McCarthy: We're counting on Ferguson

[packers11]

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/PKR01/70328148/1989

McCarthy: We're counting on Ferguson

By Mike Vandermause
mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com

PHOENIX – Wide receiver Robert Ferguson remains a big part of the Green Bay Packers' plans for the 2007 season, coach Mike McCarthy said this morning.


Ferguson lost his starting job to rookie Greg Jennings and then missed the last 10 games of last season with a right foot injury. But as far as McCarthy is concerned, the seven-year veteran will play a major role in the upcoming season.

“I look for him to compete to be the (No.) 2 or the 3 (receiver),” said McCarthy at an NFC coaches’ breakfast. “I really need him to step up and be a core player on special teams because I think he has the ability to be a Pro Bowl-type player in that area. He’s a unique body type for a receiver. He’s a tough son of a gun. He can do a lot of things with his body type on special teams.”

Ferguson is participating in the Packers’ offseason workout program in Green Bay, McCarthy said. He's struggled to stay healthy during his career, and he took it hard when he was demoted to No. 3 receiver at the start of last season.

“Just like I told him, just because you don’t go with the regulars the first time, I don’t view it that way,” McCarthy said. “You’re still going to play and I think there’s been some added attention, which created added stress on him not running out with that first regular group that in my opinion doesn’t need to be there.

“Because if it’s about the team, it’s about the team. You can’t have guys having their play affected because they’re not running out with the first personnel group. There’s so much football to be played over a 16-week season. To me, that doesn’t need to be the focus. I know it has been, but it won’t be as far as my football team.”

[oregonpackfan]

This is another of many chances given to Ferguson. So far, he has not capitalized on any of them. I would love to see the guy succeed but I am skeptical.

[MJZiggy]

I'm starting to like the way M3 keeps referring to them as "my football team."

This article may say he's an important part of the team, but if you read carefully, he says Ferg will COMPETE for a receiver spot and play on special teams. I find that encouraging, but why does M3 refer to this injury waiting to happen as a tough son of a gun? Favre is a tough son of a gun.

[GBRulz]

Does this translate to "We're counting on Ferguson because TT won't go out and get us anyone better?" Ok, maybe my translation perhaps!

When is his contract up? I'm sure his contract year he'll suddenly have his "break out" year.

[red]

well if the last, what, 6 years have taught us anything. its that you definately CAN'T count on ferguson

[retailguy]

well if the last, what, 6 years have taught us anything. its that you definately CAN'T count on ferguson

What are you talking about? Bretsky counts on him all the time!

[HarveyWallbangers]

Depends what you expect out of him. Many of us expected a starting WR. If you expect a #3 or #4 WR and some good special teams play, than he might not be so disappointing. It doesn't hurt to keep him around. We don't need the money.

[red]

Depends what you expect out of him. Many of us expected a starting WR. If you expect a #3 or #4 WR and some good special teams play, than he might not be so disappointing. It doesn't hurt to keep him around. We don't need the money.

and i don't think he really costs much anyways

[VermontPackFan]

I find that encouraging, but why does M3 refer to this injury waiting to happen as a tough son of a gun? Favre is a tough son of a gun.

Because Ferguson is the ultimate team player. He is not afraid to stick his nose on someone while blocking as a WR or playing special teams. Unfortunately he has gotten hurt several times playing on special teams. Granted, he has been a disappointment as a WR and really missed his opportunity last year. I think he is a good guy to have on the team,,,maybe he will suprise people this year?

[retailguy]

I think he is a good guy to have on the team,,,maybe he will suprise people this year?

They have pills that will help with these kinds of problems. Don't be afraid to seek help. :P

[mmmdk]

Oh god, oh well...Fergy is a good guy but how many chances does a guy need!? I'll be reluctantly rooting but I'd give Fergy only a slim, slim chance of ever becoming a major contributer on offense - let alone ST. Sad really.

[Bretsky]

[Bretsky]

Depends what you expect out of him. Many of us expected a starting WR. If you expect a #3 or #4 WR and some good special teams play, than he might not be so disappointing. It doesn't hurt to keep him around. We don't need the money.

#3 ?

I've never been able to expect him to be this w/o later being disgusted.

Put him on every special teams squad so we can get a few tackles out of him before he gets his annual injury.

[Farley Face]

well if the last, what, 6 years have taught us anything. its that you definately CAN'T count on ferguson

Bottomline: Favre doesn't have faith in him and avoids throwing him the ball as a result. What expectation should we have after 6 years that this will change?

With our #1 and #2 not being deep threats, we need our #3 WR to be a burner. Fergy isn't. We need our #3 to be healthy and step up if our #1 or #2 get hurt, Fergy is injury prone. It would be a bonus on a young team to have our #3 be a guy we were grooming to one day replace an aging Driver as a starter. That isn't Fergy.

M3 is saying what he needs to say here, and maybe Fergy will channel some of Robert Brooks' mojo by switching from 89 to 87, but I'll withhold optimism in this case.

[BooHoo]

Fergy is short-lived as a Packer, unless they keep him around as a special teams player.