Aaron Rodgers no longer has his two favorite targets on the field and is now trying to build chemistry with his remaining offensive weapons. With Donald Driver and Greg Jennings long gone, players like tight end Jermichael Finley are forced to step up. As training camp continues, Rodgers is liking what he sees.
Finley's career has not always been smooth in Green Bay. He struggled last season on things like run blocking and dropped passes. Coming in as undersized, Finley has added 10 pounds in the offseason, helping him become better overall in his position.
"His size has helped him," tight end coach Jerry Fontenot said via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He's stronger and is able to finish better. But he's still got a ways to go as far as technique."
Overall, Finley has had an extremely productive offseason and training camp, working to become one of Rodgers' favorite new targets. The two have put in plenty of work together and Rodgers believes things are finally starting to click for the tight end.
"He's been running his routes really well," Rodgers said. "Something clicked last year midseason ... and it's carried over this spring. He's got himself in unbelievable shape, and he's come in and been dominating out there. I'm really proud of him and the steps he's made."
Finley's athleticism has never been questioned, but his ability to be an all-around tight end and consistent in his position has hurt him over the years. Finley's best overall year came in 2011 when he put up 767 yards and eight touchdowns. He has a real opportunity this year to be very productive with Jennings and Driver out of the picture. He will now battle the likes of James Jones and Randall Cobb for Rodger's attention.
Rodgers understands the team dynamic is different this season without the two veterans. The receiving corps lacks a heavy amount of experience, but can still bring a lot of success to the team in 2013.
"Not having those two and a good friend of mine, Charles Woodson, who I played with for a long time just like those guys-that's different," Rodgers said to USA Today. "So, we're a different football team. Lacking a little in the experience part, but making up for it in the talent and the young guys that we brought in."
Finley is entering a contract season so building trust with Rodgers will be very important for the tight end. If he can put up numbers like 2011, he could be in for a nice pay raise and an extension in the offseason.
