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GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -Three years is forever in football.
But that's how long Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers had to wait before getting their shot at starting in the NFL. Now both young quarterbacks will lead 2-0 teams into Lambeau Field on Sunday for a prime-time showcase that represents another big step for Rodgers and a homecoming for Romo.
The Cowboys beat the Packers at Texas Stadium last year. But Rodgers nearly led the Packers to a comeback victory after Brett Favre struggled and was injured, showing that he just might be a viable successor to the wily ol' riverboat gambler.
"I think last year, he was going to be a good quarterback," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said of Rodgers. "And this year, he is."
The Packers' decision to end the prolonged distraction caused by Favre's unretirement saga by trading him to the New York Jets was a painful way to start training camp. The ordeal left fans stamping their feet and scratching their heads - but not for long. Rodgers' play in the first two games has given second-guessers very little to criticize.
Rodgers is gradually playing his way out of Favre's shadow in a style more akin to sound financial planning than high-stakes poker. Rodgers strives for efficiency and consistency, showing an ability to make big plays when possible but taking care of the ball above all.
His record so far: four touchdowns, zero interceptions, two wins. Rodgers even threw in a few scrambles for first downs along the way, adding a new dimension to the Packers' offense.
And he's not dwelling on his big moment in Dallas last year.
"That was last year," Rodgers said. "We've moved on."
Romo, meanwhile, grew up in Wisconsin looking up to Favre. And it shows.
Romo's freewheeling ways - on and off the field - and aw-shucks persona make him far more Favre-like than the man who actually replaced the three-time MVP.
The numbers are there, too. Romo is coming off a 312-yard performance in a victory over Philadelphia on Monday night, with three touchdowns, an interception and a fumble.
"He doesn't get rattled," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "That's obviously very important. Just in the game Monday night, he had a couple bumps in the road and responded very positively. He gives them a chance every time he's under center, and that's what you're looking for in your quarterback."
