I'm sure you guys still remember the 2011 Super Bowl run....
Against Philadelphia, Green Bay had a late one score lead in the 4th quarter and chose to call extremely conservative offensive plays. It gave the Eagles a chance for a game winning drive, but fortunately Tramon Williams made an INT in the end zone to win the game.
Against Chicago, Green Bay had a late 14-0 lead. All of the sudden, Chicago's previously dead and Cutler-less offense springs to life and scores a quick touchdown. Green Bay's offense then calls extremely conservative plays which gives Chicago a chance for a game tying drive. Fortunately, Sam Shields made an INT to send Green Bay to the Super Bowl.
In the Super Bowl, Green Bay had a late one score lead in the 4th quarter and chose to call extremely conservative offensive plays. It gave the Steelers a chance for a game winning drive, but the Green Bay defense came up with a turnover on downs to win the game.
Throughout the Mike McCarthy/Dom Capers era, I've had mixed feelings about the team's play calling and their ability to manage games. Sometimes they execute a brilliant game plan and dominate. They've also been able to pull off some miraculous comebacks (particularly last season). Other times I'm scratching my head wondering what the hell are they doing. I've also noticed that they've gotten away with a lot of conservative play calling to hang onto leads and close out games. I always thought that they were very fortunate to have been able to close out all 3 playoff games in 2011. I was not a fan of the late game play calling in those games at all, but when the team wins the Super Bowl nobody seems to notice or care. We've had some more close calls since - almost blew a huge lead this year vs. Atlanta. Last year vs. the Ravens. How about the epic collapse in Indy in 2012 where they blew a 21-3 halftime lead?
Frankly, I feel like the Packers were due to lose a game like they did today. For the most part, they've gotten away with playing soft with a lead and that kind of play is bound to catch up with you one day. I feel really bad for Bostick because even though he messed up, he's going to take a lot of the blame when there were so many other reason why this game was lost. Prevent defense call on 3rd on 21 which lead to the Seahawk's first touchdown. The numerous 3 and outs for the offense in the 2nd half where they abandoned the up-tempo play calling that worked so well in the 1st half. The goal line play calling where they didn't try one play-action. And yes, some poor plays by the other players as well, particularly on that 2 point conversion.
In my view though... I really do think the coaching philosophy is a problem. I strongly believe that if Bill Bellichick is the coach of this team, the Packers go 14-2 and win this game by 14+ points at Lambeau. To all the McCarthy and/or Capers haters - Does this mean we should fire all of the coaches? Well, sadly Bellichick isn't available. The coaching staff has been a part of the team for so long now, so Rodgers and crew have a lot of chemistry with them. What coaches are gonna replace them and instantly make this team better? I can't see any realistic low-risk scenarios that make it happen. I'm afraid we might be stuck with a coaching staff that will forever hold this team back from its full potential.
Originally Posted by: StealthieCat