Fans as G.M.

It's been a long time since I've sat down to watch a Packer game and really have no idea what might happen on the field. 

Prior to Brett coming on the scene in 1992 - there were several years with Don Majkowski - and while Majik wasn't the greatest quarterback in the league I knew he would work hard, throw it to Sterling Sharpe and Ed West and try to pull a rabbit out of his hat.

When Favre started his long consecutive game streak at the end of that September, I knew Favre would rifle the ball around - Sharpe, Brooks, Rison, Ferguson, Driver, Jennings - he would also likely rifle some right into the hands of the defense each time out.  It was a little nerve-wracking to watch, but Favre was the best quarterback the Packers had since Bart Starr and one of the elite in the NFL.

Favre's down-home, southern personality went over big in Wisconsin (at least until the bitter post-retirement thing), and while we might tear out hair over some interceptions... more often than not the heart-stopping, never-say-die action was a thrill to watch each week.

Aaron Rodgers takes fewer chances than Favre, but he is an amazing QB.  Like Favre, he's won a Super Bowl. like Favre he wants another ring.  A-Rod has been great and hopefully his collarbone will heal up and he can finish out the season with a team still in playoff contention.

That's what makes today so interesting.

How will the team respond to the new man under center?

Will the defense go into "beast mode" and tie the Eagles to their perch?

Will the O-line unleash the hounds and shoo the birds downfield in the face of the dynamic running duel of Lacy and Starks?

Will Seneca Wallace complete a down-field pass? 

I think the answer is yes.  It's yes because Mike McCarthy is an innovative and confident coach who seems to have his fingers on the pulse of his team.  And, it's yes because Ted Thompson stays on track with his plan in handling personnel.

Twice I've heard Thompson address Packer shareholders and it's impressive how much better he became in addressing that crowd.  He's also impressive because he truly plans his work and works his plan.

Fans, however, want splashy moves for "big" names.  We want the high-priced free agent to get brought in to save the day.  I think we always will want that kind of thing.

But, I have to admit Ted spends a lot more time and a lot more resources (scouts, data analysis, coaches, etc) and knows a heck of a lot more about the Packer team and other prospective players than I ever will. 

Some fans will never be satisfied, thinking unless we win a Super Bowl every year that the season is a waste.  I want to see my team win - but as a fan who dreamt about .500 seasons for a bunch of years - I'm amazed at the consistent quality brought about by Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson.

Seneca may not be the answer.  He might not even be a short-term answer at quarterback.  But there are lots of good reasons he is in the position he is right now and its time to give him a chance to show what he can do.

Somewhat related to this is an experience I had while a reporter in South Dakota.  I had an interview with Governor Bill Janklow.  I went into his office with my camera to set it up, wired him up with a microphone, and we did the interview.  As we finished, he pointed to a stack of papers on his desk.  They were from prisoners in the state prisons asking for clemency.  He asked me what I thought he should do. 

I don't recall my exact response, and I'm sure it was not as clear and concise as I'd like to imagine, but it was along the lines of that was part of what came with the responsibilities of being Governor.

A football General Manager is a little bit like that... we think we could handle a draft, negotiate with free agents, not go over the salary cap, get the team to win today and in the years to come... but more than likely we would be politely (or not so politely) asked to leave within a few months.

Go Seneca and let's go, Pack!