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First impressions

I just watched my first Packers practice. Here are my thoughts.

Aaron Rodgers has one of the best arms I have ever seen. I knew he was good, but I didn’t know he was this good. Up close, his physical skills are eye-popping. I haven’t covered a quarterback that can throw a football with the skill I saw tonight since I covered Terry Bradshaw. I was also impressed by how powerfully built he is, especially in his lower body. He’s got it all.

As I expected, Derek Sherrod stepped right in at guard. Why not? It worked for Jonathan Ogden in his rookie season. For a natural left tackle, playing inside shouldn’t be a problem.

Ray Nitschke Field is a fabulous facility.

The Packers aren’t an especially big team. They are clearly built for the new-school game, which is pass the ball, defend the pass, not run the ball, stop the run.

Donald Driver looked sharp.

Ryan Grant is coming off a right ankle injury, so it was good to see Grant stick his right foot in the ground and make a sharp cut up field on what was Grant’s best run of the night.

The evening temperatures were comfortable and the fans made for a plesant backdrop to a perfect evening.