I don't think this is fair at all. Pass protecting and run blocking require different skill sets. You can't just flip a switch and 'coach' players to turn a weakness into a strength in one week. We're a pass first team and it's obvious why. Our running game was so good because of the fear Rodgers strikes into opposing defenses, but the fear has been gone for a month. Our backs were slicing through 6 man fronts, and it isn't just the numbers that have changed; it's the mentality as well. 6 men preparing for the pass while keeping an eye on the run versus 8 men anticipating the run. It is a huge change, and I think it's unfair to expect these guys to suddenly excel at it just because of a new game-plan or different coaching.
Did you see why we stopped running in those games? Were we getting anywhere on the ground against New York or Detroit? In NY Lacy had negative yards before contact. That is ridiculous. He literally had nowhere to go. And against Detroit we played ourselves into a hole, and had to pass to have a chance. It was the right strategy adjustment, just awful execution.
These guys played one of the worst games I've seen in a long time.
Why does that have to be all the fault of the coaches or the GM?
Could it be that they just got badly outplayed?
This is the first Rodgersless game where we got destroyed.
Originally Posted by: StoicFire
I don't know StoicFire, and I do appreciate where you are coming from. I am generally a very positive person, and I like to keep an open mind. I've just been brought to the conclusion, through yet, another atrocious series of games and game/player mismanagement, that Mike McCarthy and his staff are not giving this team everything it needs to be successful, from a coaching, conditioning, and preparation standpoint. All 3 phases of the game, offense, defense and STs.
There were no excuses against SF. Eddie Lacy had 14 carries v. SF. Kuhn had 1. Cobb 2.
Against CIN, McCarthy actually called the running game quite well, giving both Franklin and Starks 27 carries after Lacy went down. We had 4 sacks that game, 1 INT and 2 FFs. What lost that game for us were 2 lost fumbles and 2 INTs by Rodgers, and some really shoddy STs play in kickoff coverage.
I think stopping the running game because it isn't working is pretty easy to do. I think continuing to run, when the chips may seem down takes courage and dedication, and that it shows confidence in your players and your plan. Eventually the runs break. It just boils down to having the tenacity to stick with it, and the confidence inspired in your players by doing so.
I wish I could be more confident in Mike McCarthy, but he has failed so many times in so many meaningful games and stretches. As a HC, he should have had some kind of contingency plan in place should Rodgers go down. He should have put more work in with his players to insure they could come out of a couple of these games with Ws. Has he out coached anyone? It has been a while since I have seen it. Defensively, we have been a literal laughing stock for the past 3 years. As a HC, isn't it your responsibility to see that is fixed? From a Strength & Conditioning standpoint, we have been near or at the bottom of the NFL for more than 4 years. Isn't that his responsibility to see that is addressed? Well, it has been 4 years…
Had the BS penalty on the Ross reverse not been called, we would have given up 700 yards to the Lions. 700. !!!!!!
We no longer have any semblance of a home field advantage at Lambeau Field. Where is our team's pride? What the hell? Is the HC not responsible for this? Players lined up incorrectly, 12 men on the field, illegal procedure penalties… all of that is pre snap stuff, and points to a lack of preparation.
Anyone see Rodgers throw his clipboard on the sidelines pre snap? What does that say? Players not ready. Not fully prepared.