Up and Coming: Aaron Rodgers Subs for Injured Brett Favre

Nov. 29, 2007 – Dallas’ cornerback Nathan Jones does more than knock Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre from the game. He provides an opportunity for Packers fans to glimpse the future. Aaron Rodgers receives the first extended playing time of his career after Favre separates his left shoulder when hit by Jones in the second quarter of a 37-27 loss to the Cowboys. Rodgers directs three scoring drives and throws the first TD pass of his professional career—an 11-yarder to receiver Greg Jennings—to pull Green Bay to within 27-24 in the third quarter. The third-year quarterback completes 18 of 26 passes for 201 yards with no interceptions to earn a rating of 104.8.  “Aaron gave us a chance,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy says. “He got us back in the football game. We didn’t deviate from the game plan with him. We stayed with our plan.”