Sunday night’s game between the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos dispelled all of the expert’s predictions and analyses of the game in 2015. Defense is now secondary as offense dominates the game. If that is true, why were the Packers embarrassed by the Broncos on Sunday night?

The problem with today’s sports media is that they haven’t been around long enough to have witnessed the truly great players, and the game which was far more physical and challenging. They have anointed Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers as the ‘greatest quarterbacks of all time’ because they never witnessed the best.

The final score of 29-10 is not indicative of Denver’s dominance. Aaron Rodgers appeared to be an average quarterback, unable to rally his team. The Bronco’s defense owned Green Bay. Denver’s running game kept the Packer’s defense confused as a vintage Peyton Manning found receivers open in Green Bay’s secondary.

The primary reason Peyton Manning should be labeled the greatest quarterback of all time is because he is the only complete quarterback playing the game today. Throughout his career he has engineered his offenses. He reads defenses and calls plays accordingly. Although he may not always have the best personnel, he analyses his opponents and finds their weakness.

The remainder of today’s quarterbacks have the game decided for them. Each play is determined by someone on the sidelines, not on the field. They couldn’t exist in the past. Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach and others were given game plans, but the majority of decisions on the field were their responsibility. Before their time Sammy Baugh, Y.A. Tittle, Otto Graham and others were expected to not only use their talent, but their intellect to win games.

Today’s inexperienced broadcasters have no knowledge of the history of the game. In addition, they don’t actually watch the games; they see highlights, and are given a synopsis of the events by assistants. Nearly every ‘expert’ makes the claim that Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time and Aaron Rodgers as the second.

The truth is that if Brady played for the Cleveland Browns his rating would be ‘good.’ Like him or not, Bill Belichick is the greatest coach of all time, and his game plans are responsible for Brady’s success. In games when the offensive line is not effective, and Brady is frequently sacked or physically pummeled, his ability becomes greatly diminished.

Today’s offenses depend on the talents of the head coach and the offensive coordinator. Quarterbacks have the responsibility of calling the prescribed play, and finding an open receiver; little more.

Last night’s game is indicative and proof that great defenses can still win games. Aaron Rodgers didn’t have the time to be effective, while his receivers were well covered. Denver knocked down passes at the line when they couldn’t get to Rodgers. It was ‘throwback’ football. It was the type of game which dominated the NFL before rule changes gave the advantage to the offense.

Being an ‘old fart,’ I loved it!

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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Photo Courtesy of Shea Huening

Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/By-James-turnage/e/B00LOCJ2Z2