Minimal Distractions, Maximum Participation Has McCarthy Optimistic

(Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Just last offseason, the Packers were surrounded by arguably the most distractions one team has ever faced in a short period of time. Whether it was talks of Brett Favre's return, the hold-out of Ryan Grant, or the pressure resting on the shoulders of Aaron Rodgers, there is no doubt it was hard to focus.

However, Favre is now a concern to only the division rival Minnesota Vikings. Ryan Grant is participating in his first full offseason since his arrival in Green Bay, and appears to be 100% healthy as well. And Aaron Rodgers has proven he can play at a high level, quickly becoming one of the better young leaders in the game today.

With that being said, now, just one year later, the Packers wrap up mini-camp with almost perfect participation, with plenty of reasons to be pleased and seemingly no reasons to focus on anything other than football.

To start, what had the potential to be a distracting contract dispute instead was handled quite well by both parties, as Greg Jennings never let his contract situation become a distraction in the locker room. 

For that (and for his outstanding play-making ability) Ted Thompson rewarded him, locking him up until 2012 and making him the second highest paid receiver behind Larry Fitzgerald.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy feels Jennings is more than worthy of this deal: "I think Greg is a young man that has developed here in Green Bay and I can't say enough about him personally," McCarthy said in his press conference at the conclusion of this past weeks mini-camp.

"I like the way he goes about his business and he is definitely well deserving of this contract."

While Greg Jennings did not let his contract effect his participation in the offseason program, there was one other Pro-Bowl caliber player who did. However, after a long absence, Nick Collins returned to Green Bay for mini-camp as well.

Physically, Nick Collins returned looking as much in shape as he normally does, and McCarthy noted his exceptional physical condition, saying that "Nick has always been a conditioned athlete for us. We have never had an issue there, so I feel like he is on top of the physical part of it."

However, with the transition to a new defense, Collins has some catching up to do in the classroom. Luckily for both him and the Packers, he's well aware, and has taken strides toward getting the mental aspect down pat. 

"I'm pretty up-to-date," Collins said. "I was in my playbook, I know the terminology, it's just going out there and doing the right things out there on the field."

Coach McCarthy noticed Collins has spent a significant amount of time doing his homework as well.

"He has a good understanding of the transition from the verbiage change, so he has been spending time in his book. You can see that." 

Although Collins still has some catching up to do as far as getting on-field reps, his attendance at mini-camp was a big step toward getting the entire secondary together come the start of training camp.

As far as Nick Collins goes, if he can resolve his contract issues as Jennings has, then having the two stars back and ready for another standout year would give the Packers much reason to be optimistic. 

Having had near perfect attendance in the offseason program, the rest of the team will now look to get healthier over the break. As for the installation period of the offseason, Coach McCarthy feels it was a success.

"I think our football team did a great job of coming in here, learning the systems, whether it was offense, the changes we made, defense being new, special teams being new. They took full advantage of their opportunity to have a clear understanding of what we're asking them to do," McCarthy explained.

Now, with the offseason behind us, and training camp just over a month away, it is time to put it all together and become one cohesive unit ready to take the next step toward achieving the ultimate goal that is a championship in 2009. 

"Our football team will come together in training camp," McCarthy stated in optimistic fashion. "I think we've done a very good job, players and coaches alike, getting ready for that."

The difference between the team at this time last year and now in the present day is a great one. Distractions remain to be nearly nonexistent and the focus of the team is more than evident. If the Packers can now put the ghosts of a disappointing 2008's past in the rear-view, then we may be looking at one of the most improved teams of 2009.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?