Cheese Curds, 12/11: On Aaron Rodgers' leadership and Packers' punting strategy

Quarterbacks are often called "field generals", figuratively leading their troops into battle each Sunday (or Monday, or Thursday). However, the leadership aspect of the position sometimes gets under-emphasized in favor of other qualities such as arm strength, accuracy, or other more visible attributes.

Normally, football analysis, especially here at Acme Packing Company, is focused on results on the field. Today, however, we have an excellent piece in the curds that dives into Aaron Rodgers' leadership qualities and his innate drive to push himself and others to achieve success.

So while you're watching Sunday's game between the Packers and Cowboys, spend a minute or two thinking about what things Rodgers might have done during the week, in the locker room, or in conversations with teammates on the sidelines, and see if you can translate any of that to the team's play on the field.

How Aaron Rodgers Saved the Packers | Bleacher Report
Stop whatever you're doing and read this article on Rodgers from Mike Freeman. We think we know what kind of a quarterback we have, but this piece gives an even better perspective on the kind of leader he is and the issues he (and the team) have been dealing with on offense.

Quietly, Sam Shields doing his job | Packers.com
From Calvin Johnson on to Dez Bryant, Shields keeps drawing the toughest assignment in the secondary. Shields notes that he does not engage in trash-talk with the vocal Bryant, however, saving his energy instead to focus on covering him.

Packers punter Tim Masthay working to give shanked punts the boot | JSOnline.com
Although Masthay has mis-hit a few punts this year, there's a strategy in place between him and Ron Zook that focuses less on hang-time and distance and more on reducing the likelihood of a big return.

Green Bay Packers had a plan when they ran out of backup linemen - ESPN
That plan involved long-snapper Brett Goode serving as the emergency center in case another lineman (pretty much anywhere on the line) had gone down, as JC Tretter likely would have shifted out to cover the other spot.

Cowboys beware, Julius Peppers shows knack for forcing fumbles | 247sports.com
Although Peppers has played on both sides of the line this season, he seems to be at his most effective on the right, when he can rush the quarterback's blind side and go for the football.

Vikings vs. Cardinals 2015 final score: Arizona holds on to beat Minnesota, 23-20 - SBNation.com
Despite being well within Blair Walsh's range, the Vikings chose to run one more play to get a little extra yardage. Instead, Dwight Freeney stripped Teddy Bridgewater of the football, and the Cardinals killed the clock. This result gives the Packers a half-game lead on Minnesota, but keeps them two-and-a-half games behind the Cardinals for the #2 seed.