Over on FanHouse, Packer fan Bruce Ciskie discusses “The Case Against Mike McCarthy.”
In the end, however, the biggest issue with McCarthy — and one that could cost him his job come January if he’s not careful — is discipline.
The Packers have become a penalty-plagued team during his time. In 2005, the final year under Mike Sherman, Green Bay was in the middle of the pack in penalties assessed. McCarthy’s first year actually saw them improve, as they were near the upper third of the league in fewest penalties. However, the 2007 team — one that finished 13-3 — was fourth in the NFL in penalties, finishing second in penalty yards. The Packers were second in penalties and first in yards marked off in 2008. 2009 isn’t looking too much better. So far, they’re second in total penalties and third in yards.
Virtually every Monday when he addresses the media, McCarthy talks about how they’re going to fix the penalty problem, and the special teams problem. Then, almost on cue, the same issues plague this team every Sunday.
Penalties can be so frustrating. The Packers have all (or at least most) of the pieces necessary for a great offense, yet time and time again they find themselves backed up due to a holding penalty or some other mind-numbing infraction. In McCarthy’s defense, his team is young, but at some point the light has to go on and the number of penalties has to go down.
It should be noted that the offense has the second-most penalties in the league, but the defense is actually 26th in that category. Why the disparity? It probably has to do with the Packer offensive line and how it has been in a state of flux since Ted Thompson arrived.
One of the first things that Thompson did when he took over in Green Bay was to let guards Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera walk in free agency. Financially, this was probably a good decision, but from a continuity standpoint, it’s tough to overcome the loss of two experienced vets. The Packer O-line was a strength before Thompson arrived and now it’s probably the team’s biggest weakness.
But back to McCarthy. My problem with the Packers is how they oftentimes come out flat and/or sloppy. The first half of Sunday’s game is a great example. Suddenly, in the second half, the offense is on fire. Some might say that McCarthy deserves credit for giving an inspiring halftime speech or orchestrating the necessary adjustments, but where was that passion and preparation at the start the game?
There’s no doubt that this team has enough talent to make the playoffs, and with a 4-3 record and a relatively weak schedule, they are in good position to do so. As long as they keep winning the games they should win (TB, DET and SEA) and split the remaining six games (DAL, SF, BAL, CHI, PIT and ARI), they’ll finish with 10 wins and a probable wild card berth.
But with the team’s discipline, O-line and special teams problems, it’s entirely possible that they miss the postseason. If that happens, the franchise should consider finding someone else to lead the way.
