your roles. Don't worry about making mistakes. Play with confidence, play with heart, and trust that I've got your back."

Rodgers: (gesturing to the team as a whole) "We're building something here that's bigger than any one of us. We're building a team that plays hard, plays smart, and plays together. We're not just playing to win; we're playing to dominate. So, let's bring that mentality every time we step on the field."

Rodgers: (his tone softening slightly, but still intense) "I know it's not easy. I know the new plays and the changes can be tough. But that's why we're here. To push ourselves beyond our limits and come out stronger on the other side. When we step onto that field, I want us to be the team that every opponent fears. The team that every fan believes in."

Rodgers: (nodding with encouragement) "We've got the talent, we've got the drive, and we've got each other. Let's make every practice count. Let's be the team that shows up every day with the mindset of champions. And remember, I'm here with you every step of the way. Let's go out there and prove that we're ready."

Rodgers: (with a final, motivating smile) "Alright, that's it for today. Get your rest, keep pushing, and let's make this season one to remember."

The team breaks into applause, energized by Rodgers' words. The players begin to disperse, chatting excitedly as they head towards the locker room. Rodgers stands for a moment, watching his teammates with a satisfied nod, knowing he's successfully inspired them to embrace the challenges ahead.