McCarthy Explains Decision To Practice Without Pads
While the Steelers have been practicing since Wednesday, the Packers returned to the practice field today and did so without pads.
The Green Bay Packers returned to the practice field on Friday for the first time since winning the NFC Championship game last Sunday, but they did so without pads.
Head coach Mike McCarthy rationalized the decision saying that it was done to prevent injuries from taking several days off from physical activity.
"I really like the way the schedule is laid out, practice in shells today, because anytime you have an extended period off, coming off a bye week, your risks for muscle strains is a little higher," said McCarthy. "So it was important to be smart with today’s practice and we’ll build up to a normal practice tomorrow."
The Packers have taken part in meetings and film study the past couple days, but today was the first time they actually hit the practice field. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been practicing since Wednesday in preparation for their date in the Super Bowl.
McCarthy said said the reason for waiting until Friday to practice was twofold.
"I definitely feel the four days off from being on the field really helped our players," said McCarthy. "Just very positive in the communication with them to obviously take care of their personal responsibilities but get a chance for their bodies to recover."
Additionally, the Packers will follow their normal practice schedule just pushed back. Typically they practice Wednesday through Friday before a Sunday game.
This week they'll practice Friday through Sunday and have roughly 90% of their gameplan in place before they even board the plane for Dallas, Tex.
After having several days off, McCarthy said it felt good to practice and get back in their routine.
"We actually had a very good practice," said McCarthy. "We finished 13 minutes early, so that tells you something about the tempo.
"We didn’t have any repeated plays in the team period, so that’s very good for a Wednesday-type practice. I know it’s Friday, but it’s Wednesday on our schedule. I was very pleased with the practice today."
The Packers will leave for the Super Bowl on Monday.
Comments (16)
January 28, 2011 at 07:25 pm
Wait, so are the Packers in Green Bay or Dallas right now?
January 28, 2011 at 07:41 pm
Green Bay. Off to Dallas on Monday, like the man said.
January 28, 2011 at 07:41 pm
GB till monday
January 28, 2011 at 08:37 pm
Brian,
Watching Total Access today and they were questioning this decision. Do you know if the players had been in before today getting the gameplan, or was today the first they'd learned of said plan? I have no problem with giving the guys the time off to rest, but it would seem like time wasted if they weren't at least meeting with the coaching staff and getting a feel for what's coming.
WHITEHOUSE ON THREE
January 28, 2011 at 09:10 pm
AS BC stated ....
"The Packers have taken part in meetings and film study the past couple days, but today was the first time they actually hit the practice field."
January 28, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Fitz, I would assume that "film study" involves gameplanning. For the record, I don't mind this at all compared to what Pittsburgh is doing. The Steelers had a bye a couple weeks ago. We haven't had a bye in what seems like forever, and this is our 20th game compared to their 19th. No problem with it at all.
And I would like to point out that packers.com has the entire, gigantic 322-page Super Bowl XLV Packers media guide available for free download. It's an enormous file, but it might be worth devoting some portable hard drive space to. It's pdf. I don't know if Pitt has theirs, but I might snag both of them just for the hell of it.
January 29, 2011 at 11:37 am
Thanks Ruppert! Good stuff!
January 29, 2011 at 04:42 pm
I think we know, from his gravatar, what kind of "film study" Fitz focuses upon...definably.
January 28, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Im glad the team was rested... but practicing without padding? It just sounds.. ummm risky. not micarthy's smartest decition.. i think
January 29, 2011 at 12:29 am
Practicing without padding means they didn't to any hitting - just wrapping up or some light contact I believe.. Unless the term "shells" is different in the pros than HS football.. which I guess is possible.
I will say though that taking some light days on their bodies is prob. a good thing - lots and lots of intense hitting goin on over the past 1.5 mos..
January 29, 2011 at 02:04 am
they dont tackle to the ground when u practice in shells.. you hit but nothing to intense shoulder pads and helmets.. u wear shorts instead of football pants.. they did contact today
January 29, 2011 at 12:07 am
It's really SLooooooow out there.
January 29, 2011 at 07:11 am
MMs schedule for the players since the NFC game was like a bye week and the schedule he has implemented now with Friday being Wednesday is one I or any one can argue for or against if wanting to.
The scheduling of practices around what becomes the "circus" in Dallas with media and assuring quality time at practice is for me the biggest concern.
MM said,they are preparing to play a football game against the Steelers and not the Super Bowl.
If he can actually keep them in that mindset,especially with the youth of this team,he should be the front runner for COY next year already.
Brian C,how hot does MM and TT become in the eyes of other teams after the Packers win the SB,overcoming so much this year?
Brian Carriveau
January 29, 2011 at 08:22 am
If the Packers win the Super Bowl, it will be like a lot of teams that win the big game. The coaches, the G.M., the key players, they're all more respected after winning a title.
January 29, 2011 at 11:23 am
i would not question mccarthy's decision. he's gotten the team this far and i believe he's putting them in the best position to win next sunday.
January 29, 2011 at 02:29 pm
It's like training for a marathon. The week before is never as intense. I like the pace he's setting. Very deliberate and an emphasis on mental practice, not necessarily adding to the laundry list of bumps and bruises. Hopefully it will pay off.