Fans in Coach McCarthy's corner

An interesting online poll is underway today at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel website. It shows that, of the 4 head coaches that were hired in the NFL in 2006 -- all of whom were or could have been candidates for the Packers' job -- and all of whom have teams in the playoffs this weekend, fans responding to the poll clearly are glad to have Mike McCarthy as their playoff coach. Quite a change from the attitude after the loss to Tampa Bay at mid-season. Just goes to show what a tremendous job McCarthy has done. And, truth be told, I'd take McCarthy over the other choices, too.

Here's the poll question and results at the time of this posting:

In 2006, Mike McCarthy, Brad Childress, Sean Payton and Wade Phillips were all candidates for Green Bay's then-vacant coaching position. Now their teams make up more than half the field in the NFC playoffs.
Which NFC playoff coach would you rather have?

• Brad Childress (8%)
• Mike McCarthy (56%)
• Sean Payton (33%)
• Wade Phillips (4%)

Total Responses: 5154

You can find the poll here.

Woodson named NFC Defensive Player of the Month
The Packers have announced that CB Charles Woodson has once again been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December by the NFL. He received the same award in September and November. Hmmm...three out of four months...can NFL Defensive MVP be far behind???

Here's the scoop on Woodson's latest award as shown on the Packers site:
"• Woodson had 20 tackles, two interceptions - including a 45-yard touchdown - and seven passes defensed. Green Bay went 4-1 during the month and finished the regular season by winning seven of the final eight games.
• The Green Bay defense finished the season ranked No. 1 in the NFC allowing 284.4 yards per game. The Packers led the NFL with 30 interceptions, 40 takeaways and a +24 turnover differential.
• Woodson had two interceptions during the month, including one in Week 17 against Arizona that he returned 45 yards for a touchdown. He recorded a career-high nine interceptions this season, tied for the most in the NFL. His three interception-return touchdowns also tied for the most in the league.
• Since joining the team in 2006, Woodson ranks second in the NFL with 28 interceptions and leads the league with seven interception-return touchdowns. His eight defensive touchdowns with the Packers are a franchise record.
• In his 12th season from Michigan, this is Woodson's fourth career Player of the Month Award and third this season (September, November). He is the only player to be named NFC Defensive Player of the Month multiple times in a season. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famer BARRY SANDERS and former Indianapolis kicker MIKE VANDERJAGT as the only players to win the award three times in a season."

Congratulation, Mr. MVP!