Green Bay Packers: Under the Scope (Week 2)
By Arty Vezikov
Sep 20, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy talks to quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Aggressiveness of Coach McCarthy
Yes, Coach McCarthy gave up his play-calling responsibilities (on paper) but let’s not get caught up in thinking he has no say in the team’s plays we see week-in and week-out. McCarthy is still very much an aggressive playcaller and we saw this against the Seahawks all night long. Let’s look at one offensive series in particular.
The Packers get the ball back right before halftime with 1:16 left to play. Rodgers has no timeouts to play with and is backed up on his own 20-yard line. Most teams in this situation would undoubtedly take a knee and head into the break with a touchdown lead, not thinking twice about it.
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It looks like the Packers want to muster up some offense though, as they come out passing on first down. However, Rodgers gets sacked for a loss of seven yards and the clock keeps ticking. All the more reason to play it safe and take a knee this time around, one might think.
Nope. The Packers remain aggressive and look to pass again. Rodgers uses the hard count, draws a defense offsides and then heaves a deep bomb to rookie Ty Montgomery who was wide open on the play. Richard Sherman closes in rather quickly, however, but commits an all-too-costly pass interference penalty. The penalty was good for 53 yards and a new set of downs in Seattle territory.
On first down at the 35-yard line, Rodgers drops back and hits Randall Cobb for 26 yards, bringing up first and goal. Remember, the Packers have no timeouts on this drive so every play is crucial. Rodgers again finds Cobb for a gain of eight, where the Packers face a second and goal on the one-yard line. The quarterback fires two incompletions on the ensuing two plays and the Packers find themselves attempting a field goal with 0:02 left in the half.
The kick was good and the lead was extended to 13-3 in favor of the home team. Not a bad way to end the half and grab all the momentum. McCarthy has the utmost confidence in his quarterback and it showed on this drive, as Rodgers led his team down the field with little time left on the clock.
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