Coaches and General Managers routinely are judged based on the extent to which their teams meet the expectations for a given season. And for each team, the expectations are different.
For the 2009 Packers, the expectations were as big as they could be. During the preseason, many of the experts (I'm talking to you, Rosenthal) were smitten with the Pack as their first team pummeled the Bills and Cardinals in August.
But then the real games started. The first hint of trouble came during a Lambeau loss to the Bengals. A sweep by the Vikings, led by a familiar-yet-grizzled face, left the Packers only one game over .500.
Then came arguably the most embarrassing moment since before Favre ever arrived -- a loss to the woeful Bucs.
As a result, coach Mike McCarthy and G.M. Ted Thompson have squandered much of the equity they realized after a 2007 season that resulted in a berth in the NFC title game. They both scored contract extensions and -- as we continue to believe -- they decided that it was time to treat the latter days of Favre's career like a stubborn Band-Aid and rip the thing away.
But with a 6-10 season in the books and another failure to make the playoffs possibly on tap, the seats are getting warm for McCarthy and Thompson.
Indeed, team president Mark Murphy tells Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette that the closest thing the team has to an owner isn't happy with the 4-4 start.
"[O]bviously I'm disappointed about where we are," Murphy said. "The number one goal as
an organization every year is to win, but obviously we've got half the
season left, and it's really premature to do an evaluation. At the end
the season, I'll sit down and see how we performed. . . .
"You really need to wait until the whole season is completed. I've seen
it both ways. Teams get off to great starts and collapse, or struggle
early and play well at the end. But obviously I'm disappointed in where
we are now, especially the loss to Tampa, very disappointing to
everybody, but we'll see how we respond."
This can be interpreted different ways. Our take? Murphy realizes that a lot can happen between now and Week Seventeen, and that the Packers could get hot and run the table.
(Man, I can actually hear some of you laughing.)
Either way, it makes no sense to pass judgment prematurely, or to place even more pressure on a coach and a G.M. who are smart enough to realize that, if things don't change, one or both of them could be out of work come January.
Packers president says he's "disappointed"
Posted by Mike Florio on November 9, 2009 8:36 PM ET
Permalink
89 Comments 
Latest stories in: Green Bay Packers, Latest News and Rumors, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Rumors, Top Stories
Latest stories in: Green Bay Packers, Latest News and Rumors, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Rumors, Top Stories
If you read the whole interview Mark Murphy sounds like a guy who is more disappointed with Mike McCarthy than he is Ted Thompson. I think all of Packer Nation is ready to clean house - oh and they can take Jarrett Bush the player they love so much with them.
This just in, Ted Thompson continues to lead in the J.A. Smith Dumb Ass GM of the year award.
Disappointed? He should be horrified!
In letting Favre go, they placed the load of the franchise squarely on Rodgers shoulders and failed to give him any supporting cast what so ever!
The continued bad play by the team as a whole makes every single decision they have made in the past two years suspect!
The Packers will be lucky to match their 6-10 record of last year. They could easily lose 6 of their next 8 games and finish 3rd in the division. Next year, I would bet even the Lions finish better than the Packers.
One thing that might be keeping both Thompson and McCarthy in town past this season is the +-$16 million they are still under contract for.
They ate a ton of salary when they scrap canned Sherman, and Murphy might not be willing to burn another $16 million, especially going into an uncapped year and most likely a shut down in 2011.
I'm a Packers stockholder and I, too, am disappointed.
In sticking to the draft, holding onto the balance of their salary cap $$$s, and not going more deeply into the free agent market, seems like Ted Thompson is only using half the tools for the job.
I am certain the shadow of Joe Johnson still hangs over Lambeau -- but that was a Mike Sherman debacle and it is time to move on.
Mark Murphy was brought after running one of the worst college sports programs in the country. He is nothing but a lackey for TT and will never fire him.
Mark Murphy, Ted Thompson, and Mike McCarthy ALL need to go.
Mike McCarthy's days are numbered and they should be. Over the past 16 games, the last 8 of last year and the first 8 of this year, the Packers have beaten the Bears twice, Lions twice, Rams, and Browns. McCarthy coached Packers can only beat the low end of the NFL and now they can't even do that. This team is so uninspired. I guess the team takes on the personality of the men at the top, Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson
Wait until the end of the season ? For God sake Murphy played in the NFL, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder can see that the Packers are a crappy Team headed in the wrong direction.
Bring Bob Harlan back.
Hopefully the new guy realizes the amount of water this ship is taking on has to be dealt with quickly..
I was behind both of these clowns even through the departure of egomaniac media whore Favre.
But results on the score board are results on the score board and we are 10 and 14 since beating the Colts last year.
Time for them to go.
And to all you Favre butt smoochers out there... we wouldn't even have 10 wins over that same span if he would have hung around.
"Disappointment" is spending $100 on a date and not getting laid. On the other hand, spending $100 on a Packers or Bears ticket does get you screwed these days so maybe he has an agruement. Hmmm ...
"Facts" Domino-and it's the "J.A.Smith" award. That's about par for the course. Save for jimmySee. and maybe jamesz23, no pithy observations, no insightful analysis about anything as relates to Football. More cult of personality. "This guy stinks!" "This guy is great!" "This guy's a moron!"
"This guy's a genius!" What a doofus convention, led by Clown Prince Florio, who every week seems to become more vacuous. Stop trying to be Peter King.
Yeah,Bring Harlan back.
The Harlan who gave a 2nd year coach complete control of the organization and then sat on his hands as bad draft after bad draft ran the remaining Favre years into the ground.
Then,that Harlan finally woke up and made a change......to Ted Thompson.
Lets get him back!
Actually, I'd say it's their most embarassing moment since Favre threw 6 picks against the Rams in the playoffs. Weren't 3 of them returned for scores?
Disappointed in what?
In their unrealistic expectations for this season?
They have had one winning season in the last four and that one was a fluke. This will make it one in the last five and they believe that bringing back old washed up Packers from the past is the way to go.
They are nothing special and their fans are too stupid to know it.
# Fan_Of_ Four says: November 9, 2009 9:02 PM
Mark Murphy was brought after running one of the worst college sports programs in the country.
Bring Bob Harlan back.
------------------------------------------------
So FoF, you'd turn down the job & paycheck that comes with running a D1 program? Say what you want about MM, but to criticize him for running "one of the worst college sports programs in the country" is a bit harsh. I mean, he was running Northwestern.
You do realize Northwestern is: a) private and b) a research university right? It's not like it's a big athletic program like Florida or Texas or USC or something. And he was AD and he brought in a coach whose doing a pretty good job compared to how NW usually does.
And as far as Bob Harlan...he retired. He's over 70 years old. He'd still be there if he wanted to be but not many 70 year olds still like the idea of working, especially when they have grandkids and a limited # of years left.
Hey piccolo:
Guys that can not spell don't get laid as often, even if they can scare up $100.
What do you think of my ARGUEMENT?
the l.a. packers has a nice ring to it...this franchise has gotten down the crapper...or how about the l.a. bears....i like that too...Vikings the elite!
Anyone who makes a comment and refers to themselves as a "Packer Stockholder" should not be surprised by the crap the Packer Leadership is putting out there. You paid $250 for a piece of paper that gives you NOTHING except the ability to prove your ignorance by posting "I'm a Stockholder" and thinking people will take you seriously.
No Larry Bird!
It will be the Los Angeles Vikings! A nice pairing with the Lakers, who came from where.
Your state can not support any pro franchises.
Vikings elite? Don't you mean the best fair weather fans in the history of sport.
Your franchise still pales in comparison to the Packers or the Bears.
Come'on ViQueers fans, open up the Packers post and talk about how good your team is. I mean, it makes perfect sense right? "PACKERS PRESIDENT UNHAPPY" undoubtedly means "Lets hear how good the ViQueers are" Anyway, pack your bags McCarthy grab a couple dbl cheeseburgers and head south down 43, PLEASE.
I say sell the team to LA and give every dipstick(Jimmy) that bought worthless stock($200.00 for a worthless piece of paper to put on your wall)$ .30 a share. $.60 for Bob with 2 O's for his efforts. Then turn Lambeau into a deer refuge to get the population back. Packer fans are truly IDIOTS!
# LarryBird18 says: November 9, 2009 9:48 PM
the l.a. packers has a nice ring to it...this franchise has gotten down the crapper...or how about the l.a. bears....i like that too...Vikings the elite!
---------------------------------------------
Hardy har-har. Very funny. Just remind me how many times the Bears or Packers needed an extension to sell out a home playoff game. Not to mention, just last week Florio posted an article showing that the Vikings next two home games are still NOT sold out (though they very well could be by now).
The eliteness of a team isn't a 1-2 year's worth of a team's success but their historical success & championships.
You can have a seat & voice at the table when your Vikings finally win a championship game. The Packers & Bears have 12 & 9 respectively.
Note to Packers stockholders: You do not own anything. If the team is sold, you get nothing. If the team makes money, you get nothing. When the team makes decisions, you don't get a vote. You own just as much of the Detroit Lions as you do stock in the Packers. Has to be the most moronic investment in the history of economics. Stop investing your money and your life in football. It's entertainment. You watch, the result and it's entertaining or it's not. Football is not life. It's a television program.
Any PFT article about the Packers makes my day. I can't scroll down to the comments section fast enough. This is truly entertainment.
And rcpecook - you might want to check how to spell the great big word "CANNOT" before you make fun of other people's spelling abilities.
damnit florio you are really starting to piss me off you lil pigmy sumnabitch.
i am envisioning you on your kithchen floor balling your eyes out later thisyear, much like you did as a 10 year old with you helga hair draped over you messy face.
you are such a viking rube. it sickens me.
"Buschman says: November 9, 2009 9:37 PM
Actually, I'd say it's their most embarassing moment since Favre threw 6 picks against the Rams in the playoffs. Weren't 3 of them returned for scores?"
Amen Buschman.
Let me also add the embarrassing regular-season losses 11 Oct 2004 to the Titans (48-27) on MNF -- remember the Pack faithful bailing in droves? -- and 19 Nov 2006 to the Patriots (35-0). Favre has certainly had his share of shame.
I'm not usually one to call for heads to roll based on a few down games (how many downer years did Rooney keep Cowher around before he won the big one?), but the total lack of adjustment on either the offensive or defensive sides of the ball from game to game just leaves me shaking my head. It's not all pad level. I think this experiment has about run its course.
Larrybird18, you are a 'tard. If it wasn't for the flip-flopper,the Bi-Queen's games would be blacked out on a weekly basis. Please get a clue and understand that within the next couple of years your precious team will be setting sail for greener pastures.Then the only options you'll have for football is Packer games on Minneapolis tv every Sunday or Gopher games on Saturday...
Fan_of_Favre (lil' ol' me), why are you hanging out here when I have jock straps to be hand washed. Hop to it man!
Attention Packers Fans: Please stop prefacing your comments with "I am a stockholder, and I think..." It's embarrassing for all of us.
"I'm a Packers stockholder "
That is your first mistake. Anyone dumb enough to purchase an absolutely worthless security should immediately be examined for post-concussion syndrome.
bluestree,
There is iron in your words.
As a viking fan, I just enjoy watching the turmoil in your organization. I actually hope that you keep TT as long as Detroit kept Millen. Both are cut from the same mold. Nuff Said.....
People,
Football is nothing but an intricate chess match.
Does McCarthy seem like a brilliant chess player?
We need Bobby Fisher..... We have Bobby Wisher.
Go get our Bobby Fisher!!!!!
I'm a Packers stockholder -- and frankly, none of you who criticize the program have even the remotest clue.
The value of that piece of paper is the team will NEVER be sold and will NEVER leave Green Bay.
There is NO other smaller market team -- except probably Pittsburgh, that is not at risk of up and moving.
MkePackFan
Read much ?
Check it again skippy, I didn't say a thing about Murphy's College Career.
MkePackFan
"You can have a seat & voice at the table when your Vikings finally win a championship game. The Packers & Bears have 12 & 9 respectively."
I know it is history you have to live in since the Pac sucks now but at least learn it if that is were you are going to revel. The Vikes do have an NFL championship. Me, I'll enjoy the present. Skipity-do-da-day!
TRANSLATING MIKE MCCARTHY
"Our problems to me aren't teaching and scheme," McCarthy said. "They do not fall in that area."
Translation: "I' AM NOT THE PROBLEM, IN MY OPINION."
"Both he and Philbin said the problems aren't with players not understanding the scheme or lacking training, but rather making physical and mental errors at the wrong time."
Translation" "OUR SYSTEM IS PERFECT, BUT THESE PLAYERS SUCK."
"I think anytime you are in problem solving, it's about applying solutions," McCarthy said.
Translation: "I AM AN ASSHOLE."
"It's obvious what has gone on in our particular failures in that area. There are other options as we move forward, and those are some of the things we'll look to in certain situations."
Translation: "IT'S OBVIOUS I SUCK AT THIS, WE HAVE THE OPTION TO WIN, WE'RE LOOKING INTO IT, BUT IT DOESN'T SOUND GOOD.
"We don't need wholesale change. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I have all the answers, but I'm very confident in the issues that we've had in pass protection, that they are correctable."
Translation: "I NEED THIS JOB. I CAN'T DO THIS JOB, BUT OTHER PEOPLE CAN"
LarryBird18 says:
November 9, 2009 9:48 PM
the l.a. packers has a nice ring to it
______________________________
This is by far, the dumbest thing I think I've ever read online.
You sir, are an idiot.
haha says the 4-4 loser doosh bags!!!! ahahahaha your teams are so aweful..we won the division last year with gus and now we have the great packer legend taking a deuce on the packers season...beat both times!!!!!hahahah vikings the elite! bow down! tune into the vikings and watch a real football team
Harlan made some mistakes, Thompson being one of them but he also was responsible for bringing in Ron Wolf and getting the new atrium upgrade so I wouldn't exactly say he was a tool. Keep Murphy, keep McCarthy and Thompson if you like but don't plan on going to any play off games soon.
The Packers should be 5-3 at this point in the season. The Vikings are clearly better than the Packers this year (enjoy it before they move to Los Angeles) and its clear now the Bengals are for real. I think it's a mistake for McCarthy to say the o-line problems can be fixed in house - he doesn't want to chesse off TT and get himself fired - but by week 8 whatever is ailing the line should have been fixed by now. My question to McCarthy is: If you can't fix it will you quit?
On anothe note the thing I love about Vikings fans is you finally have a good team and I'v read like what? - three times you guys were in danger of being blacked out? SOme of the moron Vikings fans talk aobut the L.A. Packers but the Packers aren't the ones crying for a new stadium and have trouble selling out playoff games. Like I said above, enjoy it before the move to Los Angeles - suckers.
"I'm a Packers stockholder -- and frankly, none of you who criticize the program have even the remotest clue"
Well Jimmy, as a Packer fan and someone with half a brain, I believe I do have a clue on this one. And while I have absolutely no intention of moving out of the State of Wisconsin, I wouldn't have any trouble selling shares of stock in my house at say, $300 a share. You can but all 50,000 shares that I've issued and have piece of mind that I'll never leave the state.
Or, you could piss away whatever arbitrary amount you have on Packers "stock" and simply acknowledge both your ignorance and inability to grasp even the most remote concept of financial responsibility.
You're also probably one of those rubes that believes he understands even word one of the CBA and salary cap too.
Things sure are getting ugly in cheeseland..interesting take here... http://www.phixation.com/2009/11/03/the-end-of-a-franchise/
Hmmmm...you want VIKING fan inputs? Here is a positive suggestion....Matt Millen is available and could probably be in Green Bay tomorrow! ;)
I'm a packers shareholder and I have 1 share for sale.
# LarryBird18 says: November 9, 2009 11:34 PM
haha says the 4-4 loser doosh bags!!!! ahahahaha your teams are so aweful..we won the division last year with gus and now we have the great packer legend taking a deuce on the packers season...beat both times!!!!!hahahah vikings the elite! bow down! tune into the vikings and watch a real football team
_____
Um, okay.
A couple of things here. I don't see the main being problem with the offense here. The bigger problem is the BIG switch the packers made with the defense this year. Campman moved to linebacker, or whatever they are calling his position. His hand needs to be in the dirt, clear and simple.
The pack took a gamble by switching their D. And it back fired.
And let's not forget they have sucked at the draft for several years.
Anyway, I love it.
The transition to the 3-4 defense hasn't gone as well as they would have liked.
Hey Bushman, check your facts on the 35-0 packers loss to the Patriots loss in 2006. AROD played most of the game after Favre got hurt. AROD was shell shocked and finger pointing.
Regarding Thompson, if he was so confident that he was better off with Rodgers rather than Favre, then he should have had the courage to trade Favre, to the highest bidder rather than bury him with the jets for a 4th round pick. Instead of getting two #1's from Vikings, which would deplete their depth (ie, no Percy) you get the 83rd pick. Was that best for the packers or what was best for you?
The value you place on draft picks is also skewed. In 2007 you were supposedly willing to give up a 5th rounder but not a fourth rounder for Randy Moss. Your 5th round pick (David Clowney) didn't make the team and your 4th round pick (Allen Barbre) is the poster child for baby Swiss. You think moss is a 5 and favre is a 4, but in 2008 you use second round picks on Jordy Nelson and Brian Brohm instead of taking care of the offensive line. That is new math. At the same time you have more cap room than any other team. You question Favre's commitment to playing. Your commitment to winning is what should be questioned by packer fans.
"Bring Bob Harlan back. "
Bob Harlan retired, you idiot. and you may be shocked to know that HE was the one who hired both Thompson AND Murphy.
and the new 3-4 defense is not that bad. Our goal was to improve on stopping the run and we have done so far that this season. and no don't say we have faced weak RBs because we stopped Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson....twice.
lol @ the packer organization
nice team ya got there...
As a Packer fan, and a Lions shareholder...
Murphy is a man of very few words. He's also a man who values tact and subtlety more than most. For him to say he's "disappointed" is equivalent to the rest of us being ready to kill someone with bare hands.
His willingness to come out and say this actually gives me some hope that the painfully obvious problems that have plagued this franchise may finally be remedied. Then Bob Nelson and Supersuck will have a new ass to kiss, maybe even one with some actual NFL management abilities.
Looking at the bright side, at least Murphy has the balls to talk to the media, the same cannot be said of Ted Thompson.
So its out there now, Murphy is disappointed and there will be no changes prior to the end of the season. There are a number of problems with the Packers and almost all of them could be solved by firing TT and McFatty, the sooner the better.
NEWSFLASH, for all the Favre lover posts. Favre ****** R E T I R E D ******
Obviously you are those people who don't even watch football to be that ignorant.
Also, anyone her blaming Rodgers is also an ignorant fool. Rodgers has had a great season so far, even ranked at the top of the league the entire season.
Please go find another team to root for if your going to be the ignorant of the truth.
Sure Karen Rodgers has had a great season....she's leading the league in sacks taken. You go girl.
Oh and by the way, Harlan didn't hire Murphy. The Packers board of directors did.
jeff17 says:
November 10, 2009 6:27 AM
"Also, anyone her blaming Rodgers is also an ignorant fool. Rodgers has had a great season so far, even ranked at the top of the league the entire season."
JEFF17 is correct that it is not Rodgers' fault, just like it wasn't Favre's fault when Green Bay went 4-12 after Thompson got rid of Favre's offensive line except of Clifton and Tauscher in 2005. Favre's consecutive game streak would have been broken with the o-line Thompson has assembled and the game plan McCarthy has called since Favre left. That said, to suggest that Rodgers has had a great season and call anyone critical of Rodgers an "ignorant fool", is looking at Fantasy numbers rather than the games themselves. Rodgers is a great talent but he has had difficulty getting it done in the final minutes with the game on the line. Five games this year Rodgers has had the ball in his hands with less than 6 minutes to play and a chance to tie, take the lead, or put the game out of reach. The team is 1-4 in those games (big play against Bears). McCarthy, Thompson and Capers are to blame for schemes, play calling, and personnel, but Rodgers has to take some responsibility -- his apparent fear to make a mistake (ala Favre) appears to cripple him in crunch time. Last year he was 0-7 in such situations. Granted the 4th quarter defense was and has been porous, but too many time the GB offense left the other team in the game.
And FAVRE did retire, but why not get the most you can for him rather than ship him to the meadowlands because TT is too scared that Favre will come back to Lambeau. A couple of high picks and a couple of do overs for Harrell, Brohm, Patrick Lee could have at least given Rodgers a chance to stay upright. Being the farthest under the cap every year is nothing to be proud of when you miss the playoff 3 out of 4 years.
Things will get ugly if the teams gets blown out by the Cowboys on Sunday. TT watch out for the cheesehead wearing mob with pitchforks.
I love the sound of resentment and jealousy first thing in the morning from Packer fans. Their team absolutely sucks two years running and now they have to bring up winning seasons from 50 years ago.
For those of you to dumb to realize facts, the Vikings won a division title last year WITHOUT Favre, so piss on you morons who say the only reason the Vikings are winning the division title is because we have a ex-packer as our QB. You do remember just 1 season ago we had a 10-6 record and you had a 6-10 record right? That was 4 games better then your team and we had a QB carousel between Frerotte and Jackson, no Percy Harvin, and a miserable ST's. Facts are facts, the Vikings were much better then the Packers without Favre, and they are light years ahead of GB now that Favre has arrived.
The problem isn't Rodgers' supporting cast. He has the same players Favre had when he took them to 13-3. Injuries aren't so much an issue this year as they were last year.
Rodgers has two problems: First, he holds onto the ball too long. Refuses to throw it away and instead takes a sack. MANY of the sacks he has taken this year are because he held onto the ball for 5, 6, 7 seconds. You can't do that. That's one area where Favre excels - he gets rid of the ball quickly.
Rodgers second problem is that he isn't a leader. Quote after Sunday's game: "I just hope we have the leadership to get through this." He HOPES?! Isn't HE the leader, or at least one of them? When the Packers are behind late in the game, you don't see a spark in their eyes, do you, the spark that says, "Never fear; Aaron will bring us back and get us the game." Rodgers simply doesn't have "it," the thing that separates good QBs from great ones. Sure, he has great stats - which is proof that he has a good supporting cast - but he doesn't make plays when he needs to. He didn't even complete 50% of his passes on Sunday.
And oh yeah: Note to McCarthy et al.: Don't re-make your leading pass rusher from a DE to an LB, and then cry about not putting pressure on opposing QBs. Kampman was a monster as a DE, and he's lost out there as LB. If you can't see the talent you have, and use it appropriately, then you don't need to be employed in Green Bay anymore.
Sterling appears to be dead on. Starting quarterback record since December 2006:
Favre = 33-11
Rodgers = 10-14
W-L are the most important stats in football.
Last time I checked "ThanksTed" the game is played with 22 players to a side, not two QB's. Numbers lie and liars use numbers.
What is happening is a return to the bad old days (I've been a fan since 1961) where no one in the organization, board, management, coaches, players takes responsibility for poor performance. The "playoff" year two years ago was against a very weak schedule. This month, my prediction will be two home losses to the Cowboys and 49'ers, followed by a humiliating loss to Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. Even then we'll hear the "evaluate" crap until mercifully the season ends and Ted starts his "long range" planning again. While no GM is 100%, TT's mistakes are starting to pile up like used tires at a recycling plant.
I agree, there's too much money stuffed into Thompson and McCarthy, so nothing is going to happen. Oh, well, I can watch basketball until the pitchers and catchers report for spring training in February.
Say Packers_4_lifer:
You stopped Adrian Peterson twice? I must have miss-understood because I thought the Packers LOST to the Vikings both of those games. Sure, you can pack 8 & 9 defenders in the box and limit Peterson, but then you open up the field for Favre to pick you apart. I am pretty sure that the Vikings will take a lost in space Kampman looking for Peterson running than having him use his talents as one of the best pass rushers of the past 10 years smacking the quarterback, like Jared Allen does to Rodgers for instance.
JimmySee - You're probably one of the non-voting "stock holders" if you're commenting on here. How much stock do you own? $5 worth? Stop acting like you're an owner until you get more stock. I bought $5 of penny stock in Ford but that doesn't make me a stock holder that matters. Go double your stock by buying a hot dog at the concession stand. Go Pack Go Lose Some More...LOL
jimmySee says:
November 9, 2009 8:53 PM
I'm a Packers stockholder and I, too, am disappointed.
In sticking to the draft, holding onto the balance of their salary cap $$$s, and not going more deeply into the free agent market, seems like Ted Thompson is only using half the tools for the job.
I am certain the shadow of Joe Johnson still hangs over Lambeau -- but that was a Mike Sherman debacle and it is time to move on.
They should convert their defense again... seems to be working out so well for them. I mean..... everyones doing it right?
Perhaps a haiku can capture the essence of this moment:
Cheesehead disarray,
Pack stinks worse than limburger;
Favre farts in your face.
Radioboy --
I agree with your evaluation.
It takes 22 players (and mistake free special teams), a commitment to assemble the best 22 players and back-ups (GM's job), and a commitment to best utilize and get the best out of those players (Coaching staff's job), and a commitment to hold those who fail to be accountable (President's job). Wins and losses matter and everyone from Rodgers to Barbre to Jolly to Bush to Murphy share responsibility. The record for the 22 plus is as follows:
December 2006 - 2007: 17-3
2008 - Present:
That said I hope that the cost of firing TT or MM does not influence the decision if it is the right thing to do. That is the risk you take when you sign anyone -- players, coaches, or GM's -- to big money contracts. Players like Driver, Woodson, and Harris don't have the luxury (like Favre didn't) to wait for the train that left the station to get turned in the right direction.
What is with the alliteration at the top of the Packers organization?
President - Mark Murphy
GM - Ted Thompson
Coach - Mike McCarthy
----
I have an idea for their next head coach who will keep with the alliteration theme; and bring back a bit of Packers tradition......
Ray Rhodes
I am so disappointed in this team that I cannot get excited about jousting with Vikes fans. And it has nothing to do with Favre....he is a disappointment too, and even if he were still here (and I don't care that he is not,) he would not be able to produce either, not with this team. They suck. I'm out (for awhile.)
(I'm talking to you, Rosenthal), after which Rosenthal sot back- Mike, how are the Skins doing lately?
Thanks Zygi -
I agree with your evaluation.
It takes 22 players (and mistake free special teams), a commitment to assemble the best 22 players and back-ups (TT's job), and a commitment to best utilize and get the best out of those players (MM's job), and a commitment to hold those who fail to be accountable (Other Muphy's job). TT and MM are failing. Will Murphy fail as well?
Wins and losses matter and everyone from Rodgers to Barbre to Jolly to Bush to Murphy share responsibility. The record for the 22 plus is as follows:
December 2006 - 2007: 17-3
2008 - Present: 10-14
That said I hope that the cost of firing TT or MM does not influence the decision if it is the right thing to do. That is the risk you take when you sign anyone -- players, coaches, or GM's -- to big money contracts. Players like Driver, Woodson, and Harris don't have the luxury (like Favre didn't) to wait for the train that left the station to get turned in the right direction.
The Packers fans need to be careful what they wish for as the "next best thing" does not always turn out the way you hope:
Ray Rhodes
Lindy Infante
Forrest Gregg
Bart Starr
Dan Devine
Phil Bengston
THe one guy that worked out was Holmgren, and he left because he couldn't be GM because Wolfe was in place. Holmgren is excellent at developing Pro Bowl QB's (Favre, Brunell, Hassellback) and recognizing coaching talent (e.g., Reid, Gruden). Next season is an opportunity for the Packers to give Holmgren what he wanted. He won't be available after that, and if things keep up, AROD will be the next David Carr or on IR.
McLardy is pretty weak, but the root of the Pack problems lie with a GM that won't go into the free agent market to correct the varied draft mistakes. That haiku above is going on my wall.
If Mark Murphy wants to create his own legacy and ensure the long term popularity of the organization and re-unite the divided Packer nation, he needs to fire Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy at the end of this year.
To ensure this happens, the team needs to continue to lose. Firing McCarthy and keeping Ted won't do it, nor the other way around.
There are tons of Packer fans who won't give the team another chance until those two are gone, and now people are finally starting to realize how those two knucklheads are driving the Packers into the ground.
Unfortunately for Murphy he bound himself to those two when he flew down to Hattiesburg with a $20 million check. He needs a clean break or we'll continue to lump him in and call for Bob Harlan to come back.
Beer Cheese Soup-
I agree. What I read into Murphy's comments was profound. I was so happy to hear him say they have to wait till the end of the year to evaluate everything.
That's 100% code for: The rest of this season is about saving jobs.
That's exactly what he's saying. He has to do it that way. Veiled.
Loud and clear to me, though.
@ packers4life
You held AP rushing huh? Last game AP had 97 yrds rushing 44 rec and averaged 3.9 a carry.....i wouldn't call that "holding" AP.....maybe contain but 3.9 a carry will get you plenty of first downs. Plus the 3-4 is horrible.....can't rush the QB at all....lets see.....40 year old slow ass Farve was sacked....ummm....ohhhh......0 times in both meetings.....keep your defense.....NFL will enjoy beating it
There is iron in his ass too....
@ Florio's Biatch
Go to Packergeeks much?
@ Beer Cheese
Excellent assessment of Murphy---I hope...
Any of you guys who bought Packer stock to help hte team and have something nice to put up on the wall, don't think I'd bring that up in here. It really is pretty irrelevant. Just like the Pack's gonna be until the bozo's are gone.
It appears to me that there is some not so discreet calling out of each other by Packer players & coachces. I mean MM keeps saying it's fixable but it doesn't get fixed. Doesn't that sound like he's blaming the players.
Aaron says I hope we have the leadership here....
Sounds like he's doubting his coaches. And the defense has already started complaining. Nothing good can come of this.
Again, to you long time Vikes fans--good luck.
To those that come on here and have nothing to post but insults to Packer fans, no contribution whatsoever--go upstairs and get your breakfast.
And please, wash that # 4 jersey. The "new" smell is awful.
@ Florios Biatch--My apologies sir--looks like someone ripped your pst over there. Your's was first. Shoulda checked first. My bad.
packers4life says:
November 10, 2009 2:08 AM
and the new 3-4 defense is not that bad. Our goal was to improve on stopping the run and we have done so far that this season. and no don't say we have faced weak RBs because we stopped Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson....twice
--------------------------------------------------
You,my Packer fan, are living in a world of delusion. I am not here to bash you Packer fans(except the ones that still say Vikings suck and lick yo' lil sausages like true Pack goobers) Actually feel sorry for you. Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy couldn't run a bake sale more or less an NFL team. That don't change....maybe you can be friends with the Raiders nation.
You stroking that 3-4 defense is a joke. To let Josh Freeman abuse you as a first time rookie starter for a crap team is joke,on you. You got Kampman,Harris,Woodsen and can't stop them? Dom Capers has done you no favors. He blows.
The O line? Enough said.
Special teams play is horrible. From the Buccs to Percy,you guys look lost.
I agree with Sterling above,why don't I see Rodgers as a field general,leader of men? Could be because he is shell shocked from the beat down he gets every Sunday. Can your O line guys look him in the eyes? He needs to step up. Don't know if being a great leader is in his genetics. Oh yah, hold the ball longer Aaron. Stats only go so far. Favre is a leader,didn't you see that Rodgers? Steal a little of it?
Even you fans are going at each other. Favre doing great for a bitter rival escalates it also. Losing to him twice. I think it is going to get much worse before it gets better, as my favorite rival to hate,I wish you luck.
The winter of discontent has fallen on Green Bay.How many winters will it be?
rcpecook says:
November 9, 2009 9:44 PM
Hey piccolo:
Guys that can not spell don't get laid as often, even if they can scare up $100.
What do you think of my ARGUEMENT?
************
I think you are a moron to make fun of someone's spelling, then misspell the word that they misspelled.
What do you think of my ARGUMENT?
R.Babe says:
November 9, 2009 10:48 PM
Attention Packers Fans: Please stop prefacing your comments with "I am a stockholder, and I think..." It's embarrassing for all of us.
**********
I'm NOT a Packer stockholder, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night..........
Murphy should offer Ted and Mike lucrative marketing campaign-retirement packages.
:)
@ zygi
Now that was funny.
Pervy-
You make some pretty good observations. Go ahead and bash if you need to though. We probably deserve it. You know if the situation were reversed, you'd sure be hearing about it..
Sterling, yeah Rodgers has most of the same players Favre had in '07 - except Clifton is two years older and can't really move anymore. And Tauscher has played 14 snaps this season. And Spitz has been out for weeks. You say Rodgers has great stats but that's just because of his supporting cast. Then you rip him because his stats were bad on Sunday. So that wasn't on his supporting cast. Okay. The guy has been having Colledge and Barbre thrown back in his face all season. If he's holding the ball too long sometimes, maybe it's because ... no one is open? He completely sold out his well-being on Sunday scrambling in from 12 yards out through the Bucs defense, but yeah he's not a leader. Especially since he missed tackles on special teams and dropped some key passes. What a bum.
rcpecook, you are so right. Every time I ask a woman out, she gives me the once-over and then says "First of all, I want to test your spelling skills."
"You stroking that 3-4 defense is a joke. To let Josh Freeman abuse you as a first time rookie starter for a crap team is joke,on you. You got Kampman,Harris,Woodsen and can't stop them? Dom Capers has done you no favors. He blows."
Actually, Woodson played fine against the Bucs. It was Jarrett Bush that gave up the game winning touchdown. I can not say the same about Al Harris though.
The Packers are failing on all levels here.
Best look you'll get at a team's depth is to look at how their special teams plays. That's where your depth players make their money. The deeper you are, the more dominant your special teams are. We have no depth, obviously.
We have a team when we need a system. TT has failed here.
But it really isn't about depth or talent.
Here's why:
TT should be a good leader, but doesn't have to be. MM has to be a damn General, and he's a wide eyed grunt. He's all Xs and Os, no spirit.
MM doesn't have the heart of a champion or the ability to lead men.
Do you think troops fought for Patton because he had the perfect game plan? Hell no, they wanted to win for him, they would have done anything. He points a finger where to go and they thunder a path to it. Simple as that.
We need General Patton... We have General Confusion.
Seriously, for the life of him, McCarthy cannot understand why his team can't win. You can see it in his eyes. He's truly baffled by it!
Here's why: MM fancies himself an Offensive Genius. He believes that all he has to do is show the players the Xs and Os, get them to remember where everything goes, and then just call some plays. He has no concept of how even a talented football team needs a general.
Favre was our General. He didn't have to call the plays, or come up with a brilliant scheme. He just had to point his finger and say, "Let's go!"
Guys killed themselves to win for Favre. Look how hard even modest receivers played for Brett. The Raiders game on Monday Night? He had it. He was a General.
What do we have now? A ship full of minions.
It sucks, but it's true. We had a World Class Organization. Now we have a poorly run theme park.
TT and MM try to emulate the say nothing genius persona they see in Belichick. They'll stand up there and look down their noses and blah blah around, not reveal anything. But that's as deep as it goes. There's no genius at work behind the curtains, people.
When you walk into Foxboro, you enter a system. A World Class Football System. It's run by smart guys and it works.
They lost Tom Brady! TOM BRADY! And the system kept rolling. They won 11 games!!!! That's leadership, folks.
The Packers have entered dark times. But, truth be told, it all started downhill the day Holmgren left. That system went away. The discipline left. The fire left town. And here we are, back in the dark times.
So come on, Mark Murphy. Board of Directors. Help us out here.
Florio's Biatch hit the nail on the head. I've been a fan for almost 20 years now and it's obvious to me the two knuckleheads at the top are floundering.
McCarthy is the most emotionless guy I've seen since Gerald Ford. And Thompson looked like he was wearing a shirt with a collar two sizes too small during BrettBowl II. Stress much TT?
Dump 'em at the end of the year, bring in Holmgren to run the show, let him hire Gruden as field general and then watch us get back the greatness we had through the 90s.
18 million buy out plus their salaries? 40 million? PFT bloggers need to learn business.