Tweet
Not that this is exactly going out on a limb at this point, but I have to say I agree with this assessment 100%.
Oates: Thompson should lock up McCarthy
By TOM OATES
608-252-6172
toates@madison.com
Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson has been busy extending the contracts of young players who have become key contributors — Donald Lee is the latest example and Corey Williams should be next on the list — but the time has come for Thompson to think about re-upping his coach as well.
Mike McCarthy signed a three-year contract when he joined the Packers in 2006 and, halfway through his second season, has left no doubt that he is a coach worth keeping.
The Packers have exceeded all expectations with their 7-1 record at midseason, putting McCarthy in the pole position for NFL coach of the year honors and pumping life back into a franchise that had lost its way. Under the resolute McCarthy, the Packers have once again found their way — his way.
The public has been slow to embrace McCarthy, due partly to the Packers' unusually rocky 4-8 start last year and partly to the fact that he doesn't come across as eloquent or even all that personable in public. Make no mistake, though, this team bears his stamp. Like McCarthy, it is intelligent, focused, tough, physical and resilient.
Nowhere is that more evident than in the Packers' 9-3 road record the last two seasons. Even good teams can unravel on the road in the NFL, but the Packers' success under McCarthy prompted this testimonial from linebacker Brady Poppinga:
"Based on the character of this team and who we are, I think it's a reflection of him. He's that kind of guy. He's the same Coach McCarthy regardless of the circumstances. That's what has led us to the point we're at today. It's not like he comes on the road and all of a sudden has to change things and (says), 'Oh, no, we're going into this place,' or 'We're playing this team.' No, he's the same. It gives us the confidence to know that if we play the way we're capable of and if we fight to the end, we're going to have a great shot at winning."
The Packers have won 11 of their last 12 games and, though he has made in-game strategical errors on a few occasions and has been unable to get any kind of a running game going, McCarthy is the main man behind that success.
He has won over the locker room with his humane treatment of players and his no-nonsense, straight-from-the-heart method of communication. The players, in turn, follow his lead by showing up ready to play every week.
He has preached mental and physical toughness since his first day on the job, and the Packers' attacking defense and ability to consistently come up with winning plays in the fourth quarter are reflections of that.
He hasn't been dealt a full hand by Thompson, especially at running back, but has made use of what he has, creatively fashioning one of the NFL's top passing games despite not having the threat of the run.
He has changed the way Brett Favre plays and, better yet, has done so without Favre even realizing it. McCarthy has almost formed a partnership with his veteran quarterback, who has responded by taking fewer chances and playing better than he has in years.
Most important, McCarthy is realistic and therefore never satisfied. That's why the Packers get better and more confident by the week.
By TOM OATES
608-252-6172
toates@madison.com
Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson has been busy extending the contracts of young players who have become key contributors — Donald Lee is the latest example and Corey Williams should be next on the list — but the time has come for Thompson to think about re-upping his coach as well.
Mike McCarthy signed a three-year contract when he joined the Packers in 2006 and, halfway through his second season, has left no doubt that he is a coach worth keeping.
The Packers have exceeded all expectations with their 7-1 record at midseason, putting McCarthy in the pole position for NFL coach of the year honors and pumping life back into a franchise that had lost its way. Under the resolute McCarthy, the Packers have once again found their way — his way.
The public has been slow to embrace McCarthy, due partly to the Packers' unusually rocky 4-8 start last year and partly to the fact that he doesn't come across as eloquent or even all that personable in public. Make no mistake, though, this team bears his stamp. Like McCarthy, it is intelligent, focused, tough, physical and resilient.
Nowhere is that more evident than in the Packers' 9-3 road record the last two seasons. Even good teams can unravel on the road in the NFL, but the Packers' success under McCarthy prompted this testimonial from linebacker Brady Poppinga:
"Based on the character of this team and who we are, I think it's a reflection of him. He's that kind of guy. He's the same Coach McCarthy regardless of the circumstances. That's what has led us to the point we're at today. It's not like he comes on the road and all of a sudden has to change things and (says), 'Oh, no, we're going into this place,' or 'We're playing this team.' No, he's the same. It gives us the confidence to know that if we play the way we're capable of and if we fight to the end, we're going to have a great shot at winning."
The Packers have won 11 of their last 12 games and, though he has made in-game strategical errors on a few occasions and has been unable to get any kind of a running game going, McCarthy is the main man behind that success.
He has won over the locker room with his humane treatment of players and his no-nonsense, straight-from-the-heart method of communication. The players, in turn, follow his lead by showing up ready to play every week.
He has preached mental and physical toughness since his first day on the job, and the Packers' attacking defense and ability to consistently come up with winning plays in the fourth quarter are reflections of that.
He hasn't been dealt a full hand by Thompson, especially at running back, but has made use of what he has, creatively fashioning one of the NFL's top passing games despite not having the threat of the run.
He has changed the way Brett Favre plays and, better yet, has done so without Favre even realizing it. McCarthy has almost formed a partnership with his veteran quarterback, who has responded by taking fewer chances and playing better than he has in years.
Most important, McCarthy is realistic and therefore never satisfied. That's why the Packers get better and more confident by the week.
Comment