2018 Green Bay Packers Season Thread: 6-9-1: Mike McCarthy Fired, Philbin Interim HC

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

The Packers are just as close to 5-2 or 6-1 as they are to 1-6 if we want to play that game. That is pretty darn possible considering the slew of Vikings chip shot missed fgs, the rabbit Rodgers pulled out of his last week and coming back from 20-0 with a bum knee.

 

In 2008 the Packers were 6-10. They had some insane stat that season where they lost something like 7 games on by 4 points or less, I can't remember the exact stat. It felt like every week they gave up a decisive TD or lost on a last-second FG. With most teams, you can go down the line and talk to their fans and they almost always think they're right on the edge of competing. Sometimes that is even true, save for a few teams that are just terrible. The line between mediocre and 12-4 is sometimes very small and comes down to sealing the deal consistently which the top teams do.

 

But that team reminds me a lot of this one. They had young studs in Matthews and Raji but simply were just not ready to turn the corner. They probably got a little lucky in 2010 and got hot at the right time but it would not surprise me to see a similarly much improved team next year.

 

I agree 100% with this post. The Packers have the talent of a middling team. They are good enough to stay close to the best teams, and bad enough to get beat by mediocre teams. That makes them very frustrating to cheer for, because no one really knows what they are. They don't really have an identity right now.

 

Sunday's game is going to be a very important litmus test. The Patriots are good, but they are vulnerable, especially on defense. How the Packers respond to that gut-punch game in LA will determine how things go the rest of the season. Personally, I think there's a strong chance they come ready to play in New England and pull out an upset.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Please. There is nothing weird about it. You make a prediction and people pretend you are crazy for thinking it. It feels good to be right about anything.

 

I also got the Brewers fate correct back in March https://imgur.com/a/dicYXJp but strangely I am not getting any crap for that one nor did anyone get all up in arms when I said it.

 

You're simply not permitted to be critical of the teams. It makes you negative or not a fan or any number of silly things.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

The Packers are just as close to 5-2 or 6-1 as they are to 1-6 if we want to play that game. That is pretty darn possible considering the slew of Vikings chip shot missed fgs, the rabbit Rodgers pulled out of his last week and coming back from 20-0 with a bum knee.

 

In 2008 the Packers were 6-10. They had some insane stat that season where they lost something like 7 games on by 4 points or less, I can't remember the exact stat. It felt like every week they gave up a decisive TD or lost on a last-second FG. With most teams, you can go down the line and talk to their fans and they almost always think they're right on the edge of competing. Sometimes that is even true, save for a few teams that are just terrible. The line between mediocre and 12-4 is sometimes very small and comes down to sealing the deal consistently which the top teams do.

 

But that team reminds me a lot of this one. They had young studs in Matthews and Raji but simply were just not ready to turn the corner. They probably got a little lucky in 2010 and got hot at the right time but it would not surprise me to see a similarly much improved team next year.

 

I agree 100% with this post. The Packers have the talent of a middling team. They are good enough to stay close to the best teams, and bad enough to get beat by mediocre teams. That makes them very frustrating to cheer for, because no one really knows what they are. They don't really have an identity right now.

 

Sunday's game is going to be a very important litmus test. The Patriots are good, but they are vulnerable, especially on defense. How the Packers respond to that gut-punch game in LA will determine how things go the rest of the season. Personally, I think there's a strong chance they come ready to play in New England and pull out an upset.

 

 

I fully expect them to give NE hell because it's what I've been accustomed to watching MM's teams. They usually play very well when their back is up against the wall and then struggle to escape backup scrub QBs at home against the 49ers. I'm 100% expecting a gut punch loss where they drop it 34-31 on the last drive or something.

 

Mike Sherman had a couple 12-4 teams that were sort of paper tigers, but throughout his tenure I usually felt that the Packers put away teams they were supposed to beat. I've never felt that way with MM. It's like he has to face top teams to bring out his best and it gets so frustrating. There are just so many games where they come out against a team they should beat and play 1.5 quarters or aren't moving the ball until there's 8 minutes left in the 3rd. It's one of the most frustrating things about his teams and seems to be the case every year.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

The Packers are just as close to 5-2 or 6-1 as they are to 1-6 if we want to play that game. That is pretty darn possible considering the slew of Vikings chip shot missed fgs, the rabbit Rodgers pulled out of his last week and coming back from 20-0 with a bum knee.

 

In 2008 the Packers were 6-10. They had some insane stat that season where they lost something like 7 games on by 4 points or less, I can't remember the exact stat. It felt like every week they gave up a decisive TD or lost on a last-second FG. With most teams, you can go down the line and talk to their fans and they almost always think they're right on the edge of competing. Sometimes that is even true, save for a few teams that are just terrible. The line between mediocre and 12-4 is sometimes very small and comes down to sealing the deal consistently which the top teams do.

 

But that team reminds me a lot of this one. They had young studs in Matthews and Raji but simply were just not ready to turn the corner. They probably got a little lucky in 2010 and got hot at the right time but it would not surprise me to see a similarly much improved team next year.

 

I agree 100% with this post. The Packers have the talent of a middling team. They are good enough to stay close to the best teams, and bad enough to get beat by mediocre teams. That makes them very frustrating to cheer for, because no one really knows what they are. They don't really have an identity right now.

 

Sunday's game is going to be a very important litmus test. The Patriots are good, but they are vulnerable, especially on defense. How the Packers respond to that gut-punch game in LA will determine how things go the rest of the season. Personally, I think there's a strong chance they come ready to play in New England and pull out an upset.

 

 

I fully expect them to give NE hell because it's what I've been accustomed to watching MM's teams. They usually play very well when their back is up against the wall and then struggle to escape backup scrub QBs at home against the 49ers. I'm 100% expecting a gut punch loss where they drop it 34-31 on the last drive or something.

 

Mike Sherman had a couple 12-4 teams that were sort of paper tigers, but throughout his tenure I usually felt that the Packers put away teams they were supposed to beat. I've never felt that way with MM. It's like he has to face top teams to bring out his best and it gets so frustrating. There are just so many games where they come out against a team they should beat and play 1.5 quarters or aren't moving the ball until there's 8 minutes left in the 3rd. It's one of the most frustrating things about his teams and seems to be the case every year.

 

MM has never been a "go for the throat" coach, and it's infuriating. He regularly gets a 10-point lead, and sits on it, going conservative on offense and going to the dime defense on defense, allowing the other team to chip away until they are right back in the game. He regularly lets his foot off the gas. He also does a piss poor job having his team ready to compete against every team, which explains the slow starts.

 

I very much want the Packers to make the playoffs, but the silver lining if they don't is that MM will likely be coaching the Browns next year.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I don't think the playoffs will save McCarthy again. I think Gute wants his own hire like 99% of new GMs, but simply couldn't do it right away and wanted to be able to pick from the top of the coaching pool. I think they would have to at least make the NFCCG to save his job. TT did the same thing with Sherman. 12's veiled shots at the staff are not helping McCarthy even if too much has been made of those comments.

 

I think McCarthy had to blow the NFC away to stay on as coach and thus far it looks like more of the same. Slow start, inconsistent offense and likely fighting to the end just to make the playoffs. Comparing GB to NE is fruitless, but I often wonder if the Packers would have more success if they didn't make just qualifying for the playoffs a 15-round boxing match every single year. I just don't think it should have been as hard as it is with a QB like Rodgers.

[FVBrewerFan]

I also got the Brewers fate correct back in March https://imgur.com/a/dicYXJp but strangely I am not getting any crap for that one nor did anyone get all up in arms when I said it.

 

You posted a link with your own Brewers prediction? Really?

[nodakfan17]

Just a reminder, under the new organizational structure, BG doesn’t have the ability to fire MM. Only Mark Murphy can make that call.

 

And while I think the Packers have underachieved by winning only one Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers, let’s not lose sight of the fact that it’s incredibly difficult to win a championship in a 32-team league. Rodgers is one Ben Roethlisberger game-winning drive away from being ringless.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I also got the Brewers fate correct back in March https://imgur.com/a/dicYXJp but strangely I am not getting any crap for that one nor did anyone get all up in arms when I said it.

 

You posted a link with your own Brewers prediction? Really?

 

Yes, I sure did. I thought that was pretty clear that I did that. You're asking, why?

 

To refute the stupid, rampant narrative that I am always negative and predicting doom and gloom. That is simply a self-fulfilling prophecy that some people choose to have any time anyone is remotely critical of their favorite teams. It is the same reason people dislike Joe Buck for "hating the Packers and Brewers." It's dumb.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Just a reminder, under the new organizational structure, BG doesn’t have the ability to fire MM. Only Mark Murphy can make that call.

 

And while I think the Packers have underachieved by winning only one Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers, let’s not loose sight of the fact that it’s incredibly difficult to win a championship in a 32-team league. Rodgers is one Ben Roethlisberger game-winning drive away from being ringless.

 

I will give the organization a pass on 2014 when they basically were a Super Bowl team, but that becomes another black mark on MM.

 

It's hard to do, but also hard to feel that it won't be a disappointment if he walks away with one. It's way too early to conclude that though. For all we know Rodgers has 8 seasons left.

 

Expecting SB wins becomes splitting hairs of sorts, for me the bigger failure is how mediocre the teams are year in and year out. They've gotten a first round bye twice in Rodgers career. I don't know what the number is, but how many of those did Brady get? That is a huge advantage when there are only 3 playoff games.

 

Their annual 9-10 squeak-ins are more of a failure than not winning Super Bowls IMO. And that they seem to be the same blueprint every year - a team that scores a ton and has just been an absolute sieve defensively.

 

As far as the team structure, I believe that's a formality. If Gute wants McCarthy fired it will happen. I really doubt Murphy is deciding who is coach.

[stoutdude04]

Please. There is nothing weird about it. You make a prediction and people pretend you are crazy for thinking it. It feels good to be right about anything.

 

I also got the Brewers fate correct back in March https://imgur.com/a/dicYXJp but strangely I am not getting any crap for that one nor did anyone get all up in arms when I said it.

 

You're simply not permitted to be critical of the teams. It makes you negative or not a fan or any number of silly things.

 

I just think it's weird that you are enjoying it so much. Just the way you said it sounded weird to me, but whatever. I'm sure I've done it too.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Gotta love the idiot Packer fans on Twitter begging the team to activate Jake Kumerow. Because that is exactly what they need ... another tall, lanky WR who isn't going to return kicks!

 

I swear, every time there is any caucasian skill player in GB, he becomes Steve Largent in the eyes of these dolts. Sometimes I'm ashamed to be considered a fan of this team with these morons. They are the same ones that were begging the team to trade for Jordy Nelson yesterday.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Gotta love the idiot Packer fans on Twitter begging the team to activate Jake Kumerow. Because that is exactly what they need ... another tall, lanky WR who isn't going to return kicks!

 

I swear, every time there is any caucasian skill player in GB, he becomes Steve Largent in the eyes of these dolts. Sometimes I'm ashamed to be considered a fan of this team with these morons. They are the same ones that were begging the team to trade for Jordy Nelson yesterday.

 

x100 if he played at UW.

[MrTPlush]

Gotta love the idiot Packer fans on Twitter begging the team to activate Jake Kumerow. Because that is exactly what they need ... another tall, lanky WR who isn't going to return kicks!

 

I swear, every time there is any caucasian skill player in GB, he becomes Steve Largent in the eyes of these dolts. Sometimes I'm ashamed to be considered a fan of this team with these morons. They are the same ones that were begging the team to trade for Jordy Nelson yesterday.

 

This is literally exactly what we need.

[FVBrewerFan]

Gotta love the idiot Packer fans on Twitter begging the team to activate Jake Kumerow. Because that is exactly what they need ... another tall, lanky WR who isn't going to return kicks!

 

I swear, every time there is any caucasian skill player in GB, he becomes Steve Largent in the eyes of these dolts. Sometimes I'm ashamed to be considered a fan of this team with these morons. They are the same ones that were begging the team to trade for Jordy Nelson yesterday.

 

I'm one of those idiots. Well, I don't have Twitter so I'm not technically one I guess. Kumerow looked really good to me, although I don't get how white has anything to do with it. Donald Driver was the most cherished WR ever by Packer fans.

 

And returning kicks is dead in the NFL, they don't need anyone to do that. Only problem is there's really not a spot for him in the WR core at the moment.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Donald Driver was actually good though. Abbrederis, Kuhn, Billy Schroeder, Ripkowski, yearly calls for Jeff Janis to be a major piece of the offense. Let's be realistic, when you are at Lambeau Field it is not exactly a cultural melting pot. It is hard to think of a white skill position player who wasn't adored. I did a double take when I read that, but I tried to think of one and couldn't. The fans automatically assume it is some gritty beer-guzzling guy that loves to hunt and he becomes some kind of folk hero lmao

[OldSchoolSnapper]

All that said though, Kumerow did look really pretty dang athletic in the preseason. I hope he finds a way in somehow, cus I'd just like to see if there's anything there.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

All that said though, Kumerow did look really pretty dang athletic in the preseason. I hope he finds a way in somehow, cus I'd just like to see if there's anything there.

 

I agree that he did look good in preseason. Unfortunately for him, WR is probably the team's deepest position. I think the only way he sees the field this year is if we see a couple guys hurt. They aren't going to stunt MVS's growth just to play Kumerow.

[FVBrewerFan]

Donald Driver was actually good though. Abbrederis, Kuhn, Billy Schroeder, Ripkowski, yearly calls for Jeff Janis to be a major piece of the offense. Let's be realistic, when you are at Lambeau Field it is not exactly a cultural melting pot. It is hard to think of a white skill position player who wasn't adored. I did a double take when I read that, but I tried to think of one and couldn't. The fans automatically assume it is some gritty beer-guzzling guy that loves to hunt and he becomes some kind of folk hero lmao

 

Randy Wright. Boom!

 

I don't think any of those guys you listed were loved by most fans, other than Kuhn- who was a very good FB in his prime.

[tmwiese55]

Donald Driver was actually good though. Abbrederis, Kuhn, Billy Schroeder, Ripkowski, yearly calls for Jeff Janis to be a major piece of the offense. Let's be realistic, when you are at Lambeau Field it is not exactly a cultural melting pot. It is hard to think of a white skill position player who wasn't adored. I did a double take when I read that, but I tried to think of one and couldn't. The fans automatically assume it is some gritty beer-guzzling guy that loves to hunt and he becomes some kind of folk hero lmao

 

Bill Schroeder was hated by Packer fans for the most part. The rest, yea pretty accurate.

 

I don't see why anyone would be calling for krumeroy now, WR hasn't been a problem at all with some of the young guys stepping up and doing well.

[FVBrewerFan]

Donald Driver was actually good though. Abbrederis, Kuhn, Billy Schroeder, Ripkowski, yearly calls for Jeff Janis to be a major piece of the offense. Let's be realistic, when you are at Lambeau Field it is not exactly a cultural melting pot. It is hard to think of a white skill position player who wasn't adored. I did a double take when I read that, but I tried to think of one and couldn't. The fans automatically assume it is some gritty beer-guzzling guy that loves to hunt and he becomes some kind of folk hero lmao

 

Bill Schroeder was hated by Packer fans for the most part. The rest, yea pretty accurate.

 

I don't see why anyone would be calling for krumeroy now, WR hasn't been a problem at all with some of the young guys stepping up and doing well.

 

It's come up because he's eligible to return. And to be honest, if the decision was based on performance then Kumerow would be added, Moore cut. But that's not going to happen since Moore was a high draft pick this year.

[LouisEly]

Donald Driver was actually good though. Abbrederis, Kuhn, Billy Schroeder, Ripkowski, yearly calls for Jeff Janis to be a major piece of the offense. Let's be realistic, when you are at Lambeau Field it is not exactly a cultural melting pot.

Schroeder had a 1000 yard season, a 999 yard season, and another 900 yard season. He was in the top 26 in the league in receiving yards for three consecutive years. He actually was pretty good. Not great, but pretty good.

[pacopete4]

Donald Driver was actually good though. Abbrederis, Kuhn, Billy Schroeder, Ripkowski, yearly calls for Jeff Janis to be a major piece of the offense. Let's be realistic, when you are at Lambeau Field it is not exactly a cultural melting pot.

Schroeder had a 1000 yard season, a 999 yard season, and another 900 yard season. He was in the top 26 in the league in receiving yards for three consecutive years. He actually was pretty good. Not great, but pretty good.

 

 

Two words. Brett & Favre.

 

The guy made players. Partly due to the fact that he would find 2-3 targets and just continue to feed them.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Donald Driver was actually good though. Abbrederis, Kuhn, Billy Schroeder, Ripkowski, yearly calls for Jeff Janis to be a major piece of the offense. Let's be realistic, when you are at Lambeau Field it is not exactly a cultural melting pot. It is hard to think of a white skill position player who wasn't adored. I did a double take when I read that, but I tried to think of one and couldn't. The fans automatically assume it is some gritty beer-guzzling guy that loves to hunt and he becomes some kind of folk hero lmao

 

Jordy Nelson was legitimately one of the 10 best WRs in the game for a few years, and was a good guy both on and off the field. He was a shell of his former self last year, though. Yet, when they released him, I thought there was going to be thousands of mid-30s housewives showing up at 1265 Lombardi Ave. with flaming torches and pitchforks. I know every team has fans who are idiots, but it just seems that the Packers have an inordinate amount. The good teams know when it's time to let a player go, and Thompson was guilty many times of hanging onto guys a season or two too long. I like what I'm seeing from Gute in that regard so far.

 

Kumerow was a nice story in the preseason, but Moore, St. Brown and MVS are faster, younger and more athletic versions of him. Unless one of those guys gets hurt, or Adams or Allison go down, Kumerow should stay stashed on IR. He might have a shot in 2019 when Cobb is likely gone.

 

I personally dislike Trevor Davis's game and skillset, but I think they will likely activate him soon and install him as the main kick and punt returner.

[FVBrewerFan]

Donald Driver was actually good though. Abbrederis, Kuhn, Billy Schroeder, Ripkowski, yearly calls for Jeff Janis to be a major piece of the offense. Let's be realistic, when you are at Lambeau Field it is not exactly a cultural melting pot. It is hard to think of a white skill position player who wasn't adored. I did a double take when I read that, but I tried to think of one and couldn't. The fans automatically assume it is some gritty beer-guzzling guy that loves to hunt and he becomes some kind of folk hero lmao

 

Jordy Nelson was legitimately one of the 10 best WRs in the game for a few years, and was a good guy both on and off the field. He was a shell of his former self last year, though. Yet, when they released him, I thought there was going to be thousands of mid-30s housewives showing up at 1265 Lombardi Ave. with flaming torches and pitchforks. I know every team has fans who are idiots, but it just seems that the Packers have an inordinate amount. The good teams know when it's time to let a player go, and Thompson was guilty many times of hanging onto guys a season or two too long. I like what I'm seeing from Gute in that regard so far.

 

 

Completely disagree. Packer fans as a whole are smarter in general about football. Most don't understand or want to understand how the cap works though, which is no different than fans of any sports franchise.

 

So they see Jordy getting cut loose, and many can't put it in context with the cap. Again, I don't think it makes them idiots.

[MrTPlush]

You are going to have a lot of "idiot" fans when watching the Packers is a religion in Wisconsin and they have had stupidly ridiculous success most of people's lives. It creates a crazy bandwagon.

 

You can hate sports and football...but when the Packers are on towns literally die. If you ever want to go grocery shopping in a small community or go pick up some food do it while the Packers are on...the town will be a graveyard. It is pretty amazing.