Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus
Questioning the play-calling
Packers beat writer Ryan Wood answered questions from readers Monday, a day after Green Bay’s 22-0 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field. Read the transcript at jsonline.com/packers.
Q: Are McCarthy’s game plans on offense getting stale and / or predictable?
A: You know what I saw yesterday? Poor execution. Five drops. Bad turnovers. I don’t know how good or bad the game plan was, but I do know it wasn’t executed well. And no game plan has a chance without execution. Just how I saw it during the game.
Q: Hi Ryan, some people are upset Rodgers made some veiled criticisms of McCarthy’s offensive game plan. They think it should only be said behind closed doors. My guess is he has surely done that to no avail and this was his way of trying to force McCarthy’s hand. What say you?
A: If there’s a rift between Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy, I’m sure it’s no secret to either party. I’m never going to criticize an athlete for speaking his mind. Since, you know, that kinda helps me do my job.
Q: Mr. Wood your comments on the RodgersMcCarthy rift.
A: So, here we go. I think it’s a byproduct of two massive egos — and rightfully massive egos, to be sure — being together too long. As our columnist Pete Dougherty wrote, they always chalk it up to creative friction. At what point is it simply two talented people who can’t get on the same page? Are we at that point now? I’m not sure we can answer the second question yet, but we’re at least getting close to considering the possibility. Is it still possible for them to turn their relationship around? I suppose it is. But in order to stay connected, they’re going to have to. It’ll be interesting to see the damage control from this. If their relationship can be salvaged, would think it has to start today.
Q: Personally, I’ve always believed our weaknesses over the years were more personnel than coaching... but I get a kick out of the love/hate relationship that the fans seem to have with Coach McCarthy. Do you think fans REALLY think we’ll completely fall apart if McCarthy leaves after this year... or conversely, do they really think our offense would be light-years better with him gone? What’s your quick opinion if he didn’t return next year?
A: Well, the question the Packers have to ask is this: if not Mike McCarthy, then who? You don’t just fire a coach without believing you can find someone better. I’m not much of a believer in change for change’s sake. That said, let’s be real here: so long as Aaron Rodgers is in his prime and playing quarterback, the Packers are going to be contenders.
Q: I for one applaud AR for not just being satisfied with a win and speaking of the need to dominate an inferior opponent. If you want to be the best you can NEVER be satisfied with being Good Enough or thinking a win cures everything.
A: That’s fair.
Q: Is it just me or is Aaron Jones head and shoulders more explosive than his backfield teammates?
A: You’re not wrong.