Green Bay Packers: Takeaways from Mike McCarthy press conference
Football is finally back in Green Bay, players have moved in to the dorms at St. Norbert’s College and Mike McCarthy stepped up to the podium on Wednesday.
Here are some of the Green Bay Packers’ coach’s most notable quotes and what they could possibly mean.
McCarthy on the secondary: “I feel good about our guys. I think it’s going to be an extremely competitive camp.”
Reaction: No surprise here, McCarthy sounds confident in the secondary despite the unit being a huge liability last season. The Packers allowed 4,308 passing yards last season (31st in the NFL) and 29 touchdowns (29th in the NFL).
As a result, they addressed the secondary in the offseason by re-adding former Packer, Davon House, as well as selecting Kevin King and Josh Jones in the 2017 NFL Draft.
House brings veteran leadership, something that didn’t exist last year. King will have a huge role in the secondaries success. If he can transition smoothly, this unit can easily be middle-tier group.
McCarthy on Letroy Guion, who is suspended: “Letroy’s situation is obviously a pending matter. He’s made mistakes. We’re still working with him.”
Reaction: Still shocked that the Packers are sticking with Guion.
Guion was recently arrested in Hawaii, while on vacation and celebrating his birthday. Prior to the arrest he received a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs.
Since joining the Packers in 2014, Guion has played in 44 games and has only accounted for 58 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He’s been consistently not performing on the field and continues to be a liability off the field.
Just because he’ll be participating/competing for a position in training camp doesn’t guarantee him a roster spot. Because of the suspension the Packers have time to make a final decision about about Guion’s future in Green Bay.
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McCarthy on Ty Montgomery: “He looks good. I’m very pleased with the way he’s stepped to the front of the class.”
Reaction: If you didn’t think Montgomery was the Packers guy at running back last season, it is time to start believing.
Despite being drafted as a receiver, Montgomery has made the full transition to running back. While averaging 5.9 yards per attempt, he finished last year with 457 yards and three touchdowns.
He showcased his elusiveness, power and cutting ability several times last season.
This offseason, it appears he has continued to take the necessary steps in becoming a next level back. According to ESPN, he has packed on more muscle and worked with Rischad Whitfield, known as the Footwork King, to improve.
Also, Hall-of-Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson listed Montgomery as a young running back to watch.
Depth is an issue at the running back position. If Montgomery struggles to perform, the Packers will need to look at the rookies they brought in. But, all reports indicate Montgomery is poised for a big year.
McCarthy on going “all out” to win a Super Bowl: “We’ve never sold the farm to win one game. Programs win championships.”
Reaction: Does this mean the Packers will succeed in the regular season and come up short once again?
Many will argue that the “Packer Way” isn’t working and that a change in philosophy would be beneficial. McCarthy though isn’t buying it and is staying true to the original philosophy, draft and develop.
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Although the Packers may not venture into free agency every offseason, they made the necessary moves to take the next step this offseason by adding Martellus Bennett, House and Jahri Evans.