What's changed with Favre (for the better)?

[The Leaper]

Also, by the end of 2005, Sherman had 6 years experience at Head Coach - 6 more than McCarthy, with just one losing season - an injury riddled, rebuilding year.

Sherman was EXCLUSIVELY within a Holmgren run scheme throughout his NFL career prior to being a head coach. Holmgren is notorious for his dominance in the offensive area of his teams. Sherman simply never had a chance to learn how to lead effectively in the 3 years he was under Holmgren.

THREE YEARS IN THE LEAGUE! How in the hell do you come off lambasting me on questioning Sherman's experience when he was given a head coaching job after just 3 years in the entire league...let alone any time having any real responsibility?

McCarthy started in the NFL in 1993 with the Chiefs...thus he had 13 years of NFL experience under his belt prior to becoming a head coach.

Let me say that again...13>3.

The difference in coaching styles and abilities are surprisingly easy to see. Why anyone would sit here and wish to argue that Sherman had anything close to enough experience to compete with McCarthy is beyond me.

Sherman didn't have that edge at experience...in dealing with game plans...in dealing with other coaches...in dealing with various schemes and personnel...in dealing with individual players and their personalities.

Yes, Sherman succeeded IN SPITE of his inexperience. He was in a piss poor division in terms of talent and rode a talented roster to regular season success. He did next to nothing in the postseason though...again, experience played a huge role in that. He also doesn't have a head coaching gig currently precisely because NFL teams recognize the exact stance I am taking and are letting Sherman gain some experience before giving him another shot.

[Deputy Nutz]

Whats Changed? He just wants to go hunting.

Favre said. "Guys started hollering, 'We want a speech,' and the one thing I asked was could we have practice early (today) so I can try to go hunting."
JSONLINE, Silverstein

[woodbuck27]

He has always enjoyed playing the game, nothing has changed their, but the only comments I have heard about retirement is that Favre is all but willing to come back in 2008 and compete again for the Packers. So there is no silly retirement talk. He is relatively injury free, he has a freedom on offense that he rarely had under Sherman and Rossely. In fact he made several comments about this in 2004 and 2005. Favre is at his best, when he is able to read a defense make the play change at the line of scrimmage and attack the defense where it was weak. Anyone remember the 1996 Super Bowl? Favre threw two touchdown passes on audibles.

I also think Favre let his guard down with his teammates and stopped feeling sorry for himself being the old man of the team. He always had a bond with Donald, but Jennings mentioned several times how he wants Favre's confidence. Favre realizes that he is the leader on offense but he also has something in common with the guys in the locker room. he plays football like the rest of them, and he can still hang out and talk football.

Nice take on this question Nutz.

[mraynrand]

Yes, Sherman succeeded IN SPITE of his inexperience. He was in a piss poor division in terms of talent and rode a talented roster to regular season success. He did next to nothing in the postseason though...again, experience played a huge role in that. He also doesn't have a head coaching gig currently precisely because NFL teams recognize the exact stance I am taking and are letting Sherman gain some experience before giving him another shot.

"Yes, Sherman succeeded IN SPITE of his inexperience." At least you finally agree with me on this point. Sherman was a good coach, despite his three years of experience. So what if he was in a 'piss poor' division? he still had to win the games - and he won more than almost all his contemporaries, so he did very well despite limited experience. The jury's still out on McCarthy. I hope he's better. Considering 6 teams didn't even interview him before the Packers, they must not have been impressed with his experience. But, considering how some of those coaches that were selected over him look, it may be that TT found the gem. I hope so.

BTW, I would argue that injuries in 2002 did far more to derail the Packers than Sherman's inexperience. Let's see if you acknowledge this.

[The Leaper]

Listen, I'm not trying to knock Sherman. It wasn't his fault he was hired as a head coach with only 3 years of NFL experience. He did OK considering his lack of experience and how thin he was spread trying to work two roles in the organziation. His eventual failure is as much the fault of those who hired him as it was Sherman himself.

I'm just pointing out that many of the things we are seeing now that are "different"...be it Favre's play, fewer mental mistakes, greater focus...are directly a result of McCarthy's greater experience, both in duration in the league and variety of systems he has been in. The guy has clearly been around the block a few times...and it shows. He's been able to take the pieces Thompson has assembled and turn them into a well-oiled machine.

I just never got that same feeling under Sherman...while some areas of the team did excel at times, it seemed rare (if at all) that all areas functioned together as well as Green Bay's roster functions currently.

[mraynrand]

I understand your point. I hope your right. I see it as more of a difference in style and philosophy, not necessarily having anything to do with experience. My opinion is that I didn't see as big a gap between Sherman and the Superbowl as others. But Sherman had his shot. I hope McCarthy is better.