Aaron Rodgers to practice Thursday; will play Sunday with torn calf muscle *merge*

[FloridaRob]

The got carted off for a phantom injury in his other leg, not the leg with the calf injury. Try and keep up.

same leg he hurt in Tampa. No "phantom" injury nonsense. The best QB in the game does not fake an injury. The haters are amazing with their conspiracy craziness.

 

[KJJ]

Either way they have a balanced offense, we just have to win the battle at the line of scrimmage. Being physical in the secondary will be a bonus, if they want those short passes over the middle, make them pay for it.......and I don't care about penalties. We got 2 strong safeties playing our safety position, least we could use them in a role that they are suited to perform.

We just can't let them do what they are used to doing, or we are just standing in front of the train.

Another concern is the Cowboys running game which has stalled the past few weeks. Murray has looked like a tired back since his 179 yard performance vs the Bears in week 14 his rushing average has taken a pretty good dip. He's only had one 100 yard game in his last four games. Romo went 6 straight games this season with no more than 29 attempts but since that streak ended he's had over 30 attempts in 3 of his last 4 games.

He's having to do more and the last thing the Cowboys want is for him to have to shoulder the load on Sunday. The last time he was forced to do too much on the road in a playoff game was at Minn during the 09 season and it led to 3 turnovers and a blowout loss. The Cowboys have got to get the running game going on Sunday and control the ball keeping Rodgers off the field.

 

[reddyuta]

We should also game plan for Flynn,can't get beat by a backup again.

 

[robert70x7]

Just so we are clear on this (pet peeve of mine).

There are 3 types of strains - I, II, III. A grade I strain can imply that there are some torn muscle fibers (but mostly just stretched/slightly torn), grade II partially torn and grade 3 the belly of the muscle is torn completely. ESPN's report is redundant by saying "Rodgers has a partially torn calf in addition to the strain." It's a Grade II strain at worst. If it were Grade III, he wouldn't be able to walk.

Just my 2 cents - I hate seeing everyone overreact by this. It's not any worse than initially thought and with the off-week he'll be more healed up. The only silver lining of this news, because it has been blown out of proportion, is that he will be playing in the cold.

I liken him playing in the cold to trying to stretch frozen taffy or a frozen rubber band. It all depends how much he warms up and how much medication he takes to get the inflammation down.

 

[KJJ]

Maybe, but the Dallas defense must affect him more.

Naturally if Rodgers is allowed to get comfortable in the pocket even if he's a little off he'll still be effective and make plays. It's been solid defensive performances that have beaten the Packers this season. Rodgers passer rating in the games he lost were 81.5, 88.8, 93.8 and 34.3. His TD to turnover ratio in his 4 losses was 3 to 5.

 

[lostar2009]

so you would rather go against a Rodgers that is 100%? You don't think the injury will affect the game? Part of Rodgers greatness is his way of extending plays. With that part of his game limited, the Cowboys chances just went up significantly. Be thankful he is hurt.[/quote

Thankful he is hurt ? For what ? I dont want my team to take hand outs. I want them to line up and beat the best so at the end of the day they know and they public will know THEY ARE THE BEST.
I bet your one of those guys who always post one of those im worried post. Too scared to see this team play any team that is a legit challenge.

 

[Deep_Freeze]

Another concern is the Cowboys running game which has stalled the past few weeks. Murray has looked like a tired back since his 179 yard performance vs the Bears in week 14 his rushing average has taken a pretty good dip. He's only had one 100 yard game in his last four games. Romo went 6 straight games this season with no more than 29 attempts but since that streak ended he's had over 30 attempts in 3 of his last 4 games.

He's having to do more and the last thing the Cowboys want is for him to have to shoulder the load on Sunday. The last time he was forced to do too much on the road in a playoff game was at Minn during the 09 season and it led to 3 turnovers and a blowout loss. The Cowboys have got to get the running game going on Sunday and control the ball keeping Rodgers off the field.

In saying that, your hoping we will see more of Randle and Dunbar. I just don't see that happening, the coaches will ride Murray til the saddle falls off.

Teams are starting to figure out what we are doing and loading the box. Coming with exotic blitzes to throw us off balance. You can't just go away from what got us here, but you do have to throw them off balance also. We are paying Murray to be on the field as the leagues leading rushing threat, he has to man up and be there. Its up to the coaching staff to regulate his touches cause really, there is no tomorrow if we lose this game.

Its all about balance, and yes, defenses maybe this week will make Romo man up and make plays. He will have to do that to help Murray and help this team. But guess what, if Romo can't do that, does he deserve a ring?

This is where he shows us if he is worthy of the Ring of Honor and the HOF.

 

[mattjames2010]

same leg he hurt in Tampa. No "phantom" injury nonsense. The best QB in the game does not fake an injury. The haters are amazing with their conspiracy craziness.

I thought he was joking at first, but I guess not.

 

[Aven8]

When Rogers went out against Detroit, the momentum all went to Detroit. Flynn couldn't do anything and I thought the Pack might have to come here last week. Then he came back in, and for some reason they did not blitz him one time that I can remember! I was yelling at the TV to blitz the guy!!

Now I know Detroit is not a blitzing team, although it worked against us, and maybe that was because we suck at picking it up, or that they knew they couldn't touch Romo with only 4, who know's?

I do know, just like Risen said, I want to see those A gap blitzes, and not the send the corner from left field that takes all day. Rogers will simply stand there and throw a dart to the open man!

 

[perrykemp]

When Rogers went out against Detroit, the momentum all went to Detroit. Flynn couldn't do anything and I thought the Pack might have to come here last week. Then he came back in, and for some reason they did not blitz him one time that I can remember! I was yelling at the TV to blitz the guy!!

Now I know Detroit is not a blitzing team, although it worked against us, and maybe that was because we suck at picking it up, or that they knew they couldn't touch Romo with only 4, who know's?

I do know, just like Risen said, I want to see those A gap blitzes, and not the send the corner from left field that takes all day. Rogers will simply stand there and throw a dart to the open man!

Good analysis.

Question is, good luck or not, how often do you want to blitz Rogers and leave Carr one-on-one with Nelson streaking down the field?

Its certainly think it's something they should try, however, almost universally the teams the beat GB this year where the ones (Detroit, Seattle, Buffalo) who rushed 4, dropped 7 and playing two high safeties.

 

[pugilist]

Just so we are clear on this (pet peeve of mine).

There are 3 types of strains - I, II, III. A grade I strain can imply that there are some torn muscle fibers (but mostly just stretched/slightly torn), grade II partially torn and grade 3 the belly of the muscle is torn completely. ESPN's report is redundant by saying "Rodgers has a partially torn calf in addition to the strain." It's a Grade II strain at worst. If it were Grade III, he wouldn't be able to walk.

Just my 2 cents - I hate seeing everyone overreact by this. It's not any worse than initially thought and with the off-week he'll be more healed up. The only silver lining of this news, because it has been blown out of proportion, is that he will be playing in the cold.

I liken him playing in the cold to trying to stretch frozen taffy or a frozen rubber band. It all depends how much he warms up and how much medication he takes to get the inflammation down.

i would like to add that there is also a significantly higher probability / risk of injuring the strain further (say to a more severe grade II or, god forbid, a grade III) if it is not FULLY healed, and I imagine that it will not be by Sunday.

disclaimer: I am not in any way, shape, or form wishing for this to happen to Rodgers, I am just pointing out that playing on it while not fully healed yields a very high risk of injuring it worse

 

[5Stars]

When Rogers went out against Detroit, the momentum all went to Detroit. Flynn couldn't do anything and I thought the Pack might have to come here last week. Then he came back in, and for some reason they did not blitz him one time that I can remember! I was yelling at the TV to blitz the guy!!

Now I know Detroit is not a blitzing team, although it worked against us, and maybe that was because we suck at picking it up, or that they knew they couldn't touch Romo with only 4, who know's?

I do know, just like Risen said, I want to see those A gap blitzes, and not the send the corner from left field that takes all day. Rogers will simply stand there and throw a dart to the open man!

You are quoting Risen? How embarrassing. Hmmm, I need to rethink my thoughts about you after that.

 

[Aven8]

Good analysis.

Question is, good luck or not, how often do you want to blitz Rogers and leave Carr one-on-one with Nelson streaking down the field?

Its certainly think it's something they should try, however, almost universally the teams the beat GB this year where the ones (Detroit, Seattle, Buffalo) who rushed 4, dropped 7 and playing two high safeties.

I don't want to blitz anymore then usual. I just want to get there and make Rogers have to move off his spot. We couldn't get any pressure on Stafford last week, which got them to an early 14-0 lead.

I think the Dline rotation is paying dividends, just like it did in the 90's, as our pass rush get's stronger in the 4th quarter. If we don't get to Rogers early however it might be too late. I just don't want to see a game like the Romo muffed snap in Seattle years ago, where we played a secondary that stunk, and had guys off the street and we refused to throw the ball!

No regrets, there is no tomorrow, don't hold back!

 

[5Stars]

i would like to add that there is also a significantly higher probability / risk of injuring the strain further (say to a more severe grade II or, god forbid, a grade III) if it is not FULLY healed, and I imagine that it will not be by Sunday.

disclaimer: I am not in any way, shape, or form wishing for this to happen to Rodgers, I am just pointing out that playing on it while not fully healed yields a very high risk of injuring it worse

I wonder also how tentative Rodgers will be while worrying about finishing the game?

 

[Aven8]

You are quoting Risen? How embarrassing. Hmmm, I need to rethink my thoughts about you after that.

lol, notice I only quoted him in my post, I didn't do it the traditional way like I am here!!

 

[KJJ]

In saying that, your hoping we will see more of Randle and Dunbar. I just don't see that happening, the coaches will ride Murray til the saddle falls off.

Teams are starting to figure out what we are doing and loading the box. Coming with exotic blitzes to throw us off balance. You can't just go away from what got us here, but you do have to throw them off balance also. We are paying Murray to be on the field as the leagues leading rushing threat, he has to man up and be there. Its up to the coaching staff to regulate his touches cause really, there is no tomorrow if we lose this game.

Its all about balance, and yes, defenses maybe this week will make Romo man up and make plays. He will have to do that to help Murray and help this team. But guess what, if Romo can't do that, does he deserve a ring?

This is where he shows us if he is worthy of the Ring of Honor and the HOF.

I'm not saying any of that you're reading things into my comments that aren't there. Of course you don't go away from what got you here and Murray is a big part of what's gotten the Cowboys here. I'm just pointing out that he looks tired and that the Cowboys need a big game out of him on Sunday. It's no time to rest him this is a playoff game they should have rested him after he broke Emmitt's record in the season finale. It didn't make any sense to play him as long as they did with the division title wrapped up. Murray has a long way to go regardless of how he plays on Sunday for a ROH or HOF induction. We need him to step up on Sunday so Romo doesn't have to shoulder most of the load. The Cowboys can ill afford to get behind and have Romo have to air it out all day it's bound to lead to some mistakes.

 

[5Stars]

lol, notice I only quoted him in my post, I didn't do it the traditional way like I am here!!

I would not mention him in any post of mine that is for sure! That dude is off/on with this team at any point in time depending on how he feels at any moment.

When a poster always proclaims that "I am never wrong"...even when he is wrong most of the time and never admits it, I never recognize anything he says.

 

[TheCount]

same leg he hurt in Tampa. No "phantom" injury nonsense. The best QB in the game does not fake an injury. The haters are amazing with their conspiracy craziness.

If you can't work up a little vitriol for an opponent on playoff week, you should take up fandom of another sport - like curling.

Rodgers is faking. Lacy's dreads are actually a wig. Clay Matthews wears ladies underwear - he says they're more comfortable.

 

[Deep_Freeze]

I'm not saying any of that you're reading things into my comments that aren't there. Of course you don't go away from what got you here and Murray is a big part of what's gotten the Cowboys here. I'm just pointing out that he looks tired and that the Cowboys need a big game out of him on Sunday. It's no time to rest him this is a playoff game they should have rested him after he broke Emmitt's record in the season finale. It didn't make any sense to play him as long as they did with the division title wrapped up. Murray has a long way to go regardless of how he plays on Sunday for a ROH or HOF induction. We need him to step up on Sunday so Romo doesn't have to shoulder most of the load. The Cowboys can ill afford to get behind and have Romo have to air it out all day it's bound to lead to some mistakes.

When I mentioned ROH or HOF, I was talking about Romo not Murray.

Murray did lead the league in rushing, of course he's tired. Yeah, they could've rested him more this season, but that's just crying over spilled milk. My point is this, if we want another ring, Romo will have to air it out.......eventually.

 

[Blackspider214]

same leg he hurt in Tampa. No "phantom" injury nonsense. The best QB in the game does not fake an injury. The haters are amazing with their conspiracy craziness.

When did Romo play Tampa this year? I must have missed that.

Rodgers is 100 percent playing this up. It's gamesmanship to its finest. He was carted off the field, yet rode up front. And he comes running back onto the field. Then he calls his own number for a QB run. He even waited for the right time to come sprinting out the tunnel. He's a d-bag just like he was at Cal.

Oh but now he's supposedly injured again? Give me a break.

Romo has had back procedures and a very messed up back and plays every week. No one says anything. Rodgers has a little boo boo on his leg and it's big news. He's ESPN's golden boy.