CAMPEN IS THE NEW SANDERS
It took Mike McCarthy three seasons to realize that Bob Sanders was an inferior defensive coordinator. His replacement, the widely respected Dom Capers, immediately overhauled the scheme and the attitude of the players and the result was a No. 2 overall ranking this past season and the belief that even better days are ahead. Unfortunately, three seasons apparently isnt enough time for McCarthy to realize that James Campen is to coaching an offensive line what Sanders was to coordinating a defense a decent man who simply isnt good enough at his job. The only way you can judge an assistant coach from afar is by looking at the on-field results, said a longtime scout for another team. Using that critieria, its awfully difficult to make a strong case for keeping Campen. He hasnt had much success developing young players, his unit almost always struggles out of the gate, and if not for the re-signing of Mark Tauscher in the middle of October, Aaron Rodgers may have been sacked over 70 times last season. Again, from afar, youd have to think McCarthy could do better.
When specifically asked about bringing his embattled assistant back for another season, McCarthys response was interesting if not a bit telling. Instead of immediately lauding Campens teaching skills, he first defended Campen by pointing to the impressive numbers posted by the offense in 2009. I certainly dont blame McCarthy for bringing up statistics, but to me, thats a bit of a red herring, said the scout. The play of the line was absolutely killing the Packers before Tauscher returned to the starting lineup in November. Rodgers was getting pressured on almost every pass, Ryan Grants average yards per carry was under 4.0 and the team was 4-4. In my opinion, if anyone associated with the offensive line deserves another season, its Tauscher. He and not Campen is the main reason for the turnaround.
While McCarthy didnt laud Campens teaching skills while speaking to reporters last week, the teams media guide provided this little gem prior to the start of the 09 season: A natural teacher, Campen has worked hands-on in the development of three linemen now entering their fourth seasons Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz and Tony Moll. Yikes. Considering the fact that Colledge may have played his way out of Green Bay and Moll already has, its probably safe to assume that as an educator, Campen is more Mr. Kotter than Mr. Tibbs. Spitz is a good player, but Im not sure how much hes really improved under Campen, said the scout. He was solid from day one.
To be fair, not every offensive lineman has either remained stagnant or regressed under Campens tutelege. Josh Sitton was a tackle for four seasons at Central Florida and now hes one of the better young right guards in the league. You have to give Campen props for that. Sitton is definitely an ascending player, said the scout. My biggest problem with Campen isnt individual player development as much as it is with the way the line works as a whole. Things were a mess the first eight games. I know that Allen Barbre was a disaster and Chad Clifton was in and out of the lineup, but thats not a valid excuse for just how bad things were. What was a valid excuse? McCarthy blamed, what else, pad level. OK, then forget all the other reasons and just get rid of Campen because he cant teach grown men the concept that the player whose pads are the lowest wins.