Is McCarthy Punch-Drunk?

[Maxie the Taxi]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000235125/article/green-bay-packers-had-big-plans-for-dujuan-harris

According to the article above and Packers' Head Coach Mike McCarthy, DuJuan Harris factored heavily into MM's 2013 plan for the offense:


"Every offseason, you go through evaluations of your offense, you do offseason studies, you project how you envision your offense looking and then you kind of confirm things after the draft," McCarthy explained, via ESPNWisconsin.com's Jason Wilde. "You have a vision, packages in place on how you're going to start the season. I'll just tell you this: DuJuan was a big part of particularly my individual focus for this season."

MM called Harris and Lacy "kind of a 1-2 type punch format" for his 2013 offense.

According to "beat writers" MM was "more 'obviously downtrodden' about losing Harris than any other player they can remember."

What??

Most of us wrote off MM's man-love for Harris as a way to motivate high draft choice running backs. Apparently, that was not the case. Apparently it was true love.

Is this just more stream-of-consciousness BS from MM? Or does the season-ending injury to Harris really mean our hopes of a revived running game are once again on the rocks?

What does it all mean?

[red]

i think M3's smoking the crack rock

[Harlan Huckleby]

It concerns me that MM is so concerned. I've posted that there is not a big drop-off from Harris to Greenstark. But what the fuck do I know compared to MM?

[denverYooper]

Maybe M3 was sad about his 5 year old starting kindergarten. Or his 2 year old is keeping them up all night with growing pains. Or he got in a fight with his wife. Or someone took the last bear claw from the donut table that morning before he could get it. There are any number of reasons why this might "look downtrodden". It's also possible that Wilde was projecting. I don't put too much stock in a journalist's assessment of how someone looks, unless they're writing a longer-form piece and trying to set a scene. Even then I don't usually give a shit.

While I don't doubt they had an expanded role for Harris, the whole "M3 looked downtrodden" analysis seemed to be of a piece with any other article that mentions body language as a way to judge a player or coach.

[Harlan Huckleby]

While I don't doubt they had an expanded role for Harris,

Well, this is the point. Apparently MM thinks Green lacks Harris's quickness to provide that 2nd punch in the old 1-2.

I kinda like what I've seen from Green this preseason - no great results but he is moving much better than in past. MM has pissed in my punchbowl.

[Maxie the Taxi]

I pretty much agree with everybody...especially Red.

What I find really strange about MM's obsession with Harris is the fact that over the years TT and MM have preached that RB's need to have size. In 2008 Baltimore drafted Ray Rice one pick ahead of the Packers. I had a man crush on Ray Rice that draft and TT made no attempt, at least to my knowledge, to trade up for Rice. I think it was because Rice wasn't big enough for the Packers' brass. Five years later they fall in love with Harris.

Go figure.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I think it was because Rice wasn't big enough for the Packers' brass. Five years later they fall in love with Harris.

You can't compare a featured back to a change-of-pace back. The 2nd back doesn't need to be so durable or powerful. And since they were paying Harris from the tip jar, they can accept shortcomings.

[Maxie the Taxi]

You can't compare a featured back to a change-of-pace back. The 2nd back doesn't need to be so durable or powerful. And since they were paying Harris from the tip jar, they can accept shortcomings.

I can barely remember what I had for breakfast this morning, but have the Packers had a change of pace back in the past few years that was not six foot and 220?

[run pMc]

I can barely remember what I had for breakfast this morning, but have the Packers had a change of pace back in the past few years that was not six foot and 220?

Good question. I think in recent years John Kuhn was their idea of a change-of-pace back.

[Harlan Huckleby]

You're forgetting Wee Willie Parker. Hell of a scatback. Too bad his career was cut short in GB.

[pbmax]

I think the universe is telling us to stop worrying about the defense and get busy worrying about the offense. Its going to take some time to figure out what they will do well.

Prior to camp, thought biggest adjustment was O line switch and no Jennings (and no Driver for backup) for full season.

Now its RB, O line and then concern about the receivers.

[Brandon494]

You guys must not remember how bad I running game was last season before Harris joined the squad. Maybe it wouldn't be such a big lost if Franklin wasn't struggling as bad as he is, guess this leaves us with Lacy as the only RB I trust on this roster. Plus no one can replace his speed in the backfield unless they plan on using Cobb.

[Maxie the Taxi]

You're forgetting Wee Willie Parker. Hell of a scatback. Too bad his career was cut short in GB.

He played in GB? I DID forget that, if I ever knew it. "Scatback" has been a dirty word in GB for some time now. That's my recollection, at least.

[Maxie the Taxi]

You guys must not remember how bad I running game was last season before Harris joined the squad. Maybe it wouldn't be such a big lost if Franklin wasn't struggling as bad as he is, guess this leaves us with Lacy as the only RB I trust on this roster. Plus no one can replace his speed in the backfield unless they plan on using Cobb.

I agree with you, but on the other hand it's still strange that MM was so enamored with him to say that Harris was a big part of his focus for this year.

[Harlan Huckleby]

He played in GB? I DID forget that, if I ever knew it. "Scatback" has been a dirty word in GB for some time now. That's my recollection, at least.

Sometimes a man has to lie to preserve his integrity. Some day when you are older you will understand.

ps. I just googled Wee Willie Parker and apparently there is such a running back for Pittsburg!

[pbmax]

You guys must not remember how bad I running game was last season before Harris joined the squad. Maybe it wouldn't be such a big lost if Franklin wasn't struggling as bad as he is, guess this leaves us with Lacy as the only RB I trust on this roster. Plus no one can replace his speed in the backfield unless they plan on using Cobb.

I get that, but the effectiveness difference still seems small compared to a healthy Starks, for instance. Health aside (not the reality of his career so far), he can be that effective I think. More open question with Green.

Somewhere I read that Starks was the third best protector in camp on blitz pickup. Kuhn was first. Need to go find the second. The only definite falloff with Starks is his hands on screens.

[denverYooper]

I think the universe is telling us to stop worrying about the defense and get busy worrying about the offense. Its going to take some time to figure out what they will do well.

Prior to camp, though biggest adjustment was O line switch and no Jennings (and no Driver for backup) for full season.

Now its RB, O line and then concern about the receivers.

It's funny that something unexpected always seems to happen every year -- like the defense just totally falling to pieces after Collins went down and Wood slowed down. I mean, you look at this thing and Lacy gives you some hope that the offense will have more balance and perform a little better, especially vs the dreaded C2 looks, but then there is a nonzero chance that one or both of the very green tackles just melts down from time to time or any one of the OL/RB/TE/WR gets injured and somehow compromises the whole system. (I didn't include QB injury, which is always nonzero probability, but that would result in a complete shift of expectations -- I'm talking about injuries to a James Jones, a John Kuhn, or a TJ Lang that somehow result in small enough breakdowns to consistently derail the offense in annoying little ways.)

It would not surprise me in the least to see the defense carry the team a bit more this year than we've become accustomed to. Even if I don't quite trust them yet, that trust can be built up with as few as 3 4th Q stands to close out games.

[Maxie the Taxi]

Sometimes a man has to lie to preserve his integrity. Some day when you are older you will understand.

I just googled Wee Willie Parker and a running back for Pittsburg came up!

Crap. I just sent an email to Packers Pro Shop inquiring about ordering a Wee Willie jersey.

[Fritz]

i think M3's smoking the crack rock

Is McCarthy punch-drunk?

He's either been punched, or he's drunk, but not both.

Or he's fucking with Jim Harbaugh's head.

[Harlan Huckleby]

It's funny that something unexpected always seems to happen every year -- like the defense just totally falling to pieces after Collins went down and Wood slowed down. I mean, you look at this thing and Lacy gives you some hope that the offense will have more balance and perform a little better, especially vs the dreaded C2 looks, but then there is a nonzero chance that one or both of the very green tackles just melts down from time to time or any one of the OL/RB/TE/WR gets injured and somehow compromises the whole system. (I didn't include QB injury, which is always nonzero probability, but that would result in a complete shift of expectations -- I'm talking about injuries to a James Jones, a John Kuhn, or a TJ Lang that somehow result in small enough breakdowns to consistently derail the offense in annoying little ways.)

I always thought roster size should be about 60 to better mitigate the impact of inuries. But then smarter people point out that the real problem is a lack of available talent, particular for offensive lineman.

I still think larger rosters would help development and continuity. How about a farm league, where players stay in football shape and can be called up?

All I know is that the high impact of injuries is sucky for the sport and fans.

[mraynrand]

Maybe M3 was sad about his 5 year old starting kindergarten. Or his 2 year old is keeping them up all night with growing pains. Or he got in a fight with his wife. Or someone took the last bear claw from the donut table that morning before he could get it. There are any number of reasons why this might "look downtrodden"

They reduced the menu at the Golden Corral

[Harlan Huckleby]

Hey, how about having a larger scout team, that plays a short undercard game against the opposition before the real game?

Sounds crazy, but wouldn't that be good for player development and stability?

[mraynrand]

How about a farm league, where players stay in football shape and can be called up?

How about a dealership that hires cut running backs, where they can try to sell cars for a week, get called up to one of the top 10 teams in the league and then prominently figure into the game planning for the next year. Could call it "Horatio Algers Motors"

[Fritz]

I smell a new reality show.

[mraynrand]

I smell a new reality show.


Car Dealership Street Free Agents - Sundays on A&E

[Brandon494]

Hey, how about having a larger scout team, that plays a short undercard game against the opposition before the real game?

Sounds crazy, but wouldn't that be good for player development and stability?

Wouldn't work, NFL would make no extra money from doing this. :-)

[Fritz]

Car Dealership Street Free Agents - Sundays on A&E

Followed by Jermichael's Baby Mamas at ten.

[MadScientist]

I can barely remember what I had for breakfast this morning, but have the Packers had a change of pace back in the past few years that was not six foot and 220?
The problem has been they've been changing pace from shitty to crappy.

[Maxie the Taxi]

The problem has been they've been changing pace from shitty to crappy.

Exactly. Although it's more like changing pace from walking wounded to injured.

[Harlan Huckleby]

How about a dealership that hires cut running backs, where they can try to sell cars for a week, get called up to one of the top 10 teams in the league and then prominently figure into the game planning for the next year. Could call it "Horatio Algers Motors"

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_did_the_NFL_get_the_name_Taxi_Squad

Arthur B. "Mickey" McBride (20 March 1888-10 November 1972) was the founder of the Cleveland Browns professional football team. McBride was a wealthy businessman who made a fortune in operating taxicab companies.... McBride contributed to the lexicon of football with the term "taxi squad." Browns' players who were not on the active roster, due to injury or other reason, were temporarily put on the McBride's payroll as taxi drivers.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Wouldn't work, NFL would make no extra money from doing this. :-)

Ya, I suppose.

NFL Europe was the right idea, just didn't fly with the Euros. Would the mexicans be interested in paying to watch a league of crappy football? Nice weather for it in November -> February.

Some sort of minor league is needed for player development. It wouldn't have to cost so much. I think my hare-brained idea of having nut-squad scrimmages before NFL games could actually work and cost next to nothing. I suppose the problem is dealing with the extra injuries.

Fuck it, lets get rid of football and just have golf and tennis in the fall.

[Maxie the Taxi]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_did_the_NFL_get_the_name_Taxi_Squad

Arthur B. "Mickey" McBride (20 March 1888-10 November 1972) was the founder of the Cleveland Browns professional football team. McBride was a wealthy businessman who made a fortune in operating taxicab companies.... McBride contributed to the lexicon of football with the term "taxi squad." Browns' players who were not on the active roster, due to injury or other reason, were temporarily put on the McBride's payroll as taxi drivers.

That's how I spent my first few years on the team. Hence, Maxie the Taxi.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Would you be interested in giving back by hiring some marginal NFL players to work in your Chi-Chi's franchises?

[Maxie the Taxi]

Would they then be the "Chi Chi" Squad?

[Maxie the Taxi]

Oops. I guess there already is one...

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=DLxWsPt48KNQ1M&tbnid=PQLKLtN4kJG1xM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffanart.tv%2Fartist%2Fc40bd2d4-8a8a-4d80-98c8-ca7f4fe2ef5b%2Fchi-chi%2F&ei=crQfUqXZHcGe2AWg4IDgCQ&bvm=bv.51495398,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNGOm-lwYS78wZiMCLXsM8KJJTM4aQ&ust=1377895907668548

[Harlan Huckleby]

let me help you with that link, gramps, you got too excited

http://www.tebeosfera.com/imagenes/numeros/4/0/numeros-F618-531-547-740.jpg

[mraynrand]

take the cartoon porn to the GC, perverts

[Maxie the Taxi]

Thanks, Harlan. I did fumble the link.

[red]

i'll give you one, ok maybe two reasons why M3's comments about harris being the main guy are complete bull squat

1)eddie lacy
2)johnathan Franklin

you don't draft two of the top prospects at the running back possition this year if we thing you already have big plans for the guy you already have

[red]

also, we're talking about a guy that played in 4 games and only had 34 carries for 157 yards TOTAL

40 yards per game is not exactly game changing

keep in mind, a real running back ran for like 597 yards against us in one game last year

[denverYooper]

I figured out why M3 was downtrodden. Demovsky is reporting that he's pregnant. So it's likely just M3's hormones getting out of whack.

Rob Demovsky ‏@RobDemovsky 4m

McCarthy said on his pregnant radio show that Alex Green will get the first kickoff return and Micah Hyde the first punt return

[hoosier]

Lacy won't be the only significant addition this year if (a) Starks can stay healthy or (b) Green takes another step in returning from his ACL.

Wee Willie Parker = De'Mond Parker, the guy who lit up the Bears during the Ray Rhodes era and then celebrated by "putting the fire out" on his shoes.

Unfortunately, Wee De'Mond was busted for trafficking crack this summer in OK. He had 28 grams so that probably qualifies him for some significant jail time in the sooner state.

[Maxie the Taxi]

Tom Coughlin must be getting desperate. He's stealing Stubby's stuff...


Coach Tom Coughlin stated Wednesday it's "safe to say" David Wilson and Brandon Jacobs will form a "one-two punch" in the Giants' backfield moving forward.

From http://www.rotoworld.com/playernews/nfl/football-player-news?r=1