Cheese Curds, 5/23: Aaron Rodgers’ & receivers’ brains drive Packers’ offense

It’s no secret that for years, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been one of the most intelligent and aware players on any football field. Indeed, his ability to know and understand the Packers’ playbook inside and out and his ability to process information quickly allows him to make countless adjustments at the line of scrimmage, read defenses before and during a play, catch opposing teams with too many men on the field, and generally drive the Packers’ offense with great success.

Having receivers who can make these on-the-fly adjustments is a big factor as well, and perhaps that is why Rodgers had such a great connection with Jordy Nelson for so long. However, the Packers apparently felt that Nelson’s physical abilities had deteriorated enough to outweigh his mental acuity, resulting in his release earlier this offseason.

The team’s biggest acquisition this spring is impressing his quarterback early on, though, showing a similar ability to adjust to defenses in just the first few practices of OTAs. Combining Jimmy Graham with Davante Adams — who earned praise from his head coach on Tuesday for being a student of the game — and Randall Cobb should give the team quite the cerebral receiver group once again and hopefully will result in another top-five season for the Packers’ offense.

DeShone Kizer is 'off to really a good start' | Packers.com
That's the comment from OC Joe Philbin, who also discussed his great relationship with Mike McCarthy and how Aaron Rodgers’ brain works even faster now than when Philbin was in Green Bay previously.

Aaron Rodgers on Jimmy Graham: ‘That guy is pretty damn talented’ | Packers Wire
Rodgers may read things quickly, but the QB also has some praise for Graham for the same ability, as well as his physical traits. Here's hoping Graham was just horribly misused in Seattle, which is what several sources around the league have been telling me.

Clay Matthews on Packers’ pass-rushing depth: ‘It’s not that great’ | Packersnews.com
Matthews’ words on Tuesday confirmed what most fans are feeling - that there isn’t much to be excited about right now behind him and Nick Perry on the depth chart. Vince Biegel and Reggie Gilbert will surely be counted on for some big reps this season, particularly if the starters continue to have some issues with injuries.

Here’s what the NFL’s new kickoff rules are and what they mean - SBNation.com
Kickoffs are safer now, but the rule change may also lead to a little more excitement on the play again.

Eagles release inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks - NFL.com
The Packers were reportedly close to a deal with the Eagles to acquire Kendricks for Damarious Randall last summer. Now Kendricks is on the move and Randall is in Cleveland. Could the Packers make a run at signing him? Even with the drafting of Oren Burks and Blake Martinez's big leap forward, it wouldn't be a bad idea.

Dog 'adopts' nine orphaned ducklings at Essex castle - BBC News
Fred is a very good dog!