A closer look at the Packers defensive coaching massacre

Were the Packers right to fire so many defensive coaches in one fell swoop, as happened over the last two days? According to a poll in today's online Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 88% of more than 3,500 people responding so far give a resounding "Yes!".

But beyond that, what do we make of this? According to yet another great article by sports writer and Packers analyst Bob McGinn in the Journal-Sentinel, the purging of the defensive staff is of historic proportions. McGinn writes, "Other than a regime change involving an entire staff, the Packers have never witnessed anything like this from a sitting coach."

Given the massive bloodletting that went on -- McGinn's article recounts prior coaching purges over the decades -- there is a bit of a curious note to it all: neither head coach Mike McCarthy or GM Ted Thompson met with the press or even agreed to answer questions about the firings. The announcements came in the form of a news release only.

So far, none of the fired coaches has made any statements.

One of the facts to emerge is that there was apparently a split in the defensive coaching staff that started early in the season. McGinn reports, basically, that there was a faction on the same page with defensive coordinator Bob Sanders and another faction on board with linebackers coach/assistant head coach Winston Moss. Basically, Moss and some others didn't like the scheme Sanders was running.

Local Wisconsin sports radio and pundits have obviously been kicking this topic around since the news broke. One reporter made the comment that head coaches typically don't get more than 2 bad years in a row before they themselves are shown the door. The point was made that with this major house cleaning on the defensive side of the board, McCarthy will be pulling out all the stops to make sure this dismal season is not repeated because, as the reporter said, "the wolves will be at his door then."

Related to this, though, is the whole topic of personnel. Wayne Larrivee, the radio voice of the Packers, was interviewed about the situation and made the point that by cleaning out most of the defensive coaches the new coordinator will be free to build his own team of assistants. That might also mean a change in scheme from 4-3 to 3-4. If so, Larrivee pointed out, that has personnel implications because players suited to the one scheme usually are not suited to the other. Larrivee offered the example of Corey Williams, who was arguably the key Packers defensive lineman in 2007. As we also know, he was traded to Cleveland after the season for a second round pick after the Pack had placed the franchise tag on him. Larrivee noted that Williams was great in the Packers 4-3 scheme, but his production was not the same this past season in Cleveland's 3-4 scheme. Interesting.

Whoever gets the defensive coordinator job will have a huge task ahead of them. They will need to assemble a staff, devise a scheme, and make sure the right players are in the right places to make it all click. If it falls flat, the head coach and a lot of others might also be putting their homes up for sale in and around Green Bay.

You can read McGinn's article here. Like all his articles, it's well worth the read.

Lots of coaches available
The good news for the Packers in this situation is that it's a buyer's market, so to speak. There are a lot of excellent, experienced coaches available. Among the names being floated, along with the un-fired Winston Moss, is former San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan who was the defensive coordinator with Baltimore before heading west to become San Francisco's head coach. Nolan is also the guy who hired Mike McCarthy to be his offensive coordinator and then also allowed him to get interviewed for the Packers head coaching job a year later. Reports are that Nolan looks like the leading candidate for the job but there are no certainties of any kind at this point in the process and there may well be several factors working against Nolan, including cost.

Cost also factors in the discussion of a few other possible coordinators. Gregg Williams who was with Jacksonville and Washington over the last few years is in the mix, as is Eagles secondary coach Sean McDermott. Some reports indicate that McDermott could be a hot property given his long tenure under Eagles defensive guru Jim Johnson. But the Pack can't talk to him as he is still under contract with the Eagles and could only do so with the team's permission once Philly is done playing.

Former Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli is available, as is Jim Haslett. There are other possibilities as well. You can read more about all the candidates here.

More on the Corey Williams trade

As reported here last evening, the Packers traded "franchise player" Corey Williams to Cleveland for a second round pick in this year's draft. Was a head scratcher, given the salary cap room the Packers have even considering the number of defensive linemen the team has on hand. Of course, now the Pack will have about $6-$7 million more to add to the war chest, which will now total about $24 milliion.

What is emerging, according to an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, is that the Packers will get the Browns' second round pick, which sits at #56 overall. The Packers have the 30th pick in the first round, as well as their own pick at #60 in the second round.

Let's review: with the acquisition of the Brown's selection, that's now three picks for the Pack within the first 60 players. We are all aware of GM Ted Thompson's penchant for accumulating draft picks. But, could he possibly break form and use this handful of ammunition to perhaps move up for the first time in his tenure to grab a pick in the top portion of the draft? That's the speculation in this article. Of course, nobody on the Packers' staff is commenting. It's also noted that this is supposedly a deep draft which -- if Thompson stays true to form -- would seem to lead one to believe that Thompson will stay put, or perhaps even use some of these picks to move down and acquire even more picks in later rounds.

To read more on this, check out the article here.

Corey Williams traded to Browns

Breaking news: the Packers have traded defensive lineman Corey Williams, to whom they just applied their franchise player tag, to the Cleveland Browns for a second round pick. With all that salary cap room...go figure.

Keeping with the Ohio theme, at least in terms of names, the Packers signed offensive tackle Joe Toledo, a 2006 fourth round pick by the Dolphins.

More details on both of these moves may be forthcoming. Stay tuned.

Breaking News from GB: Williams gets Franchise tag, Bubba released

The offseason moves are now officially in gear. In what comes as a true surprise -- especially after virtually no contact with his agent -- the Packers slapped the franchise player tag on DT Corey Williams. It was almost a forgone conclusion that the Pack would not want to come up with the coin needed to re-sign Williams as he became eligible for free agency. By being designated with the franchise tag, according to the Packer's website, "Williams has a one-year contract tender offer at the defensive tackle franchise number set by the NFL. The Packers maintain a right of first refusal to match any team's offer received by Williams." The Pack has been increasingly impressed with Williams over the last two seasons. And, given Williams'reaction after the Pack's upset loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game -- where he knelt on the frozen tundra for a while as if to take it all in, just in case it was his last game in a Packers uniform -- it would seem he'd like to stay. It will be interesting to see what the final salary numbers are when the dust settles.

In the other move of the day, and one which fans could probably see coming, eight-year veteran TE Bubba Franks was released. Always a sentimental favorite, Bubba was not the same player over the last few seasons that he had been early in his career, although this last season was a bit of a redemptive one for him. He was again a solid blocker and also showed the good hands which made him such a red zone threat for so many years. Bubba's stats show that he was one of the most productive tight ends in Packers' history. Thanks and farewell, Bubba. We will miss you.

You can read more of the details about both of these personnel moves here.

Halftime: Packers 21 - Panthers 3

The second quarter saw the Pack offense finally get into gear. There was a 49-yard pass to Donald Driver, who laid out to make the catch. This was followed a few plays later with a 5-yard TD pass to Greg Jennings. Packers 14 - Panthers 3. Ryan Grant had a few good runs in the quarter, including a 23-yard scamper. With just under 2 minutes left in the half, Brett hit Donald Lee with a 26-yard TD pass to go up 21-3. The end of the half ended with a horrible pass interference call on Jarrett Bush to take the ball down to about the 10 yard line. Following this play, Testaverde dropped back to pass and Corey Williams collared him causing a fumble with the Packers recovering. One knee later, halftime. Packers 21 - Panthers 3.

3rd quarter, Pack 13 - Chiefs 7

Missed opportunities is the continuing theme of this game for the Packers. After having a promising drive of passes and runs, the Packers failed to get a first down at the Chiefs' 42 on a third-and-one play. That also is a worrying trend of this season: failure to be able to rush for one yard when needed. This led to a missed 52-yard field goal, which Crosby hooked wide to the left. On the Chiefs' next possession, however, LB A.J. Hawk got an interception and took the ball to the Chiefs' 30. A swing pass to Grant got the ball down to the 15, before a holding penalty -- of course -- took the ball back to the 25. A pass to the end zone was ruled out, as Donald Lee couldn't get both feet down. The next play was a pass to Gregg Jennings over the middle, catching the ball at about the 10, and then breaking tackles to take the ball over the goal line.

Other developments are on the injury front. Safety Nick Collins went down with what looked like a bad knee injury, and D-lineman Corey Williams was also carted to the locker room.

The Packers have had 22 plays inside the opponent's territory to this point in the game; the Chiefs have had one...and yet, we're only up by 6 points. What kind of bizzaro world are we playing in???

Justin Harrell sighting! In a game! Doing something!

Remember the Packers first round draft pick this year? You know, number 16 overall? Ol' jersey #91? No? Not surprising. Justin Harrell has been just about invisible in his rookie year. Not even active for a few games and when he is, well, does anyone really notice?

Apparently, yes. At least once. And the person noticing just happens to be head coach Mike McCarthy. In this week's episode of the Mike McCarthy TV show, while showing the replay of the fumble recovery by Charles Woodson -- who also was the player guest on the show -- McCarthy made a point to not only show the initial strip of the ball by Corey Williams but to replay the replay, from two different angles, showing how -- you guessed it! -- Justin Harrell actually made a key crushing block to likely eliminate the only early tackle threat on Woodson. Have to admit, there were so many things happening so quickly on that play that the only way you would actually see it would be in slo-mo replay...but it was a heckuva block.

So, let's give a pat on the back to Mr. Harrell for actually making a key contribution to the Packers win on Sunday. Still, as a defensive lineman, blocking isn't what it's about. It would be nice if he is eventually able to make more than the two tackles he is credited with so far this season.

Let's also remind GM Ted Thompson that, oh, I dunno, maybe a running back like Marshawn Lynch might have been worth moving up a few spots for. Adrian Peterson would have been nice, too. (Sigh)

Bubba might be out

One of the negatives coming out of the win on Sunday was seeing Bubba Franks heading to the locker room on the cart. Turns out he has a sprained knee and will likely miss the game against Denver on Oct. 29. He is still undergoing tests to determine the severity of the injury, although in an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel it's noted that "a source close to the situation said it was a sprain of the posterior cruciate ligament."

This leaves the Packers with Donald Lee as the team's only tight end. So look for a practice squad call up for...someone.

Koren Robinson reinstatement decision soon

Today is the one-year anniversary of WR Koren Robinson's league suspension for violations of its substance abuse policy. Robinson has applied for reinstatement and league sources, according to reports, indicate Commissioner Roger Goodell will make a decision soon. Apparently, Robinson and the Packers will be notified and then the decision will be publicly announced. Given that Robinson has been serving his suspension quietly and working out to be ready for his return, we can only hope the decision comes quickly. QB Brett Favre has been perhaps the loudest voice on this matter, stating more than once that he just doesn't understand the league policy which does not allow these players, who need support, any contact whatsoever with their team during the time of the suspension. Have to agree with Brett on that one. You have a feeling, too, that Brett is anxiously looking forward to adding Mr. Robinson into the mix with the rest of his outstanding receivers.

Pack vs. 'Skins Recap

Yesterday was one of those win-ugly games that the Pack seems to be turning into an art form this season. They might not be pretty games to watch, but the results are sure pretty darn good. 5-1. There's lucky. And there's good. Sometimes, both is the way to be. That may describe the Pack so far.

While there were certainly enough problems that could have cost the Pack this win, the fact that the defense basically won this game is a good sign. The 'Skins came in with a hot young QB, a proven running back, and as things would have it, a tight end that was their best offensive weapon all day long. They also had a pretty darn good defense. The combination of all those things led to two interceptions by the 'Skins, although there could just as easily have been as many as five. There also could have a been a few fumble recoveries. Missed opportunities on the part of the 'Skins. Perhaps that's why Chris Collinsworth -- on whatever network he's on these days -- was nearly apoplectic when describing how Washington had "given the game away." They certainly did help, granted, especially with that 57-yard fumble recovery for a TD by Charles Woodson.

But give the game away? How did the 'Skins give the game away when the Pack had two missed field goals, two interceptions, and two touchdowns nullified by bad calls by the refs? In the case of the latter, Bubba Franks got one foot down in the end zone before being pushed out. On a similar play last week, the Bears receiver was deemed to have been forced out and Da Bearz got their winning points. On the second non-TD, it was called back on a phantom holding penalty against Mark Tauscher, who is one of the least-penalized players not only on the team but probably the entire NFL. Replays, and commentary by the crew calling the game, failed to indicate exactly where the penalty was. And -- in one of those "oh-oh" moments -- after the Pack recovered a fumble at the 'Skins own 9-yard line, they failed to even convert a field goal. So, let's see...the Pack leave up to 20 points on the field and Collinsworth says the 'Skins "gave the game away"? Right. Brilliant insights, Mr. Collinsworth. Yes, the 'Skins did help with dropped passes and those fumbles. But the Pack was doing its best to give the game away, too.

Still, as noted at the outset, it was the "D' that won this game. Charles Woodson had an interception and that fumble-recovery return for the winning touchdown -- his first ever fumble recovery TD, by the way. Huge game. Aaron Kampman put pressure on the 'Skins QB all day, including some clutch sacks. Nick Barnett had a couple huge stops, including a critical fourth-down play. Cullen Jenkins, KGB, Johnny Jolly, Corey Williams, A. J. Hawk, Atari Bigby, Al Harris...the entire defense all came up big. Game balls for everyone!

Brett didn't have a particularly good day although, again, he had two TD passes called back. He passed George Blanda for the #1 spot in all-time interceptions. Special teams didn't have a good day either, with rookie kicker Mason Crosby making one field goal while missing two. And, of course, the running game...well, you can't even say it sucks because that would imply there was something there to actually suck. The running game is non-existent, although it did account for an actual rushing TD early in the game. Who'da thunk it?

So, going into the bye week, the Packers are tied with the Cowboys for the best record in the NFC. They have a lot to work on. But if the defense can maintain its high level of play, and the offense can somehow find some balance, i.e., even a hint of a running game -- which is critical going into the bad weather months -- the Packers should be a lock for the playoffs. Let's just leave it at that for now.

Next stop: Monday Night Football, Oct. 29, at Denver.

...And the starters are...

We're just on the eve of training camp and already the starting lineup is in place. At least it is in the form of an "unofficial" depth chart approved by Coach Mike McCarthy and release to the media today. Two items of note: first round draft pick Justin Harrell is listed as the starter on the defensive line ahead of Corey Williams, who had a bit of a break out year last season; secondly, Donald Lee is listed as the starting tight end ahead of Bubba Franks who had an admittedly dismal 2006 season.

Here is the depth chart as it was released today:
OFFENSE
WR Greg Jennings, LT Chad Clifton, LG Daryn Colledge, C Scott Wells, RG Jason Spitz, RT Mark Tauscher, TE Donald Lee, WR Donald Driver, QB Brett Favre, RB Vernand Morency, FB Brandon Miree.

DEFENSE
LE Aaron Kampman, LDT Ryan Pickett, RDT Justin Harrell, RE Cullen Jenkins, SLB Brady Poppinga, MLB Nick Barnett, WLB A.J. Hawk, LCB Charles Woodson, RCB Al Harris, SS Marquand Manuel, FS Nick Collins.

SPECIAL TEAMS
K Dave Rayner, P Jon Ryan, PR Charles Woodson, KR Vernand Morency, LS Rob Davis.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
WR Ruvell Martin, LT Orrin Thompson, LG Allen Barbre, C Tyson Walter, RG Junius Coston, RT Tony Moll, TE Bubba Franks, WR Robert Ferguson, QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Brandon Jackson, FB Ryan Powdrell.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
LE Michael Montgomery, LDT Corey Williams, RDT Colin Cole, RE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, SLB Spencer Havner, MLB Abdul Hodge, WLB Tracy White, LCB Patrick Dendy, RCB Jarrett Bush, SS Atari Bigby, FS Aaron Rouse.

While Vernand Morency is listed as the starting running back, reports have McCarthy indicating he really doesn't have a preference as to whether there is a featured back or running back by committee; what he wants is production. Hard to argue with that logic. Although one hopes that eventually a dominant back does emerge from the young group on the roster.