THE DROP-BACK: Wednesday September 22 - rodgers and co can 'relax' for a week

packers

​After a horrible loss in Week One, just as I predicted (not to brag), Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers bounced back in a huge division win against the Detroit Lions. While many people started to wonder aloud whether Rodgers "had it" any longer, was "mentally retired," etc. Rodgers is more than happy to shut everyone up for at least a week. 

Aaron Rodgers in postgame presser: “I think we maybe tried to show that we cared a little bit more tonight.” And later, when asked to elaborate on that: “I just think people like to say a lot of bullshit, and it’s nice to come back in here after a game like that.”

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) September 21, 2021

patriots

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones has been somewhat effective in the first two weeks of his professional career, but much of that is thanks to short throws. Is Jones struggling to move the ball downfield? Not so fast, he says. "I wouldn't say that. I think it goes back to just me sticking to my rules, and there's sometimes when the defense takes plays away, and that's why we play. I mean, they are good on defense, too. At the same time, I feel like you take the three or four plays, or whatever it may be, whether it is in practice or a game, and you re-watch them, and you're like, 'OK, I probably could've thrown that one.'' 

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels also said there are no training wheels on Jones. "It’s not like he’s not throwing downfield … It’s just there’s certain times when it’s the right time to do it and certain times where it’s not. And I’ve got to continue to work hard myself to try to provide our offense with opportunities to do that if it presents itself."

lions

After swapping quarterbacks this offseason, the Detroit Lions are 0-2 and probably not where they want to be. New QB Jared Goff agrees with this but is also optimistic. (For what it's worth, he played better than I thought he would last night, at least in the first half.) "I believe in the guys we have here. I believe in Dan. I believe in the staff...We believe this is a new regime and a new energy in the building. It's still early. Obviously, 0-2 is not where we want to be, but a lot of room to improve and a lot of wins to be had down the line."

steelers

​Stop me if you've heard this before, but Ben Roethlisberger is injured. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that Roethlisberger is dealing with a pectoral injury. There is no word yet on whether it will affect his status for Week Three's game, but it's something to watch throughout practices this week.

#Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has a left pec injury. Coach Mike Tomlin says it will affect his preparation ability - and "We'd better be ready to be adjustable."

— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) September 21, 2021

49ers

The San Francisco 49ers haven't lost a game yet, and they also haven't started their rookie QB yet. They don't need to, but I've been telling you that for weeks now. Starter Jimmy Garoppolo is doing just fine, and head coach Kyle Shanahan has said all summer that he looks the best he's ever seen him. This week's compliment: Garoppolo's footwork. "He can sit there flat-footed and just throw completely from his core with the way his upper body turns and the way his hip turns. He can make almost every throw. But Jimmy, as far as his footwork, I think his is the most consistent, he best he's been at it since I've been with him."

- other notes -

• Davis Mills will make his first start on Thursday night. Tyrod Taylor​ is out with a hamstring injury.
• Vikings sign Sean Mannion​ to 53-man roster.