Hi guys,

I have been reading some threads here and it got me to thinking -

Have our expectations not evolved with our team?

2008, we had a horrid-shit-to-pants defense and that reflected in our 6-10 record. In 2009, we improved but were ultimate embarassed defensively in the wildcard round and against the better offenses - prevent hurt us alot, along with our patchy secondary in nickel packages.

Forward to 2010 - Our defense has shown that they can come up big against some of the better offensive machines in the league. We no longer resort to continuous prevent when defending a slim lead. Sam Shields has become an adequate DB with a ton of potential, who isn't an utter liability like Bush.

Now, I am all for "going for the jugular", but, sometimes, with all avenues considered, you have to consider that certain calls made may ultimately benefit the team.

What happens if we bust a play offensively and turn the ball over? I am not saying our offense is not to be trusted, but shit happens.

Conservative isn't "pussy", it can be smart. I am not saying it was against the Eagles, but the reason why Mike McCarthy is a head coach is because he is learned with regards to football.

I honestly feel that some people haven't brought into our team's defensive evolution, and that is fine, but the numbers, statistics are all there.

I for one, don't feel the same dread I have for the past two years in trusting our defense on potentially the last drive of the game.

To me, McCarthy's most memorable aggressive call this season was the potential game winner Flynn attempted. Thing is, it was 4 and 1, with time remaining - would a more conservative call been appropriate in that situation? (I loved the playcall, just so you know)

My point is, there is a rhyme and reason for everything, and the players obviously believe in and trust Mike McCarthy. No one should be absolved of situational criticism, but let us not forget all the things we have achieved through good coaching and planning this season.

---

Yeah I really agree, gone is that feeling of "oh crap there is no way we'll stop them if we punt" towards the end of games with this defense, atleast later in the season here.

---

Not really sure what you're talking about. The reason I though Mike McCarthy looked like a pussy was what he did before halftime. Jones just had their best CB beat deep for a sure TD, but dropped it. At LEAST run another play like that. Scoring before the half is a big deal. Why just concede the rest of the clock?
As for "being conservative," I'm all for that. I want to see high percentage, WCO style plays generally. Sure, If there's 20 seconds left, see if you can hit a quick strike. We've got the talent to do so. I'm just saying, the proven fundamentals of WCO football are moving the chains, controlling time of possession and HIGH PERCENTAGE passing.
Especially when you've got WRs that are dropping the mf'ing ball. Throw it to them 5 yards deep until they get into a rhythm. Get their heads in the zone and then try the fancy lower percentage shit.
And run some fucking screens.

---