Packers Stock Report: Does Mike McCarthy Have a Plan?
Is the Packers' coaching staff worth buying or is it time to sell?
By mkelley
For all of the ups and downs so far this season—and it feels like way more than four games’ worth—the Packers find themselves in a perfectly acceptable position a quarter of the way through the season.
All of the team’s goals are still attainable, and the roster is still relatively healthy with two games to go until the bye week.
Yet it’s tempting to wonder what might have been. The loss at Washington easily could have played out differently if receivers had caught a few dropped passes, and there were numerous opportunities to beat Minnesota in Week 2, a game which the league is now admitting was altered by an enormous blown call.
It only would have taken a few instances of better execution for the Packers to be 4-0 instead of 2-1-1. But the path to 1-3 was dangerously close, as well. Without a memorable comeback against Chicago and some vintage Vikings placekicking, the 2018 season would look much different for the Packers.
So where do they actually stand?
According to Pro Football Focus, the Packers are in the top half of the league in both offense and defense (16th and sixth, respectively), leaving them as the No. 8-ranked team overall. To borrow an adage from baseball, divisions can’t be won in the first month of the season, but they can be lost. And while the Packers haven’t played their best through four games, they haven’t played so poorly that anything is lost.
Stock Rising: Buy! Buy! Buy!
Mike Pettine: OK, OK, the Bills are not exactly a terrifying offensive juggernaut. Rookie quarterback Josh Allen looked lost as he committed three turnovers and was sacked seven times, as the Packers’ defense recorded its first shutout since 2010. But what else can a fan base ask for against inferior competition, other than for the other team to be made to look inferior?
Buffalo looks to be a disaster this year, but everyone involved is a professional, and unexpected results happen routinely in the NFL. Just ask the Vikings, who lost to the Bills in Week 3.
Pettine was able to scheme some extra pressure on Allen, resulting in six Packers defenders who recorded at least half a sack. Combined with the inside pressure of Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark, which is more difficult to quantify, a path to a viable pass rush is visible after Sunday’s game.
Aaron Jones: I think I’m just going to keep putting him on the list until the public gets what it wants. More Aaron Jones, please!
The second-year back saw his play time increase, leading the running back group with 29 snaps. Once again, the production was undeniable, as Jones totaled 82 yards from scrimmage on 12 touches. He’s by far the most successful rusher on the team, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, but Mike McCarthy and Co. insist on a balanced rotation of all three running backs.
Before fans riot about Jones’ limited opportunities, it may be worth considering that McCarthy has a long-term plan in place. Perhaps Jones wasn’t conditioned to shoulder a full workload immediately after a two-game suspension. Maybe the offensive staff wants to distribute wear and tear, to keep all three backs fresh for December and beyond.
The first four to six games of any season are used for assessment and learning. And I’m willing to accept that there’s a long-term vision in place for the backfield. But if the situation arises in a particular game or turning point in the season, Aaron Jones had better be the running back taking the important carries.
Stock Falling: Sell! Sell! Sell!
Aggressiveness: Mike McCarthy has come under scrutiny this week after many fans questioned the conservative game plan utilized against the Bills, a sentiment echoed by Aaron Rodgers.
Chief among the grievances against McCarthy is a series of toothless runs on passing downs.
Again, it would be incredibly arrogant to assume a veteran head coach and play-caller doesn’t know what he’s doing when he takes the ball out of Rodgers’ hands. It’s entirely possible that McCarthy is protecting Rodgers from himself in trying to limit dropbacks in obvious passing situations. Especially in a game that felt like it was controlled by the Packers from the beginning, it is possible McCarthy tried to spare Rodgers a few hits on a knee that is still problematic at times.
But Rodgers is also right that there were many points left on the board.
It’s worth noting that slower starts have been a trademark of the McCarthy era and that some of these “problems” generally get corrected by McCarthy and his staff over time. It’s fair to give a veteran head coach the slight benefit of the doubt, but play-calling will be at the forefront of fans’ minds in the next two weeks, as the Packers have a realistic chance at being 4-1-1 entering the bye week, with tough road tests against the Rams and Patriots looming.
__________________________
Matt Kelley is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter via @hustleandheart1.
Comments (59)
ricky
October 02, 2018 at 06:36 pm
Rodgers was upset because there was a chance to score more points. True. But the game was well in hand, the defense was excellent, and, as noted, why risk a further injury to The Franchise? The Bills have a high pressure defense (causing QB pressures 34.4% of the time). All it would take is one hit to AR in a blowout, and people would be screaming about having him throw in a game that was well in hand. MM did the right thing.
GBwastedthe12thoverallpick
October 02, 2018 at 06:44 pm
The time to sell on Mashed Potato Mike, similar to Dinosaur Dom & The Silver Fox, was roughly 3-4 years ago; 2 down, 1 to go.
TheVOR
October 02, 2018 at 08:18 pm
This offense is as exciting as watching paint dry....
croatpackfan
October 03, 2018 at 02:06 am
And your middle name is "true impotent idiot"?
Demon
October 03, 2018 at 10:56 am
Wow once again the least knowledgable person here spews venom at another member. Someone who has never played the game, never has coached, never has attended a game at any level but still has it all figured out.
How did we get so lucky to have you as a fan? Shouldnt soccer, curling, or goat wrangling be more up your alley?
Dzehren
October 03, 2018 at 08:10 am
When does Joe Philbin OC come into the conversation?
Demon
October 03, 2018 at 04:24 pm
We could talk about Philbin if we knew what his job was. I know what his title is but i dont see him being the OC. Youd think if there was a new OC there would be something different. Looks like a lot more same ole to me.
Dzehren
October 04, 2018 at 09:03 am
Totally agree. Stale play calling and nothing creative. Need more dynamic plays .
jhlisic
October 02, 2018 at 06:59 pm
As the post says, there were numerous opportunities to beat the Vikings in Week 2.
I think the game was squandered in the second or third quarter (can't remember exactly)
It was 3&2 in the red zone and Rodgers audibled to a run play. Didn't convert the first down and settled for a FG. A 2 time MVP should take it upon himself to make a play there, and eventually punch in a TD. They score there, it's a totally different outcome. Had the score been 24-7 going into the 4th quarter, I highly doubt Minnesota comes back.
croatpackfan
October 03, 2018 at 02:07 am
Do not forget Aaron was injured and it is always easy to be general after the battle finished...
Tundraboy
October 03, 2018 at 08:59 am
Unless your Custer.
Cwilly
October 02, 2018 at 08:43 pm
McCarthy isn’t as good of a coach as people think his schemes are outdated and he was 8 years ago phenomenal but in today’s nfl he’s behind. The other great offensive minds are doing more with less. If Rodgers played with Nagy or McVay it’s another mvp season.
TarynsEyes
October 02, 2018 at 09:09 pm
" If Rodgers played with Nagy or McVay it’s another MVP season."
You meant another Super Bowl right? Who cares if Rodgers gets another personal accolade. If the MVP for his play in the SB..fine.
ScaryGary
October 03, 2018 at 02:22 am
theres one coach in the league that isn't on the hot seat, bill b.
marpag1
October 03, 2018 at 09:36 am
You sure about that?
Oppy
October 03, 2018 at 04:29 pm
There's the solve-all solution.
Brady is grumpy with Belichick, Rodgers decries MM...
COACH SWAP!!
I'll bring the beach ball, you bring the blanket, someone pack a pinic basket, lets play a rousing game of Head Coach Bingo.
CHEESEHEADDALLAS
October 02, 2018 at 09:33 pm
FIRE BOZO NOW
Gianich
October 02, 2018 at 10:08 pm
Mashed Potato Mike always has a plan and never strays from it no matter what the other teams' weaknesses are. No matter who is averaging 8 yards per carry for the pack and no matter what the side dish options or specials are at Applebees....
stockholder
October 02, 2018 at 10:12 pm
Sign him to a contract extension. Lets keep these guys together. The people who want MM gone don't know football. It's to bad they quit watching porn and have become confused. Fire MM, you Fire the entire staff. Let me correct you. This is a family. The power structure has changed. A-Rod is blowing smoke. And the only person to keep A-Rod in line and happy is MM. There is No better coach that would be available. There is No harder working coach in the NFL. He listens and doesn't over react. Are super bowl chances are better than 50 /50 with MM. Quit whining! MM knows the black and Blue division. If MM leaves it will only help the Bears, Vikings and Lions. The loss of MM would be a loss to the packers. He's Family. Thank you MM. Your this teams insurance policy.
TarynsEyes
October 02, 2018 at 10:34 pm
" And the only person to keep A-Rod in line and happy is MM."
This is like the relationship between Rocky and Mick in the first two movies and it certainly is a strong one. However,Rocky in all rights did his best fighting without Mick being his manager and trainer. So there is the question ,whether Rodgers would be better with a new HC and if he knows it or knew so before signing a new deal and now feels more secure to spout off.
Rodgers is great but I wouldn't put it past his ego to be lining up the fall guy(s) for what hasn't been accomplished since 2011 when all is over.
porupack
October 03, 2018 at 03:17 am
I'm not at fire MM, but still hold MM responsible for the sluggish pace, many mistakes and poor execution.
Not sure what you mean stockholder on 'A-Rod is blowing smoke'. Many posters are hard on Rodgers for saying what he did, and not sure if you are doing same, or whether you intended to downplay his comments.
Rodger's comment and frustration is way overblown by posters. He earned any right to say such to a journalist. He did not direct this frustration to MM anymore than to himself, Oline and WRs for mental mistakes, overthrows, dropped passes. If people scream that this team needs accountability for performance, then that is what ARodgers did. Rodgers held himself and teaml accountable for underachievement without calling any individual out (as he rightly so did). He should be applauded. All players should similarly hold each other accountable, and call out underperformance.
Turophile
October 03, 2018 at 06:46 am
Yep. He said the problem was with the plays...........but what he DIDN'T say was whether that was down to poor execution or the play design.
stockholder
October 03, 2018 at 08:31 am
He came out cocked and ready to fire after a WIN. The stuff said put MM right in the Hot seat. The writers on most sites concurred. My feeling is you can stop it right now by signing MM to an extension. Rodger's has a right to say anything he wants. True. But he's the QB. It's on his shoulders to GET IT DONE. What business does not say come to us first! A-Rod made himself, and everyone included, look bad.
porupack
October 03, 2018 at 09:34 am
< The writers on most sites concurred>
Yeah, and they don't look to stoke a little drama to get read?
No, he didn't put MM in the hot seat at all. Distorted.
Yes, he's the QB, and players are required to be available to reporters for questions, including Marshawn Lynch. So you want honesty, or a dud, canned response. Which?
His comments were as directed to himself, and the whole team no more no less than to MM. No evidence this was against coach. None. Just drama speculation.
stockholder
October 03, 2018 at 10:57 am
Distorted? C'mon man. Quit making excuses for A-Rod. It's just Lame after a win. You celebrate with the guys. Everyone was satisfied. A-Rod has a burr under his saddle. I think this has more to do with Nelson, and A-Rod not being told what was going on with the management decisions. He's not only hurt physically but mentally now. No one will hold him to MVP status with a knee brace. MMs reaction was perfect. MMs reaction to TT and management decisions, was perfect. The press hounds. A-Rod got his guarateed money. And if he's not careful he'll lose endorsements, his friends, his teammates, his coach.
Springer
October 03, 2018 at 10:43 am
C'mon man is a contraction for common man. Love it. I like this A-rod. He may be a little surly, but he wouldn't be saying these things if he didn't think the O could be better. Packers won't round into form until a few weeks after the bye. There'll be drama 'til then.
stockholder
October 03, 2018 at 10:59 am
C'mon. Thats fine but not after a win.
porupack
October 03, 2018 at 01:49 pm
uh, yeah, it is fine after a win if that unit knows damn well it realized half its potential. High standards. High accountability. Good on Rodgers. I hope the whole offensive unit is half offended by their play.
How long in your eyes would a alayer have to wait after the win to say we better be better? Opening of first practice? Isn't this kind of petty thing to criticize Rodgers, when there are truly stupid players saying nonsense diatribes after games? Well, I think so.
Ryan3468
October 03, 2018 at 12:07 am
The team needs to understand defense, and running the ball. Roger’s needs to heal up. Why have three healthy running backs when your quarterback is playing on one leg?
flackcatcher
October 03, 2018 at 01:01 am
This is the NFL guys. By week 6 every team has video on what your team schemes are. There are no secrets football wise in this league. There is reason why Reid's KC offense goes stale around playoff time. And lets see if the Rams are still executing at the high level by week 12 of this season. The good coaches know that not only do they have to save players, but they need to save the play book too. This is not on McCarthy, Rodgers has not been sharp, and has left points of on the field, and he knows it. As for the Packers, this is a young team with some veteran talent, but a young team none the less, finding its Identity as the season moves along. How this season plays out will determine the futures of not only IAMGUTE and Mike McCarthy, but Aaron Rodgers too. There is a lot more than just wins and losses at stake here.
croatpackfan
October 03, 2018 at 02:11 am
Thank you. But idiots are not capable of understand what you wrote... Lot of little persons whose life "success" depends on Packers wins/loses.
If Packers win, they think they are better than others, if they lose, they are smaller than grain of salt. They do not understand that everybody is what they made of themselves, not what Packers do!
porupack
October 03, 2018 at 03:22 am
well, since you put it that way, I hope packers win. I won't like to be a grain of salt next week. I am pleased that I did understand the previous post at least so to at least not realize am a little person as well as grain of salt. I doubt I could live with that discovery.
croatpackfan
October 03, 2018 at 05:53 am
porupak, football should be entertainment. Many fans takes that entertainment too seriously. Also, lot of fans talks and writes about things they do not know like they are true professionals in their lives and offend a lot of people for reason that are ridiculous by many standards.
I have no problem with complaint about some things and telling what you think is wrong, but doing that with no real arguments or giving arguments that are ridiculous is stupid.
So, I understand when somebody is hurt for any reason, but I do not understand silly "nicknames" to put blame on person (for that pain they feel) we really do not know if that person is responsible or even if that person is at all wrong.
Few examples:
People was shouting they want more of Aaron Jones. Well he got 29 snaps last Sunday, Williams had 28 and Ty had 20. You got what you wanted. But you are still offends HC for to low snaps for Aaron Jones. OK. Lets give him 77 snaps, lets allow him to be injured and to be lost for season. Same idiots, who were shouting offends to HC will continue offending Mike McCarthy for playing him too much.
Play calling? Are you knows for sure what play call was made for each snap? Do you know for sure how many plays called from sideline was change at the line of scrimmage (rightfully or not)? But idiots knows for sure that play calls was wrong!
Game plan? Adjusting to changed conditions, injuries, officiating standards, weather conditions? Play clock management (like when Aaron Rodgers spare 3 TO in the 1st Q of the game and Mike McCarthy is guilty for bad clock management)?
Tell me what part of the game you'll give passing mark for Mike McCarthy? What I read from idiots, Mike McCarthy has no good traits as coach. Well he is extremely lucky. And that is the argument from idiots why Mike McCarthy has that good NFL record as HC!
Thank you for understanding that Packers Head coach is Mashed Potato Mike or even worst offensive nicknames you can find here...
Is that reason you found yourself in my declaration of most of the posters here?
I'll also challenge you - tell me who will be better coach than Mike McCarthy for the Packers and that he is available? Will you?
Also, I found strange that you felt offended by my offensive post. I'm nobody to you with no influence to you, still find my post as something that disturbed you a little...
So, you have right to be disturbed, but I'm not? You have the right to show your dissatisfaction, but I do not? OK...
NickPerry
October 03, 2018 at 06:19 am
"So, you have right to be disturbed, but I'm not? You have the right to show your dissatisfaction"
So let us without calling us "Idiots". You've mentioned time and again some of us take this to serious yet you resort to name calling and insulting peoples intelligence.
If we have the "Right" to be disturbed or the "Right" to show our dissatisfaction, then lets us without the lectures and name calling.
croatpackfan
October 03, 2018 at 12:01 pm
When I called you idiot, Nick?
I offended person with that term who offended another person with "Mashed Potato Mike" nick name, or "Dropvante" or similar nicknames to the people who play and coach for the franchize I'm fan of. And I take those offending nicknames as offensive to me too. Making ridiculous names to persons who can say nothing in their defense is low and uncultured. You may think differently, but that is your rights.
I learned in my life that is useless to talk with people w/o cultute at the level they can't understand. Also, I want to say this very clearly: I do not consider porupack or you or many of comentors here as uncultured. That is why I'm trying to explain to you my position. If I would consider diferently, I would not spare my time on the explanation.
Now, I'm really stunned that porupak and you found yourself in my comment. I did not say to Taryn that he is idiot, because, while I consider him/her troll, really do not think he/her is an idiot.
We may not have same opinion on one or few or many things. Hell, we may have different opinion on everything. But I thought I show you my respect and I tried to discuss with you with arguments. If you feel differently, I'm sorry, that must be my mistake...
I think it is strange to claim you are Packers fan, but you do not know the names of the people you are talking about. What is not uncommon here.
Is that so hard to check and learn the name of the players and coaches? Does that show no respect for the franchise you are suppose to be fan of?
Oh. my...
Please, all of you that do not agrees with me, but defend your opinion in cultured manner, I apologize for missunderstanding. I did not call you idiots...
porupack
October 03, 2018 at 02:27 pm
Hey Croat,
I enjoy football, get mad sometimes, but make it my way not to insult others or players, and not get offended at down thumb votes.
I'm glad no one on this sites takes comments too seriously, and how everyone just lets things roll off their sleeves, take nothing personal. Its really cathartic.
So, don't take my light jests too seriously. Just playin with ya a little. Next time I kayak the adriatic coast, I'll toast to fellow fan.
Lare
October 03, 2018 at 05:56 pm
Some people need to practice the art of brevity.
Tundraboy
October 04, 2018 at 10:56 pm
Thank you !!
Demon
October 03, 2018 at 02:41 pm
The croatian moron called me stupid in the other thread so its GAME ON croatian MORON
Tundraboy
October 03, 2018 at 09:05 am
Football is more than entertainment. Sports are much more than entertainment.
Barnacle
October 03, 2018 at 10:32 am
For several million dollars a year our team management should be able to find a better head coach. When the highest paid player in the league is unhappy with leadership, maybe we should listen.
Oppy
October 03, 2018 at 03:12 pm
...Or maybe the highest paid player has a little diva in him.
Demon
October 03, 2018 at 01:35 pm
Idiots huh? I dont see any idiots here except for the one who speaks broken english.
Whats the matter Croat? Did the donkey cart you drive out to tend the flocks blow a wheel or something? Why so salty?
Before you call someone on here an idiot, take a look in the mirror pal. There you will see an idiot. One who knows less than ZERO about football. Do us all a favor go milk your goats.
Oppy
October 03, 2018 at 03:23 pm
Croat's not wrong about this in a lot of cases.
There are definitely people that don't feel like they are "winning" in their day-to-day lives, and hang on the success of their favorite sports team because it makes them feel like a "winner".
Springer
October 03, 2018 at 10:54 am
Agreed. Goff killed it early last year too before turning it over to the Gurley show. There is a breath and a pulse to the league. Deshaun Watson was Mahomes last year but now teams have tape. Will Mahomes and Reid adjust to stay dangerous? Maybe. I'm not afraid of where the Packers O is right now. If they can find consistency in the run game it will take them through the season and allow the passing game to click. Or maybe it will be the complete opposite. All I know is it'll be fun to watch shake out and the Pats are frustrating because they don't seem to breath or have a pulse. FYTB.
flackcatcher
October 03, 2018 at 06:06 pm
The 'Hoody' does have ability to drive us fans nuts, doesn't he.......
flackcatcher
October 03, 2018 at 06:03 pm
Interesting comments here folks. Just like Al posts we are all wondering what is going on at 1265. This is a team in transition both on the field and in the front office, and within the executive committee that sets the overall direction of the organization. Much of what we are seeing is generational change, and as we all know such change is awkward and messy. That's just the way it is. There is more rebuilding going on here than what we fans see. And we will have to wait to see how it all plays out.
camikem
October 03, 2018 at 02:16 am
The article you shared, it left a deep impression and experience, thank you for sharing this wonderful article.
Oppy
October 03, 2018 at 04:16 pm
I'm on pins and needles over here waiting for you to post a short story about doing volunteer work for a children's hospital and posting a link to something.
porupack
October 03, 2018 at 03:33 am
Matt,
Good article and glad you pointed out that coaches probably are still in the assessment/experimental mode, testing players during the first 4 games is very appropriate (e.g., rotation at RB). Also it is plausible that he is bringing AJones carefully up to full load. Well said.
Your idea that he held Rodgers back (opting for toothless runs) is also plausible. We forget to flip the script, on how we would react if Rodgers would get injured during unnecessary aggressive aerial play calling.
Despite your mild critique of MM, I think MM has still not set the right tone, pace and dominance that the O is capable of. So you are about right; critique MM for lack of aggressiveness, but still give him slight benefit of the doubt because it is still early season.
I think the Lion's game will tell us a lot more. Another division rival, now into October. He better ramp this up about 50 degrees.
Donster
October 03, 2018 at 07:40 am
I've been on the "fire MM" train for a long time. His offense is stale, just like Capers defense was. My three biggest gripes with MM is, when you have good Rb's to utilize, do it. The second, is that when he has a lead going into the 4th quarter, or even earlier, he takes his foot off the gas. This team hasn't had a killer instinct in years. Does Belichick back off with a lead? Hell no. And third, he just relies on Rodgers to be the guy to do it all, and when Rodgers can't do that, he's in trouble. Example was last year when Rodgers was down for the season. He bragged how Hundley was his guy, how he had trained him for taking over the team at a high level, and well, we know what happened. Hundley couldn't run the same offense that Rodgers could. He had to script it down enormously. Made it easier for defenses to put a stop to the offense.
stockholder
October 03, 2018 at 10:49 am
There are no secrets in the NFL with an offense. Capers just didn't have answers or the players. The RBs are by committee. A fumble can change that. Are they Barry Sanders,Smith, etc? No. Most rookie RBs have knee problems Etc. ( from college to the pros.) You look for promise in most rookies. MM stayed with Adams. I would have traded/cut his butt. He's made the most of TTs cap cuts. He's said he hates Free Agency time. He's done his job in changing times and aging players! Hundley could not throw. MMs biggest thing in making a QB is can they handle pressure. Flynn did. I'm sure he was hoping Hundley could turn out better. Still the QB coach was replaced. A-rod is a MVP. You can't be serious comparing them. So now we have to take sides. My support is for the team. Blaming MM after a win is just plain Dumb. I saw to things Sunday. The game was one the packers were confident that they wouldn't lose. They were in CONTROL. 2. MM called the right plays to keep confidence high. Only the players were capable of beating themselves! A-Rod almost gave the ball away several times. Bad decisions are worst then a poor game plan. Turn-overs cost you the game.
porupack
October 03, 2018 at 02:35 pm
<Blaming MM after a win is just plain Dumb>
He didn't. He said the Offense did not perform to expectations. He never called out anyone. He held himself and team accountable to the mediocre performance that they played.
cheesycowboy
October 03, 2018 at 07:57 am
Didn't this Rodgers behavior happen the last time Joe Philbin was here?
Now McCarthy has a direct pipeline to Murphy. This power structure seems odd...
DD
October 03, 2018 at 10:05 am
I find it hard to believe fans think that MM has a new playbook or has changed much. Why dont you see this? Let's tell it like it is. MM lacks the ability to change and try different things. Hes boring, lacks energy, and stays vanilla. MM doesnt inspire the coaches or the players. MM is our problem. Yes you can say execution, as in the case with most teams, but our offense is predictable and defenses are not fooled on schemes. When have you really seen defenses on their heels and guessing? Not very much.
Barnacle
October 03, 2018 at 10:11 am
Mashed Potato Mike and others deserve “a slight benefit of the doubt”. But now the doubt has been over for at least four years. I hope we can get a new coach.
The head of the “family” has not been accomplishing his responsibilities at a satisfactory level. Let MM take his unearned millions and go someplace else. We deserve better.
pacman
October 03, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Late to the party this week. I am not a MM fan but you can't judge MM on a game that was well in hand and a team that showed nothing to worry about - once we were up 3 scores. He could have been testing out various plays just to see how the players responded to specific calls.
And AR missed enough throws that he shouldn't be pointing the finger at other players.
4thand10
October 03, 2018 at 08:57 pm
Agreed.
PatrickGB
October 03, 2018 at 02:43 pm
Appearance jokes are sooooo childish. And I have been told that the people who tell them have insecurity issues.