Mike and Ted's Excellent Adventure

On this final day of 2008, it is a time for reflection.

OK...enough of that. Let's get on with it.

For the 2008 Packers, 2008 was definitely an adventure. It began, as we recall all too well, with the soap opera that became the Brett Favre retirement - non-retirement fiasco. As it turned out, it sure looks as if Packers GM Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy made the right call in establishing Aaron Rodgers as the quarterback for the future. He performed well in his first year, better than many if not most expected. And Ol' #4 did a fade at the end of the season for the Jets. He cost the Jets a playoff spot and cost the Packers a second round draft pick. We love the guy, but Mike and Ted made the right call on perhaps the most important personnel move they will ever make.

As to how the 2008 season ended for the Packers, not great. Disappointing in so many respects. We all know the gory details and no need to belabor them at this point.

But as to what might lie ahead, you might be interested to hear some of what Thompson said as the guest on last night's episode of the Mike McCarthy Show. You can read all about it here. Bottom line: don't expect Thompson to change. And, perhaps, where teams, owners and general managers around the league often seem to be flailing about with no direction, at least we know where this ship is going. We had rough waters to navigate this year, no doubt. But Thompson and McCarthy both seem to believe in their program.

We'll see what next year brings. My guess is it will be a heckuva lot better than this season. That won't take much, granted. But still...

Happy New Year, Packer fans! Here's to a super 2009 season!