GREEN BAY, Wis. — Aaron Rodgers shrugged off a shaky beginning as Brett Favre's replacement.

In his first start for the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers delivered a pair of scoring drives and a handful of highlights in a 20-17 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last night in the preseason opener for both teams.

The Packers definitively handed Rodgers the keys to one of the NFL's best offenses after trading Favre to the New York Jets last week — ending an ugly, monthlong divorce with one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

Rodgers didn't show many signs of nerves in his first step out of Favre's shadow. The Bengals tagged Rodgers for an early interception off of a deflected pass, but he recovered to complete 9 of 15 throws for 117 yards and a touchdown.

Rodgers was greeted warmly by fans before the game.

"I've always felt like we have the best fans in the NFL, and that they would support our team, regardless of how they feel about myself, or Brett, or management or whatever," Rodgers said.

Rodgers left the game after the first quarter, with the Packers leading 10-0.