Dom Capers era ends tonignt

[woodbuck27]

Well, Donatell got fired for 4th and 26 and that was one play, I'd think Capers get fired for what happened for an entire game yesterday.

You want to see Dom Capers FIRED!?

Is that a logical move based in the results of an exit playoff game this season? Does the blame for that ugly loss fall on the lap of Dom Capers? IMO the reasons of that loss have to be carefully evaluated before hasty decisions are made.

You would wash away a season of definite progress for the Packers 'D' because of one playoff game? Why ??

Why didn't MM and TT get that done (FIRE - Dom Capers) after the terrible season we saw the Packers have on 'D' last season?

Last season our 'D was last in the NFL in yards passing and total yards allowed. MM and TT stood by Dom Capers and the Packers 'D' improved dramatically in those categories from an NFL 32nd position to and NFL 11th position. We saw improvements also in our pass rush and ability to get to the QB in terms of a dramatic increase in SACKS.

I've prepared the statistics below for your analysis:

2011 Season:

Points allowed = 22.4 ..............(19th) .............. 2012 Season.... 21.0....(11th)

Total Yards/Game = 411.6 .......(32nd)............... 2012 Season....336.8....(11th)

Rushing Yards/game = 111.8.....(14th) ................2012 Season....118.5...(17th)

Passing Yards/game = 299.8......(32nd).................2012 Season....218.3...(11th)

SACKS = 29 ..........................(T-27th)...............2012 Season.....47.......(4th)

I believe that it would be a radical and unjust move for MM and TT to release Dom Capers if he desires to continue as the Packer DC. The great improvement in our teams defense this season; especialy given the fact of so many injuries and the injection of youth. Should stand for another vote of confidence for DC Dom Capers.

GO PACKERS !

[woodbuck27]

Sure Bishop is better than what we put on the field but it's not like our ILBs have been a powerhouse by any means. Even the few times Bishop has been healthy our ILBs haven't been good. Collectively the defense has been garbage. There’s no way we should have given up 300+ yards to SF and over 500 in 3 games to AP on the ground. A lot of that falls on the ILBs in a 3/4.

The same with Perry. How many times have there been "mis-communications" in the secondary? I don't see that happen all that much with the teams that we've played. Our young DBs were impressive this year individually but collectively coverage breakdowns were abundant. I think that falls on the coaches...mostly Whitt (sp?) and Perry.

Sorry....I must be in the mood to bitch (maybe I'm on my period) and I'm working to meet my 2 posts a year quota.

You make valid points in terms of the teams play at LBer.

I just feel that after that loss to the 49ers it would be prudent to take a step back. Take some time for careful overall team assessment, rather than leap ahead and make dramatic moves. I'm certainly not convinced that FIRING Dom Capers is a step in the right direction. I believe our defensive issues are related to size and strength of personnel and playmaking talent/skills. That the Packers need more time to develop the newer players and cut and replace some deadwood with more skilled players.

Maybe this approach will take some time but using it gives us the best chance to get back to a Super Bowl.

GO PACKERS !

[Cheesehead Craig]

Woody,

My comment was partially tongue in cheek in bringing up Donatell. It was a total knee jerk scapegoat reaction. It was to show that the Packers have fired a DC for less of an infraction than Capers has committed, plus it was a blatant move to rile some folks up (sorry pb).

However, there is something to be said about how Capers' unit is either very successful or simply gets blown out. There really hasn't been any consistency to his defenses. Last year it was horrible, the year before outstanding and this year it was slightly above average. Why is there no consistency here? This is year 4 of his "reign" so to speak and we still don't know from week to week what we're going to see.

Where Capers isn't very good at is if his original defensive plan isn't working, he seems either hesitent or unwilling to change his plan. He doesn't react well to the unexpected. That has been noted here on this board and elsewhere.

Then there's the playoffs. Players and coaches are ultimately graded on how they perfrom at that time. This is what they are playing for, to win in the playoffs. Capers has had one good playoff year, that was 2 yrs ago. In 2009 the Cardinals shredded the D, in 2010 everything clicked, in 2011 the Giants dominated the D, and this season the 49ers obliterated his D. I don't think I'm using too much hyperbole here when describing those losses. So in 4 playoffs, Capers has been embarrassed 3 times, all 3 of those were the first games in the playoffs. If his units play at least competently in any of those years, with the offense the Packers have they are in the SB at least one other season if not two. I don't think I'm stretching with that statement at all.

Should Capers be fired? I think it's a legit topic and something that should be seriously considered. However unlike the Donatell firing where there was no real plan in place afterwards, the Packers should look and see if there are several DCs capable of running a successful 3-4 defense and that there is a very good chance that we could hire at least one of them prior to firing Capers.

[woodbuck27]

My post to Bub:

You make valid points in terms of the teams play at LBer.

I just feel that after that loss to the 49ers it would be prudent to take a step back. Take some time for careful overall team assessment, rather than leap ahead and make dramatic moves. I'm certainly not convinced that FIRING Dom Capers is a step in the right direction. I believe our defensive issues are related to size and strength of personnel and playmaking talent/skills. That the Packers need more time to develop the newer players and cut and replace some deadwood with more skilled players.

Maybe this approach will take some time but using it gives us the best chance to get back to a Super Bowl.

GO PACKERS !

" One more superstud, ** an inside player, I think would be enough to put us in the elite defensive category (and that's assuming Hayward turns into an elite ball hawk inside (something that's far from proven.)

Long story short, Thompson has his work cut out for him, and Capers pretty much is taking the blame for somethings that were just bad circumstance (losing Collins) and other things that just weren't good enough (Thompson not getting star players to replace Wood and Collins. It's a tough job, but if the Packers want to win SB's, TT is going to have to be the best GM in football. Unfortunately, that's not an easy thing to be. . . . We might not win another, and TT might be gone a few years from now. We might win another, and he could retire on his terms. Players win football games, and now Thompson has to show his mettle once again. It's all on him. " Justin Harrel

I agree with the above poster ... JH.

The main task of a GM must be to try to make his team stronger every day of the year. Every day he must be looking for some way to achieve that focus and goal.

TT has to try to find a player that somehow better measures up to what we enjoyed in FS Nick Collins. Even the player he became wasn't just an overnight thing. Nick Collins had to develop into an NFL star.

I've been paying attention to this fella. How about drafting a player like Minnesota's FS Harrison Smith? This former Notre Dame Team Captain was drafted 29th overall. This 2012 Rookie has an excellent shot at being DROY. They love his skills and contribution in Minny.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1442028-nfl-why-harrison-smith-is-the-defensive-rookie-of-the-year

Would we be better with 'a Chad Greenway type' on our roster at LBer? I like the way this Viking plays his position.

GO PACKERS !

[woodbuck27]

Woody,

My comment was partially tongue in cheek in bringing up Donatell. It was a total knee jerk scapegoat reaction. It was to show that the Packers have fired a DC for less of an infraction than Capers has committed, plus it was a blatant move to rile some folks up (sorry pb).

However, there is something to be said about how Capers' unit is either very successful or simply gets blown out. There really hasn't been any consistency to his defenses. Last year it was horrible, the year before outstanding and this year it was slightly above average. Why is there no consistency here? This is year 4 of his "reign" so to speak and we still don't know from week to week what we're going to see.

Where Capers isn't very good at is if his original defensive plan isn't working, he seems either hesitent or unwilling to change his plan. He doesn't react well to the unexpected. That has been noted here on this board and elsewhere.

Then there's the playoffs. Players and coaches are ultimately graded on how they perfrom at that time. This is what they are playing for, to win in the playoffs. Capers has had one good playoff year, that was 2 yrs ago. In 2009 the Cardinals shredded the D, in 2010 everything clicked, in 2011 the Giants dominated the D, and this season the 49ers obliterated his D. I don't think I'm using too much hyperbole here when describing those losses. So in 4 playoffs, Capers has been embarrassed 3 times, all 3 of those were the first games in the playoffs. If his units play at least competently in any of those years, with the offense the Packers have they are in the SB at least one other season if not two. I don't think I'm stretching with that statement at all.

Should Capers be fired? I think it's a legit topic and something that should be seriously considered. However unlike the Donatell firing where there was no real plan in place afterwards, the Packers should look and see if there are several DCs capable of running a successful 3-4 defense and that there is a very good chance that we could hire at least one of them prior to firing Capers.

We are members of Packerrats, and best so IMO, to learn from one another.

I wanted to digest this post and reflect upon it some more 'before responding fully', but here goes.

You bring up certain outstanding points Cheesehead Craig.
.

A) "there is something to be said about how Capers' unit is either very successful or simply gets blown out. There really hasn't been any consistency to his defenses. Last year it was horrible, the year before outstanding and this year it was slightly above average. Why is there no consistency here? This is year 4 of his "reign" so to speak and we still don't know from week to week what we're going to see. "
Cheesehead Craig

Our defense was certainly elite in the 2010 season. We suffered alot of adversity that season (injuries); but Ted Thompson filled capably. We got key players back to decent health; jelled, pushed and won a Super Bowl, with the outstanding help of an elite and mature offense.

In 2011 the wheels fell off of our 'D'. How valuable a player was Nick Colins to us?

3 × Pro Bowl (2008, 2009, 2010); 3 × Second-Team All-Pro (2008, 2009, 2010)

How valuable was the play of Charles Woodson to us?

All-Pro 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011; AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2009);NFC Defensive Player of the Year (2009)

Nick Collins was gone early last season. Charles Woodson, many feel is in decline.

We've discovered the impact of losing Cullen Jenkins and Johnny Jolly on our DL. We've seen Ted Thompson draft to better secure an effective DL in last year's (2012) draft.

Over the last three seasons we're enjoying seeing improvements in the success of our secondary in the regular season. The playoffs is a whole different cup of tea. The playoffs mean 'the BIG BOYS' !

To play with the BIG BOYS you need 'a team with more BIG BOYS', than as I view it; the Green Pay Packers presently have.

B) " In 2009 the Cardinals shredded the D, in 2010 everything clicked, in 2011 the Giants dominated the D, and this season the 49ers obliterated his D. I don't think I'm using too much hyperbole here when describing those losses. So in 4 playoffs, Capers has been embarrassed 3 times, all 3 of those were the first games in the playoffs. If his units play at least competently in any of those years, with the offense the Packers have they are in the SB at least one other season if not two. I don't think I'm stretching with that statement at all. " Cheesehead Craig

We certainly saw the Aaron Rodgers led offense put up alot of points in that Arizona Cardinals loss. That Arizona Cardinals went to the Super Bowl and nearly won it that year.

The reason that we were out classed in those loss's is because the teams that defeated us had the personal to get the job done and determine a gameplan to success. On the day of those Packer loss's. The Green Bay Packers faced a team with solid talent and a higher destiny. Last year the New York GIANTS won the Super Bowl.

Compare the number of Pro Bowlers this season that the San Fran 49ers have representing their team Vs 'the same' and the Green Bay Packers. Maybe this season we'll see the San Francisco 49ers go to and win a Super Bowl !? This is a very solid team. They defeated us twice this season and once in Lambeau Field. That impressive win last Saturday night; was more a mark of the prowess of the San Fran 49ers team, than a reflection of hiow bad the Green Bay Packers are. Obviously, that team had our number this season.

That fact doesn't remove or spare us the shock ! That shock doesn't need to translate to removing or FIRING Dom Capers.

TT and MM; the coaching staff and teams scouts must simply analyze, digest and come up with a sulution. I believe that solution is translated in terms of better/stronger, more talented players. Better defensive players for Dom Capers to work with.

As Packer fans we also need to see our team get a better break in terms of adversity. We saw way too many lost games among our best players or starters. We also saw a plus in terms of a trade off. Players that might have spent more time 'on the pine', got valuable game experience.

Again, we need to see the Green Bay Packers get a better break 'in terms of adversity'. That impacts the team certainly, as the playoffs get closer in terms of a team jelling, adjusting and gaining confidence in one another's roles. Team cohesion.

We the Packer fans have so much more to learn from in a Packer loss than possibly a win. There can 'only' be one winner. Again this time it wasn't our side.

I hope that The Packer leaders in Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy have what it takes to get it right 'the right way'.

GO PACKERS !

[woodbuck27]

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/52340/bbao-arguing-to-keep-dom-capers

BBAO: Arguing to keep Dom Capers

" Coach Mike McCarthy is scheduled to meet with reporters Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET. Assistant coaches will follow. I'm not sure if there is anything to be read into the timing of their availability, but generally speaking, teams don't put assistant coaches in position to speak publicly if their futures are truly in question. " Fr. LINK above

http://www.packersnews.com/article/20130114/PKR07/301140327/Green-Bay-Packers-DC-Dom-Capers-should-stay?nclick_check=1

Mike Vandermause column: Capers should stay ... 7:14 PM, Jan 14, 2013

Vandermause: "[T]his is no time for an emotional, knee-jerk over-reaction. Capers should be judged by his large body of work, not a handful of games. This is the same defensive coordinator who played a major role two years ago in the Packers' Super Bowl championship by coaching up a patchwork, injury-plagued unit." Fr. LINK above


GO PACK GO !

[woodbuck27]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000125399/article/colin-kaepernick-sets-record-san-francisco-49ers-win

" (Colin) Kaepernick rushed for an NFL-record 181 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 attempts, including two kneel-downs. He threw for another 263 yards and two scores on 31 attempts. To put it another way: Kaepernick gained more yards than the entire Packers team. And it wasn't even close.

Green Bay's defense simply had no answer for Kaepernick's speed and running ability. After an early interception returned for a touchdown, the 49ers ripped off six touchdowns and a field goal in their next nine drives. When the Packers tied the score at 24 early in the second half, the 49ers answered with three long touchdown drives.

The 49ers were too physical for the Packers on both sides of the ball.

It's hard to watch Kaepernick's performance and not think that the quarterback position is changing.

Players like Kaepernick, Russell Wilson, Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton won't reinvent the game. But there is no denying that teams are doing a better job using these quarterbacks' unique, multifaceted skill sets early in their careers. The NFL is infamously conservative, but it is also a league of evolution. Kaepernick's strong arm, blinding speed and San Francisco's creative offense looks a little different than anything we've seen." Fr. LINK

Comment woodbuck27:

Why were so many of us fans; so many Green Bay Packer players 'in SHOCK' !?

Colin Kaepernick's performance against us was historical. Who would have predicted that amazing performance?

Our defense didn't have 'the answer' and I believe that was to 'attack' the QB throught 'the alley'...up the center. To penetrate the 49ers backfield and effectively attack Colin Kaepernick. Put a pile of pressure on him.

a) The 49ers have a solid OL.

b) The blitz packages just didn't cut the mustard and as a result of them we became vulnerable to Colin Kaepernick's speed.

4.53 Second - 40 Yard speed. He's FAST !

[mraynrand]

Kap is what everyone feared McNabb and Vick would be - and Cam Newton can be also - a very swift running QB with a great arm. Like Steve Young in his prime, with a strong O-line, a running game, and the League's best/second best defense. If Kap continues to develop and continues to throw accurate deep as well as short, the Niners could be tough to beat for half a decade or more, barring injury.

[KYPack]

Kap is what everyone feared McNabb and Vick would be - and Cam Newton can be also - a very swift running QB with a great arm. Like Steve Young in his prime, with a strong O-line, a running game, and the League's best/second best defense. If Kap continues to develop and continues to throw accurate deep as well as short, the Niners could be tough to beat for half a decade or more, barring injury.

Wow Rand is getting to be the voice of reason around here.

Before we shoot Capers in the back of his bald head, let's see what Falcon DC Mike Nolan does.

Cam Newton killed the Falcons’ defense twice this year. He completed 38-of-59 passes for 502 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He also ran for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns. Russel Wilson passed for 385 and added 60 running.

Will CK have similar success?

[Freak Out]

I think so....I think the Niners kill them this weekend.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-1/Mike-McCarthy-says-everything-will-be-evaluated/8dc505b2-7d1a-4154-813e-17f6be9269e9

GREEN BAY— " ...Mike McCarthy delivered a strong vote of confidence to Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers in his season-ending press conference on Tuesday, but stopped short of making it official.

“I’m not making any decisions, but I feel very confident that Dom Capers is going to be our defensive coordinator,” McCarthy said.

“I have great, great faith and respect for Dom Capers and all of our coaches, but everything top to bottom will be evaluated.” ..." FR. Link

[denverYooper]

http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-keep-defensive-coordinator-guessing-4200832.php

[mraynrand]

http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/...ng-4200832.php

No, things didn't go too well for Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers, whose unit was shredded for 444 total yards and four touchdowns by Kaepernick in Saturday's 45-31 playoff loss at Candlestick.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/...#ixzz2IFojCVbE

Thank God it was only 444. I thought it was 575. They played better than I thought. The loss must be the fault of the offense not scoring a TD on every possession in the second half.

[woodbuck27]

Thank God it was only 444. I thought it was 575. They played better than I thought. The loss must be the fault of the offense not scoring a TD on every possession in the second half.

Colin Kaepernick, personally burnt our 'D' for 444 yards (263 passing, 181 rushing) and 4 TD's ( 2 passing and 2 rushing).

The total offense for the San Fran 49ers in that 45-31 drubbing was 'a total net' 579 yards.

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2013011201/2012/POST19/packers@49ers#menu=highlights&tab=analyze&analyze=boxscore

[swede]

http://www.packers.com/news-and-even...e-17f6be9269e9

“I’m not making any decisions, but I feel very confident that Dom Capers is going to be our defensive coordinator,” McCarthy said.

He's not making any decisions about his defensive coordinator?

Is this a preamble to, "Sorry, Dom, it wasn't my decision"? I doubt that.

Or is this mere diplomatic blather covering up the fact that he believes the players screwed up, doesn't want to call them out publicly, and that every position in his little coaching brotherhood is nice and safe? I fear this. But maybe it is simply blather. That may be the best take on this baffling quote.

Because could it be true that he does he not make any decisions? I doubt that. Is Ted that much of an emperor? It has always seemed that consensus was important to Teddy.