Packers: Recapping key points of season, offseason to date
By Brad Miller
Sweeping changes
In the aftermath of their 7-9 season Mark Murphy and the Packers organization felt that some drastic measures needed to take place. Many fans and sports and writers alike were clamoring for the changes to the coach staff. Well, they are getting their wish. Here’s what has happened so far:
Top of the list and the most “requested” firing was defensive coordinator Dom Capers. Coach Capers has a proven track record and the loyalty of Mike McCarthy, but many thought his coaching was getting stale and maybe his schemes were too complex for the defensive players Ted Thompson brought in.
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Right behind Capers were inside linebackers coach Scott McCurley and defensive line coach Mike Trgovac.
In a surprising move, the Packers parted ways with general manager Ted Thompson. A number of fans were calling for this and I usually don’t jump on board with the masses on things like this, but it was time for the change.
Thompson has kept to his vision of building a team primarily through the draft rather than regularly using free agency. Charles Woodson and Julius Peppers were good signings, but these free agent additions were infrequent. Thompson seemed to hesitate to bring in that last piece to put the team over the edge.
I get that he needs to stay within the salary cap and plan for future contract negotiations, but his seemingly unwillingness to deviate from that premise backfired. When impact players were needed, he didn’t do anything.
As of Thursday afternoon, it has been reported that quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt and offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett have also been relieved of their duties. These two departures won’t impact the team as much as the aforementioned guys.
In a move to stabilize one part of the coaching staff, Mike McCarthy has been given a one-year extension. I see this move more as a continuity factor for the players and existing staff members than anything else. If the Packers play next year like they did in 2017, he will likely be looking for a new gig as well.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
Will these departures benefit the team? Time will tell but one thing is for sure: the 2018 Packers may look a lot different that the team that underachieved in 2017. It will be interesting to see who is brought in coaching-wise and who will be in and out as players.