Mike McCarthy is starting to piss me off. In his never-ending mission to state the obvious, once again he decides (much like his defensive coordinator) to remain totally vanilla.
In a quote from the Green Bay Press-Gazette McCarthy came up with the following in-depth statement: “Our house is messy right now.”
Really Mike? Way to state the obvious.
The Packers' house has been messy for three weeks now, and that was pretty obvious to even the most casual fan. The real question is, how in the hell are you going to fix it?
I would start by taking the obviously under-qualified Bob Sanders and sending him to nearest headset at the drive-up counter at Wendy’s. Then I would find out why your team has no toughness, no discipline, and no vocal leader.
You could move on to figuring out why no one looks excited or in the least bit pumped up out on the playing field. Then you can start chewing some tail for celebrating late touchdowns when you’re still down a score and facing an onside kick situation.
Your team looks like a bunch of pansies out there. Where is the desire? Where is the toughness?
We are sick of the excuses and the generalizations, get it fixed and get it fixed now.
Alex Tallitsch also writes for The Packers Lounge, a blog on the net dedicated to the Green and Gold.
9 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Pack Man 9 months ago
I agree on the defense. Weren't there comments in the preseason about how the defense was going to be more aggressive and blitz more and get more pressure on the quarterback? I haven't seen a game yet where we made the opposing quarterback hurry, let alone get a sack, for God's sake! This "sit back and take it" defensive philosophy has got to change in a hurry.
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Glenn Franco Simmons 9 months ago
I think your team will come around, Alex. It's just jumbled right now. I don't think Chicago can sustain itself over the course of this season with its offense, but I could be incorrect.
Your coach should be more aggressive, however, on defense.
But, alas, I have my 49ers, which are light years behind the Packers. If you really want to experience futility, try being a 'Niner fan these days. It's not too much fun.
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Carter Bierwirth 9 months ago
I do agree on the fact that the team has become very messy. I have never been a big fan of the bump and run philosophy presented by Sanders. I have always been a big fan of rushing that QB as fast and as hard as you can, nevertheless, I am not Bob Sanders. The concept has been working for them for the last two years, but this can only be acomplished when you have the characters to do so.
Al Harris, as back and forth as he can be, is the master of the bump and run concept. Atari Bigby, as wild as he is, is a hard hitter who can make plays from the deep safty position much like Bob Sanders can for Indy. DE Cullin Jenkins is now out with the torn bicep, and further more Charles Woodson is playing on a broken toe. The Green Bay defense needs a true leader right now. Aaron Kampman and Nick Barnett are good, but they don't seem to really be vocal leaders.
Lets look at the brightside of things. The Packers are still voted the youngest team in the league, and right now the biggest question of the year has been settled for now. The fact of wether or not Rodgers could pull through. Their lattest loss to Atlanta was far from Rodgers fault. Over 300 yards with 3 tds and no interceptions. The stem of the Packer problems right now is the fact that yes the team seems to have very little self discipline, and the offensive and defensive lines remain very weak. No pressure is being applied to the opposing QB. Kampan is very good, but he is still rather small for a DE, while KBG has not put on an effective rush since two seasons ago.
On offense the line just can't push anyone. I still believe that Ryan Grant is a good RB, I don't think he should have put on such a big deal on his contract extension, but he has the talent. The problem is the OL can't push anybody and can't open the appropriate holes.
I heard many comments on how aggressive the defense was suppose to be, but of course, Sanders has done little to back up his claims. The DL gets moved so easily it's not funny, and holes are being created that are large enough to drive dump trucks through. McCarthy as the head coach should address this obvious problem. Yes the defense is stricken by injuries, and I give them credit for hanging in their when things seemed really down. Sanders really has to get his act together and quick. The bump and run does work, but it takes discipline and a high amount of skill to make it possible.
I can never really tell what McCarthy's strategy is. Watching interviews with the guy is like listening to the same story over and over, but I do trust what he is thinking. All I know is that Aaron Rodgers does deserve some credit. He has managed to keep the Pack competitive in this stretch, despite the fact that the line does not give him much protection. Sanders has to get his act together, or he is going to find himself getting the boot by the courtesy of the Green Bay faithful. Same for McCarthy if he does nothing to address the problem.
Green and Gold forever!
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MJ Kasprzak 8 months ago
Jeez, Carter, you really need to make all of these long comments articles--there's a lot of good stuff in there! And you're right about how this is going to help our young team better for the future, but it's not much help to those with expectations for now.
It is true our D has to be less predictable. My brother-in-law always says "why do people say vanilla when they mean plain? Vanilla is a flavour!" But it's the perfect description of this defense--okay, vanilla is a flavour, but it's the base of more interesting ice creams; this defense is a defense, but it is so basic and predictable. We need to blitz more, which might elicit more passion out of the team, too.
I don't have a problem with vanilla responses in press conferences, however: we don't wanna give anything away, and press conferences are about non-committal answers.
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Carter Bierwirth 8 months ago
Yea..I have never payed attention to the conferences really...if I was the head coach of any team I wouldn't say a damn thing. Just the usual responses to get the press out of your face.
You are correct that those who expect more now will be upset...heck I'm one of them. Ya know though..I knew that this wouldn't be a Super Bowl year (most likely) and they the primary goal would be to stay competitive enough to win the division at least. They still have an excellent chance in doing so...after all the division itself is still pretty weak as a whole. Hopefully the Vikings will stay down..the only ones I'm really worried about are the Bears.
Anyways thanks for the comment on the responses man..it's too bad I'm not better at writing articles yet..but don't worry I'll get around to it :D...for now lets just hope that the Pack can stand out in Qwest field.
Green and Gold Forever!
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MJ Kasprzak 8 months ago
One more note on this: I heard a stat on NFL Matchup about how the Bears were blitzing more than anyone and had the lowest opponent passer rating--bringing pressure=better defense!
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Carter Bierwirth 8 months ago
Amen to that.
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The Packers Lounge 8 months ago
Amen to most of these comments. Carter, write an article dude - seriously that's some breakdown right there.
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sauce Sauce 6 months ago
you see heres the thing..the team has talent and with the right coaching we could be amazing. This all started when MM and TT did not welcome back brett favre with open arms. We were 13-3 last year and he brought us to the championship game. Its easy for MM to look like a great coach when Favre is calling the plays isnt it? Rodgers is a horrid QB and I am so sick and tired of people saying that hes awesome. If you actually watch the games you will see what I am talking about. Hawk, a first round draft pick, sucks..he couldnt make a play if his life depended on it. So although i do agree that the defense is one of the worst in the NFL, it would be nice if the offense could stay on the field for more then 10 minutes a half. MM and TT need to be fired along with the defensive coach.
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