Firing McCarthy? Not the Answer for the Packers

"Not very good," said Aaron Rodgers in January of 2015. He was being recounted of the lack of production his offense sustained in two crucial drives in the fourth quarter following a loss to Seattle in the NFC Championship Game. Two drives that totaled five runs and one pass for a sub-total of negative six yards and an incompletion. "When you do that, that's how you lose games."

Mike McCarthy was finishing his ninth season as the Packers' head coach with his third NFC Championship Game appearance, and after Green Bay failed to maintain a two-score lead in the fourth quarter, it would also be his last to this very day. It may have arguably been where the ties between McCarthy and Packer fans everywhere grew sour.

Now, almost two years later, the Packers sit at 4-4, only the third time in McCarthy's 11-year career as the head honcho in Green Bay that the team has started off their season with that record. The two other times were Rodgers' first couple of years as the starting signal-caller, 2008 and 2009. 2008, McCarthy's group finished 6-10, which would prove to be his only losing season with the Packers for the next eight years and counting. 2009, however, yielded a different result. The Packers snuck into the playoffs on the road, only to lose an overtime heartbreaker in Arizona.

The relevance of those past seasons in 2016? Minuscule. But, nevertheless, McCarthy has leverage to fall back on.

Any head coach wouldn't see very many dismal seasons with someone such as Rodgers under center, but having generational talent at his disposal doesn't work against McCarthy, either. It isn't his fault the Packers made the move in the 2005 NFL Draft to select Rodgers at 24th overall before McCarthy even arrived in Green Bay. On the flipside, McCarthy was in San Francisco when the 49ers went in Alex Smith's direction instead.

Since taking over in Green Bay, McCarthy has recorded the second-highest winning percentage among active coaches with 100-plus wins under their belt. Behind only Bill Belichick, whose Patriots have enjoyed 194 wins in his tenure, which began in 2000. That's 194 wins through 17 seasons with the Patriots. Meanwhile, McCarthy's 108 wins through just 11 seasons with his club puts him on pace to shatter Belichick's record and winning percentage, which is currently .669. (Don't tell Rob Gronkowski that.)

Despite his  8-7 coaching record in the playoffs with the Packers, his 15 playoff games rank third for most amongst active coaches. Andy Reid, who has maintained a steadily active coaching career since 1999, has seen 22. No one touches Belichick at 33, but McCarthy and the Packers will likely add to their totals at the culmination of the 2016 campaign. His efforts to consistently puts the Packers in place for success is displayed through a 1.7 average division finish, tying him with Belichick's Patriots. That means his teams are usually the lead dog by the end of the season.

It's a business, and it's a rough one. Fans aren't spoiled, but with the excellence the franchise has portrayed through the last two decades, it's perfectly justifiable to hold the expectations that they do.

Through the course of 2015, many factors attributed to the team's sporadic season that eventually ended with the usual disappointment. Despite this, McCarthy helped engineer the Packers to a 10-6 record and into the playoffs once more. The following season, the stakes have never been higher. 

Jordy Nelson was returning, and all was supposed to be well for the Packers. Many predicted from what could've been an undefeated season to a 14-2 finish. By week 10, the Packers have twice as many losses and agitation is clear. Much of the blame has been placed on McCarthy, but Rodgers, in a stunning turn of events, has been straying from his usual formidable self. 

On a box score, you can hardly tell a difference between 2016 and 2015 through this first stretch of games. Nevertheless, what a box score won't account for are the errant throws Rodgers has made through the course of the last eight games. Specifically against the Colts just last weekend, there was a clear desire to connect on the deep ball - and they almost did, had it not been for a botched catch attempt on a part of Jeff Janis. The underneath routes were there, including Davante Adams and Nelson winning a majority of their one-on-one battles. Rodgers just never looked their way.

There may be a discussion that has yet to be had between Rodgers and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, which would be more of a coaching issue than it would be McCarthy not supplying Rodgers with the proper talent. Despite a battered, weakened roster with holes at several spots due to just being on the unlucky side of the injury bug, McCarthy has helped commandeer the Packers through the first half of the season with the second half awaiting. 

An argument can even be made that Ted Thompson, the man upstairs in the front office, doesn't do much to help his head coach.

Years have passed where Thompson has banked on his "Draft and Develop" philosophy, and for the most part, it has paid off. It does, however, put him at higher risk for failure. Rather than recklessly throwing out millions and millions of dollars, Thompson sticks with what he knows in scouting the future talent of his team. In the meantime, McCarthy, defensive coordinator Dom Capers and cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt Jr. strategize and decipher how to get around as a sufficient pass defense without three of their starting cornerbacks. Servicing at the position has yet to be seen from Thompson.

The Packers may have even needed the help at running back, but rather than extending Knile Davis' audition in Green Bay, it seemed more viable to relocate Ty Montgomery, a wideout, to his new position as a tailback. Not that the experiment has been a complete failure, but a less than optimal scenario to be in.

Calling to fire McCarthy halfway through the season while the team sits at .500 is asinine. Some may disagree, but, calling for the firing of the head coach who has been renowned as one of the best play-callers in the league up to this point is a sign of quitting. It's a sign of packing in the season (at 4-4, and again, it's bizarre that this has to even be reminded of some people) and preparing for the tumultuous offseason ahead. It'll be an offseason that features many expiring contracts, and depending on how the Packers cap off 2016, a possible swapping of power in the front office.

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

NFL Categories: 
0 points
 

Comments (45)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
zoellner25's picture

November 09, 2016 at 08:06 pm

Thought it was a "what have you done for me lately" league, and lately, MM's team has grossly underachieved.

0 points
0
0
Chad Lundberg's picture

November 09, 2016 at 09:00 pm

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT'S MOST FRUSTRATING OF ALL! Mike McCarthy has one of the most talented teams in the entire NFL, yet somehow he manages to underachieve and refuses to win key games at all costs. There's at least 10 other coaches in the NFL right now that would have learned enough by to put and end to all these repetitive failures and mistakes! Even when we go 10-6 or 11-5, it always feels like we should have won a few more and it especially feels like there should have been at least 1 more Super Bowl by now.

McCarthy doesn't adjust his formula to talented players he has, he tries to adjust the talented players he has to his formula, and after 10 years, he still hasn't learned.

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

November 09, 2016 at 08:24 pm

Unless something exceptional happens McCarthy is getting to at least the end of the season to figure it out. If they finish 8-8 or worse I think there is some chance he's out. Maybe not a huge one. However the way things have been going since week 6 last season, I have very little confidence McCarthy's going to fix it.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

November 10, 2016 at 07:38 am

In-season changes rarely work. Who would be the HC? Probably Dom Capers as NOBODY else on the staff has HC experience that would allow them to be a credible promotion at this point. Bringing in a HC from the outside would be nigh unto impossible for many reasons. Firing a HC mid-stream would be a desperation move on the part of management and players know that.

You're right: MM's going to get at least 8 more games. Short of a house-cleaning in GB, likely more than that.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

November 10, 2016 at 09:03 am

Dobber,I agree. Firing McCarthy at this point would not make sense and it's just not how TT operates.As frustrating it is, McCarthy should be allowed the chance to get this turned around. I believe it would take a disastrous season perhaps two before TT would consider replacing MM. There are still 8 games to play and we as fans can only buckle up and go along for the ride.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

November 10, 2016 at 10:06 am

People forget Ray Rhodes's single season as HC in 1999: a team that he lost in the locker room that was reeling from a loss of veteran leadership on defense. A fan base that had high expectations. I'm not sure this team isn't a heck of a lot different. 8-8 was a disastrous season then and it cost Rhodes his job. Who's to say that 8-8 won't be viewed the same way now?

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 10, 2016 at 12:32 pm

I would say in light of the talent, Rodgers and "easy" schedule, 8 - 8 would definitely be disastrous, although after some of the recent losses, maybe not.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

November 10, 2016 at 01:24 pm

Yeah, I guess there is no way to know at this point but yes 8-8 would be quite a step backwards and could force change.

0 points
0
0
Amanofthenorth's picture

November 11, 2016 at 03:40 am

Because MM is busting his ass and RR was playing dominoes

0 points
0
0
bad-y's picture

November 09, 2016 at 08:24 pm

Injuries are certainly to blame for some of the problems this year. The GM can 't know which positions will sustain injuries. The coaches need to adapt the game plan to make the best use of the players available. I don't see that happening consistently. I think one of the biggest problems has to do with the organization of the coaching staff. After the meltdown in Seattle (one of the hardest losses I have witnessed in 45 years of watching the Packers), McCarthy gave play calling to Clements, then took it back later and he promoted Clements and made Bennett the OC. Now they have a head coach, and assistant head coach/offense and an OC. Between the three of them they come up with very little creative game plans. Most of the league has long ago figured out the packers offense, but we are way behind in making changes.

0 points
0
0
Chad Lundberg's picture

November 09, 2016 at 08:56 pm

"...who has been renowned as one of the best play-callers in the league up to this point..."

You lost me there.

0 points
0
0
Sheila Allen's picture

November 09, 2016 at 08:57 pm

I felt at the time of the NFC Championship game it appeared the game was thrown. If not, MM suddenly forgot everything he ever knew about play calling that second half. It appears the latter is true as the game plan has not improved since that time. Is it me or if something new works, it is quickly scrapped?

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 09, 2016 at 09:11 pm

As much as I am frustrated and believe MM has lost this team for all the reasons discussed here over the past few weeks, firing makes no sense. Next 8 games and return of the wounded and especially Cook, will determine how much needs to be changed, starting with the coaching committee. With a veteran QB I am more and more convinced there are too many voices in the room and MM needs to lead or move on.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

November 10, 2016 at 06:35 am

You nailed it Tundraboy, especially with "Too many voices in the room". Bennett was a hell of a WR coach but he falls short as an OC. It's not to say he might not be a good OC one day, but he just hasn't cut it and the Offense hasn't been this bad this long for quite a few years. You can't blame a guy when he has NO RB, and the one he did have who seemed to respond sits on the bench.

Clements was screwed the moment he lost play calling duties. I really believe he's there simply because of Rodgers... AR would have a fit!

I thought Cook would make a difference, but he sure didn't figure much into the game plan at the start which I'm sure was because he missed almost all of TC. Be real interesting what happens when/if he comes back 100%.

On Defense Randall was one of the worst ranked CB in the NFL. Hopefully he looks more like the 2015 version when he's back. Rollins I still think will be the best of the two, he just needs to stay on his damn feet.

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 10, 2016 at 12:36 pm

Thanks NP. I would much prefer to be singing a different tune tho. I'lll settle for Cook playing for rest of year assuming MM uses him fully

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 10, 2016 at 09:21 pm

None of this really matters now but I guess it falls in the category of hindsight but when Clements was relieved of his play-calling duties, and McCarthy took control things improved but only because the team never was really behind the Clements change, other than Rogers. So I think everybody on the team saw through the whole thing after the NFCCG as just basically something that McCarthy had to do to save face. The whole thing with the coaching reassignments never served any purpose other to muddle things further. So who is in charge? MM after committee review with Rodgers overriding at the snap? No wonder there is no consistency from week to week.

0 points
0
0
bjkdad44's picture

November 10, 2016 at 10:23 pm

You all think Cook is a god send????

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 11, 2016 at 01:44 am

BJK - I think Cook needs to be a godsend if we are even going to get to the playoffs. Or, AR has to find his 2011 form.

0 points
0
0
shinglesmcfanny's picture

November 09, 2016 at 09:13 pm

I think the offensive problems lie with Edgar Bennet/ Tom Clements. Defense is all on Capers. Expect them to vacate before Mcarthy does.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

November 09, 2016 at 09:30 pm

"it seemed more viable to relocate Ty Montgomery, a wideout, to his new position as a tailback. Not that the experiment has been a complete failure, but a less than optimal scenario to be in."

Whatever you want to call the "Ty Montgomery Experiment " or describe it, taking him out on Sunday after gains of 24 and 4 yards the first 2 offensive plays and not putting him back on the field until 12:05 of the 2nd quarter is as ASININE as it gets! It's been the best thing to happen to the Packers in the last 18 games.

Firing McCarthy during the season isn't the answer, but the day the season ends for the Packers or the following day at the latest he should go. Aaron Rodgers has the 2nd best winning percentage not McCarthy, McCarthy just gets the credit for it.

I'll never forget the look of utter disbelief and confusion on McCarthy's face when speaking to Tracy going in for halftime. Knowing she'd ask the SAME questions she always asks coaches who's team sucked in the first half McCarthy seem baffled by her question. If Tracy Woodson can confuse him what the hell do you think D- Coordinators can/have been doing. The Packers are 8-10 in the last 18 regular season games and it's getting worse.

Bye Bye Mike!!!!!!!!!!

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

November 10, 2016 at 07:44 am

"hatever you want to call the "Ty Montgomery Experiment " or describe it, taking him out on Sunday after gains of 24 and 4 yards the first 2 offensive plays and not putting him back on the field until 12:05 of the 2nd quarter is as ASININE "

Apparently #88 was on a snap count on Sunday due to his recovery from kidney issues. My issue is that, primarily, either he's in the backfield and the offense is distributing the ball and efficient, or he's not and they play like a bunch of oompa-loompas (overstatement, of course, but play speed slows down). Certainly #18 would be a possibility to put back there, but they sat on him until late. Adams played a little out of the backfield and he looked good at times in that role, too. At least try...

0 points
0
0
pacman's picture

November 09, 2016 at 09:38 pm

Great - so you're suggesting we should keep MM until he runs the team into the ground?

If you start with a losing team, make the playoffs and keep moving up then that's great. But clearly, the Packers have been moving down for the last few years. Some teams would indeed be thrilled if you gave them a coach to make it to the playoffs 7 years in a row. But I'll bet any team that gets there with what is one of the best qb's (or at least was) and doesn't get back again (while still having a good team), would say what we've all been saying on this board - the coaching staff has max'ed out. I sort of had the feeling that MM was told that he is on notice 2 years ago when he finally cleaned house (at least 1 year too late). Then the Jordy injury saved him. Now it's becoming clear that the offense is messed up - period - and he refuses to adapt.

Sorry to repeat this - but after last weeks unbelievable change of game plan - something HAS to be done. EVERYBODY knows it except for Packers management. They probably know it too but are too handcuffed/scared to act because of thoughts like those posted in this article. There's a difference between losing a game and coaching badly.

Even I'm getting tired of repeating this. I'll just have to wait to see what Sunday brings.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 10, 2016 at 07:15 am

I think we all know that MM is not going to be fired during the season. That would make no sense. His team is at the cross roads for this season and he has been in this place before. Can he rally this team to make a second half run? He's done it before. He's actually in position to win the division in spite of everything. However, unlike previous MM teams this Year's team seems to lack intensity. Offensively they have been starting out with a solid scoring drive and then struggle offensively for most of the remainder of the game. Defense has its moments but can't get off the field at critical times and they rarely force a turnover. MM is a good coach with previous experience facing adversity. He needs to start with his QB and get better play from him. He needs to give more snaps to T. Davis and Allison, at least until he gets Cobb and Cook back healthy. On defense he needs to turn up the intensity dial and give more snaps to Fackrell and Eliot. We have seen the difference made by Ryan and Martinez. The same needs to happen at OLB. Peppers is showing his age and Fackrell and Eliot can bring fresh legs and speed to the position. Getting CM3 back will help as well. I'm not confident that we get much better at CB even when we get Randall and Rollins back. Time for MM to help this team to rally and find ways to win. If it happens he stays. If not we need to at least consider the end of MMs run when the season ends. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 10, 2016 at 09:24 pm

Fair enough. Makes sense to me. Hope MM sees it that way.

0 points
0
0
Pack204's picture

November 09, 2016 at 10:22 pm

No doubt MM has had some of the mos success in the NFL. I wouldnt call for a firing of him in the middle of the season either. But judging by what has happened over the past two yrs what makes anyone think the state of this team will change unless there is total regime change? The offense has failed to evolve. Still much of the same ol status quo which is great if making it to the playoffs and losing in rounds 1 or 2 with an elite qb is your perrogitive. I just wish the team had the mentality of were gonna come out and punch you in the face. Like mike tyson says "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face".. right now the Packers are absorbing a lot of blows.

0 points
0
0
Pack204's picture

November 09, 2016 at 10:22 pm

No doubt MM has had some of the mos success in the NFL. I wouldnt call for a firing of him in the middle of the season either. But judging by what has happened over the past two yrs what makes anyone think the state of this team will change unless there is total regime change? The offense has failed to evolve. Still much of the same ol status quo which is great if making it to the playoffs and losing in rounds 1 or 2 with an elite qb is your perrogitive. I just wish the team had the mentality of were gonna come out and punch you in the face. Like mike tyson says "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face".. right now the Packers are absorbing a lot of blows.

0 points
0
0
Pack204's picture

November 09, 2016 at 10:23 pm

No doubt MM has had some of the most success in the NFL when it comes to record and playoff appearances. I wouldnt call for a firing of him in the middle of the season either. But judging by what has happened over the past two yrs what makes anyone think the state of this team will change unless there is total regime change? The offense has failed to evolve. Still much of the same ol status quo which is great if making it to the playoffs and losing in rounds 1 or 2 with an elite qb is your perrogitive. I just wish the team had the mentality of were gonna come out and punch you in the face. Like mike tyson says "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face".. right now the Packers are absorbing a lot of blows.

0 points
0
0
Razor's picture

November 09, 2016 at 10:48 pm

Could not disagree more with your observations. Here is the bottom line - one championship in eleven years.

Making the playoffs has not been that difficult in the NFC north. And as you observed - then the inevitable disappointment comes. Also embarrassment.

This team is sadly inconsistent and lacks intensity.

Mike is in over his head and Ted's approach is not working.

Not sure if we know everything about Rodgers performance, but I will bet that he is fed up with Mike and the lack of talent on the team and perhaps to the extent that he would like to see Mike be replaced. So his motivation to carry the team is lacking.

There is a straightforward way to begin to fix this. First, retire Ted now and promote Elliot Wolf and let him start to work on getting more talent. On the first day after the end of the season, replace McCarthy.

Is change easy - no, but think of it this way - if you keep doing the same things over over and and expect different results you're crazy.

At the end of the Favre saga it wasn't fun any more and I preferred a 6-10 season with Rodgers to one more year of Favre. It's not fun now either and the downward trend started with the loss to KC in 2011 and then the NY Giants in the playoffs. Five years of disappointment - so how many does it take before a change is made.

Doesn't it make your stomach turn when McCarthy says "we have to fix some things"?

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 10, 2016 at 09:27 pm

If so many of us are fed up with MM, I got to think Rodgers is too.

0 points
0
0
Samson's picture

November 09, 2016 at 11:55 pm

When 6 of your games every season are the against the Bears, Lions and Vikings, you probably are going to win most of them and also win the North Division. --- You also have arguably the best QB in the NFC the entire time as a HC. --- Face it, MM is just an average HC who has fallen into a career stroke of luck. --- The truth is w/out that dumb-luck he would be coaching at some Div. 2 college by now.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 10, 2016 at 01:12 am

"having generational talent at his disposal doesn't work against McCarthy, either."

Um, yeah, it raises expectations, which largely have been unmet. Zach does write: "it's perfectly justifiable to hold the expectations that they [the fans] do" so essentially he acknowledges that having a generational talent does work against MM.

" McCarthy has leverage to fall back on." Yes he does, and he has been living off of it for 5 seasons.

"Meanwhile, McCarthy's 108 wins through just 11 seasons with his club puts him on pace to shatter Belichick's record and winning percentage"

Um, no, this is just factually incorrect. MM is not on a pace to equal, much less shatter, any of Belichek's records. Belichek is 194-70 (.735) with NE, .669 overall, .710 playoffs. His teams have appeared in a super bowl in 6 of his 17 years (.353). MM is 108-59-1 (.646) and .533 playoffs. 1 super bowl appearance in 11 years (.091).

"a 1.7 average division finish, tying him with Belichick's Patriots." Again, factually wrong. BB has a 1.4 average divisional finish record to MM's 1.7. MM is tied with BB is you count BB's years in Cleveland, the graveyard of coaches.

"There may be a discussion that has yet to be had between Rodgers and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, which would be more of a coaching issue than it would be McCarthy not supplying Rodgers with the proper talent." Wut? Let's break that down:

a) TT supplies MM and AR with proper talent, not the HC, but MM does decide which players get snaps. Can't say I've been happy with MM's decisions regarding snap counts over the years.
b) If no conversations have taken place between AR and Van Pelt yet, that is terrible. Really, the conversation should be between AR and MM and Clements. The big plus on the resumes of Clements and MM were their ability to coach a QB. If they can't do that anymore (or at least the starting QB in GB), there is a giant blemish on the luster of those resumes.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 10, 2016 at 01:59 am

Not withstanding the post above, I agree with the premise of this article: firing MM mid-season would be the wrong thing to do.

I don't think there is a candidate to replace MM outside of the organization that would improve things. I don't think there is anyone on the current coaching staff who is ready to be the HC. Bennett and Clements would be the obvious candidates for interim HC. I shudder at the thought of Clements, and am not persuaded that Bennett is ready.

I don't think it is impossible for MM to turn things around. The D, given the injuries, is meeting my expectations. STs is on MM. The offense is on MM.

The offense was supposed to have a blue chipper in AR, reds in Nelson, Cobb, Sitton, Lang, and Lacy. Every other starter shaped up to be a green, with some arguing that a few more would be reds (say Bulaga, Bakh, with hope that Cook would be a red). Instead, Sitton was released, Nelson and Cobb are greens, Lacy was a red but went on IR, Cook was hurt so we don't know about him, and AR is a red, not a blue chipper, RR is a yellow, and with Starks and Lacy gone the RB is a yellow or even a reject. Adams has improved to a solid green or even a green plus. Instead of 1 blue chipper and 5 reds starting, I see 2 reds and perhaps 3 green pluses: that equals a mediocre offense. We are 11th in points scored at 24.8/game without benefit of much in turnover differential (-1 for the season) or ST scores (or field position for that matter), which is better than I would have projected. We are 16th in total yards per game, 23rd in yards per play, which are closer to my projections.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

November 10, 2016 at 08:11 am

"Bennett and Clements would be the obvious candidates for interim HC. "

Disagree...Dom Capers is the obvious choice for an interim HC. He would allow the team to move forward without giving the notion that the team has essentially given up on the season by handing the reins over to a no-experience assistant. At his age, it would be easy to walk away from him after the season if management chose to do so...

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 10, 2016 at 07:19 pm

Yes, I simply forgot Capers. No excuse for forgetting him, either.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

November 10, 2016 at 02:28 am

Zachary, thank you for this article. You summarized well present situation with team and fans expectation...

For the record I think Mike McCarthy is responsible for Aaron Rodgers "lack of juice" - he should insist of proper preseason preparation of Packers face of the franchize. He should stop Aaron Rodgers from calling publicly his teammates for mistakes he obviously doing by himself. He need to explain to Aaron that football is team sport and in football team wins, not any player alone!

So, by my opinion there is the big problem and somehow I'm sure that Mike McCarthy will make good decisions and bounce back from this unhealthy situation he and Packers are now in...

0 points
0
0
sonomaca's picture

November 10, 2016 at 01:44 pm

Honestly, Mike McCarthy looks like he's going to have a heart attack. He's obese. His brother died from a heart attack young. The Packers have been very precautionary with long-term health of players. I honestly think the need to let McCarthy get away from the stress and get himself in shape.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

November 10, 2016 at 07:27 am

I'm not saying they should fire McCarthy now. But if the season goes down in a spiral then I think there will be a good chance he gets let go after the season.

My biggest problem with McCarthy is his stubbornness in his offense. Over the years he developed a tremendous scheme, which over the time was built around the players he had. Players such as Driver, Jennings, Jones, Nelson, Finley and others...
In 2011 arguably the best or most explosive offense the Packers have had under McCarthy, was filled with experienced Veterans who were close to pro bowl level. They didn't have to do much creativity wise because the players were so good.

The problem i have with McCarthy is that since that season the players have changed. His schemes haven't. He needs to adjust his schemes to the players he has. The players now are not skilled enough to consistently win the 1 on 1 battles. He has to do a better job of scheming players to get open. He needs more creativity to his offense.

Last years injury to Nelson crippled the offense. Not only Nelsons injury but also Cobb and Adams were injured as well. Nelson was so good that he commanded all the attention from the defense. Rather then adjust the offense to the players he had, he stuck with the next man up mentality. Which was great until teams figured out how to stop or slow down the offense. McCarthy never adjusted.

The same type of problem has happened this year. That is until the Bears game where he was without Lacy, Starks and he was forced to go 5 WR's on the field. He was forced to change his offense based on the players he had and it worked! The use of Montgomery in the backfield was brilliant. Unfortunately Montgomery couldn't play against Atlanta, but McCarthy brilliantly put Adams in the backfield.
The first half offense was great, putting up 24 points to Atlanta's 19. Then half time came. And McCarthy is interviewed and he said that they have to run the ball better. So what does he do. He starts playing a lot more Richard Rodgers and less 5 WR sets and the 2 third quarter drives end in punts.
Again last week against the Colts we saw a lot of 1 and 2 TE sets. The offense struggled for much of the game. Its not a coincidence that the offense struggles with Richard Rodgers and Perillo play a lot. They can't block, don't create much separation. They are a wasted player in pass routes because they are always covered leaving the other 3-4 players having to get open. We didn't see many 5 if any 5 WR sets that had worked the previous games. 2 players that made big plays for them the previous week (Allison and Davis) Barely saw the field (12 snaps combined).

McCarthy's game planning has been very suspect the last couple of years. I understand he has been limited with what he has had to work with. But the problem is he still has talent. He has guys that can make plays. He needs to do a better job of using them and using what he has. They are severely lacking creativity in the offense. That was until he found a weapon in Montgomery at RB. That has provided a different look that defenses are not used to defending.

My biggest problem with McCarthy is he does not do enough to use what he has. He keeps trying to go back to the schemes he used in 2011 when he had the players to make it work. He doesn't have the same players and he has to adjust to what he does have. If he doesn't, this maybe his last season in Green Bay!

0 points
0
0
sonomaca's picture

November 10, 2016 at 01:41 pm

You sure do love to write. Brutal.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

November 10, 2016 at 02:10 pm

You read all of that?

I fell asleep writing it.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 10, 2016 at 07:32 pm

I was transported to a new and better place reading your post, RC. I agree with much of it, save I saw nothing brilliant in putting Adams in the backfield.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

November 10, 2016 at 11:29 pm

Thanks TGR.

I was just shocked to see McCarthy actually put Adams back there. After finding out that Cobb and Montgomery weren't going to be playing I still wouldn't have predicted Adams to line up in the backfield. It worked to. That's the crazy thing.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

November 10, 2016 at 08:29 am

Clements proved incapable of calling plays more than McCarthy.
Bennett is over his head or is simply being ignored or should be demoted back to WR coach.
McCarthy is not going to change.
Rodgers will not disavow his 'trust' mantra but he has forgotten his more important and beneficial mantra of " throwing to the open guy" , you know, his one time answer to who is your favorite receiver.
Add all this up and it's impossible to get the answer of fire McCarthy. ...unless you incorporate an Abbott and Costello mathematical finesse.

0 points
0
0
NMPF's picture

November 10, 2016 at 11:05 am

2011 15-1 early playoff exit-strike 1. NFC championship meltdown-strike 2. No playoffs this season-strike 3???? 108 wins, 1 super bowl, 7 straight playoff appearances vs obvious slide of an underachieving team. TT/MM are a package deal through 2018. Mark Murphy is too pre-occupied/consumed with projects off the field to be worried with on the field shenanigans. 2018 ladies and gents, 2018. By that time Elliot Wolfe should be A GM elsewhere, Joe Whitt will be a DC somewhere. Welcome back to the 70's and 80's when the modus operandi was reactive instead of proactive.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

November 10, 2016 at 01:18 pm

MM is 108-58-1 . 8-7 playoffs, 1 superbowl. .650% . Ok you want him gone. Now lets look at TT ? In Ted you Trust, remember. But since 2005, TT has made 109 Draft Picks. Remember all those great trades! (To get the best player.) And how many FAs. And let's not forget the Farve saga. You dreamers have to come to grips on who runs this team. He has not given the product to MM! And yet this guy is the second win nest coach in the NFL. Maybe he does need a slap on his behind. But before you fire him. You better look at the players TT has moved in and out and hasn't signed. Your not just going to hurt these players. Your going to kill any aspirations on getting to the super-bowl for this season, and the next 4 years. If I'm a player I'm not going to wait four years! This team lost Phibin, greene and other coaches. It's time TT leaves, and gives someone a new start for better drafting. Your pulling the plug to fast on Mike. Injuries have played to big a part in these loses. I want you to look at TTs picks before you pass judgement. We need a change at the top.

0 points
0
0
baldski's picture

November 11, 2016 at 02:31 am

Zach: All the things you say about Arod should be apparent in the game films to the coaches. So why are they not worked on and fixed.?

0 points
0
0