Mike McCarthy: “I’m focused on what’s in front of us”

Once again, the Green Bay Packers failed to defeat the Seattle Seahawks, when having them stunned, staggered and waiting for the final punch. But it wasn’t only the Seahawks’ who prevented that. Something is definitely wrong with the Packers this season, and the fans are pretty frustrated with their performances.

According to the majority of them, the most responsible for having a bad record in this campaign, 4-5-1, is Mike McCarthy. And for the first time after more than 13 years, his presence in Green Bay is not 100% desirable. But according to the Packs’ mentor, he isn’t feared for his job position.

“I’m focused on what’s in front of us. Every individual on the inside, particularly the football team, we have a 2018 commitment, and that’s all I’ve ever focused on.”

As usual, Green Bay’s head coach doesn’t care about rumors or opinions of others. Like many times before, Mike McCarthy listens only to himself.

He did the same thing last night in Seattle, when he decided for a punt instead for a fourth down with 4:20 to go, after Aaron Rodgers failed to convert a third down. His decision was justified with “numbers” as he said.

“We have a network and the numbers were being calculated. Three-and-out there [by Seattle], I think, puts us right about the 2-minute [mark],” he said. “I have great confidence in our 2-minute offense, especially with Aaron. That’s the decision we made. It’s a solid decision.”

The only problem was, that the calculation couldn’t count in Seahawks fantastic run game last night. The hosts posted 173 rushing yards, that being their seventh game in a row above 150+ yards. The network failed on that one, and the fans were pretty mad with this explanation. Home team picked up two first downs, and the Packs were set to go home empty-handed.

Rodgers didn’t get his chance for the last attack, and that is the ultimate reason to blame McCarthy.

But, there is more. A decision not to challenge Tyler Lockett’s catch, which eventually resulted in a game-winner touchdown, also increased the anger among the Packers fans. Yes, the team had only one timeout, but that is also McCarthy’s mistake, as he continually enters the endings with one or no timeouts. Rodgers shares some part of the guilt here, but the coach is always responsible for such things.

For the 54-year old, there is still enough time to turn the tables around.

“There’s enough football,” he said.

Yes indeed, there is, but is there enough time for him is the mystery. His contract lasts until 2019, but that doesn’t guarantee anything. The GM who brought him to Wisconsin, Ted Thompson is not around anymore. Brian Gutenkust is running the operations now. Also, president Mark Murphy didn’t want to offer McCarthy a long-term deal last year. Instead, he signed just a one-year extension.

Many of the experts are claiming that McCarthy’s conservative approach inhibits Rodgers and his talent. Throughout the years, we witnessed many bad choices he made, which eventually cost the Packers dearly. Whether they concerned players who landed at Lambeau Field, or when calling the plays. Also, one part of the fans, is accusing the coach, for spending the best years of Aaron Rodgers’ and winning only one Super Bowl.

The Packers are heading for Minnesota next week, to face the Vikings. Outside of Green Bay, they have 0-5, and something needs to change radically in order to improve that horrific record. They will probably play without Jimmy Graham who broke his thumb in Seattle, and that is one more headache for McCarthy.

When asked about the atmosphere in the locker room, and whether all these speculations in media, about his future, affect the morale and the chemistry of the team, he answered positively.

“I’m sure they’re all aware. I think the bigger challenge is when you’re having a lot of success. I think negativity is an unfortunate part of this business driven by the externals, but that’s the business we’re in.”