Finley hopes meeting with McCarthy pays off

A few weeks ago, Packers tight end Jermichael Finley got pulled out of a meeting and was told to report to coach Mike McCarthy’s office on the third floor of Lambeau Field.

Finley feared he was in trouble.

“Because when I go up there, it ain’t good,” Finley said.

Not this time.

Finley was struggling, and McCarthy wanted him to see something. So he cued up a highlight tape that was entitled “Finley … The Beast.” It contained mostly plays from the 2009 NFC wild-card playoff game at Arizona, where Finley caught six passes for a career-high 159 yards.

“It was a good video for him to see on a number of different levels — confidence and just techniques things in there that him and I talked through,” McCarthy said today. “That was clearly one of the most dominant performances I’ve ever been a part of by a tight end in that game.”

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Hey, I don't care what it takes. The kid has obviously got loads of talent and while some of his mechanics have gotten worse, they can always get better again. He says his shoulder is back to 100%, especially if Nelson isn't at 100% we could really use the old Finley back this week. Reach out and pluck it, catch it in the gut, do a backflip and catch it in your mouth, I don't care... Get open and catch the ball, I'll love ya!

Originally Posted by: Porforis 

I noticed something in the Jags game, Finley was one on one with a LB, killed the LB on a route he ran, turned his head which slowed his speed down to less than half speed... Rodgers threw the ball ahead of Finley... LB caught up with him and Finley didn't catch it... the LB was there making a dive at it... but really it was a drop.

I couldn't figure out why in the heck Finley slowed down... it wasn't the pass... but he's slowing down A LOT now when ever he looks back. He didn't used to... he used to be able to run full speed while looking back just like some of the WRs. I don't know what's changed or why it's changed, but it has...

Originally Posted by: beast 

I noticed something in the Jags game, Finley was one on one with a LB, killed the LB on a route he ran, turned his head which slowed his speed down to less than half speed... Rodgers threw the ball ahead of Finley... LB caught up with him and Finley didn't catch it... the LB was there making a dive at it... but really it was a drop.

I couldn't figure out why in the heck Finley slowed down... it wasn't the pass... but he's slowing down A LOT now when ever he looks back. He didn't used to... he used to be able to run full speed while looking back just like some of the WRs. I don't know what's changed or why it's changed, but it has...

Originally Posted by: beast 

I just re-watched the Finley highlights from the 2009 playoff game against the Cardinals. I've been very hard and down on Finley lately, but I must say: WOW! What an amazing dominant performance he had that night. I almost forgot what the guy is (was?) capable of. He was either running wide open or was completely covered up yet still caught the passes.

How I wish we could see that talent consistently in Finley. Unfortunately, I'm not sure we ever will again though, at least not at that level. And especially with any consistency. He may be able to get close to that level again, but it might require a change of scenery and a fresh start.

Originally Posted by: doddpower