Cris Collinsworth

I can't remember the last time I even considered answering the question about the NFL's best player with any name other than Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. But, after watching Aaron Rodgers against the Broncos, there is a new name on top of my list.

Tom Brady was the unanimous MVP last year and I was one of the voters. But, as brilliant as Brady continues to be, Rodgers is the Super Bowl champion and is more mobile than Brady. Defensive coordinators have to play Rodgers the way they play Mike Vick -- he's that big of a dual threat.

Last week Rodgers set an NFL record with four touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns. He made one poor decision the entire game. His release is the fastest in the NFL. I found myself repeatedly uttering the phrase, "how do you cover THAT?"

It certainly helps to have great weapons, which Rodgers does. The return of tight end Jermichael Finley has made the Packers' offense almost unstoppable. The Packers are flanking three receivers to one side and Finley to the other. Defensively you have to choose between single covering Finley — which is impossible — single covering three wide receivers that are as good as any group of receivers in the NFL, or playing eight guys in coverage and watching Rodgers run. Not a pleasant choice.

Video   PFT Live: Favre slams Aaron Rodgers Oct. 5, 2011: Mike Florio discusses Brett Favre's inability to stay out of the spotlight, speaking out against current Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers only have one vulnerability and that is at tackle. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga is hurt and Marshall Newhouse has replaced him. Newhouse needed a lot of help against the Broncos. At left tackle Chad Clifton is still playing well but has a history of injuries and is not getting any younger. The bad news for the rest of the league is that top draft choice Derek Sherrod, who failed at guard, appears to be getting MUCH better at tackle in the few plays I saw him last week.

Plus, running back James Starks, who played so well in the playoffs, appears to be even better this year. He ran like a tank against the Broncos, but also showed some patience and understanding of the scheme I didn't see last year.

However, the Packers' defense is not playing as well this year. They miss pass rusher Cullen Jenkins and safety Nick Collins, but Clay Matthews continues to play like the best defender in the NFL. For a modest sized linebacker he is quick, powerful, and relentless. He is Troy Polamalu at 250 pounds.

I picked the Packers and the Patriots in the Super Bowl. I'm not too smart, but it is easy to pick the NFL's best two players to play on the NFL's biggest stage. NBC has the Super Bowl this year and I am already excited about the possibility of watching those two quarterbacks put on a show unlike any we have ever seen before.