DaytonDailyNews.com

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Before he joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006, wide receiver Antonio Chatman was a Green Bay Packer for three years (2003-05). So he knows quarterback Aaron Rodgers well.

Rodgers, the 24th overall selection in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft, spent three years in Brett Favre's shadow. Now he's entrenched as the Packers' starting quarterback in the wake of Favre's trade to the New York Jets.

"When I was there, Aaron Rodgers was a good guy and he was well respected," Chatman said. "He's real good for the job."

Rodgers completed 9 of 15 passes for 117 yards, one TD, an interception, and got sacked twice in Monday night's preseason opener against the Bengals.

He staked the Packers to a 10-0 lead that evaporated quickly.

Lineup changes

Chatman, tailback Kenny Watson, right defensive end Jonathan Fanene and strong-side linebacker Darryl Blackstock started in place of the injured T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring), Rudi Johnson (hamstring), Antwan Odom (foot) and Rashad Jeanty (leg).

Fullback Jeremi Johnson, strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe, free safety Herana-Daze Jones, cornerback Ethan Kilmer and linebacker Dan Howell did not play because of injuries.

Packer scratches

Cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Al Harris, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, tailback Ryan Grant, linebacker Desmond Bishop and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila were among 12 Packers who did not play.

TV cameras

ESPN's broadcast crew — Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Ron Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser (analysts), and Suzy Kolber (sideline reporter) — concentrated heavily on Green Bay.

But the microphone maniacs didn't ignore the Bengals. Before the game, Kolber was making plans to interview Chad Johnson, Carson Palmer and Dhani Jones at some point during the game.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.