Mike McCarthy understands what it takes to win a championship with the Green Bay Packers.
He experienced the highs of lifting the Lombardi Trophy, along with several heartbreaking lows during his time in Green Bay. But he understands the importance of battling through adversity during the regular season, as it serves your team well when the games count the most.
Packers fans understandably feel frustrated after two brutal home losses by a combined six points, especially with the offense managing just 20 points across both contests. Matt LaFleur has a problem on offense that he must address. But McCarthy, who lives in Green Bay and has attended multiple Packers games this season, isn't concerned about them.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, the Super Bowl-winning coach said that tight games, like the Packers' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football, will make them stronger come playoff time.
"You really benefit from tight games in November and December because that's what really gets you ready for playoff football. I know, and A.J. (Hawk) can attest to this, when we were really on a roll, I'd get nervous with the blowout wins," McCarthy said.
"You need tight ballgames because that's the game you're going to be in come playoff time. If you want to win a championship, you do want the experience of those tight games, so there is value for the Packers to come up and play that type of game. I really believe that."
Mike McCarthy provides much-needed perspective on Packers after two tough losses
McCarthy isn't wrong. He experienced both sides of that bizarre reality during his time with the Packers.
In 2010, his team overcame adversity, a lengthy injury list, and a series of must-win matchups. Ten games were settled by one score, four wins and six defeats, including two overtime losses in consecutive weeks. They faced two must-win games to close out the regular season, which they did to clinch the No. 6 seed and the NFC's final playoff spot.
It made them battle hardened for playoff football. Aaron Rodgers got hot, as did the defense, and the Packers didn't lose another game.
READ MORE: The Christian Watson decision that could end the Packers' nightmare
A year on, they went 15-1. Rodgers threw 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions, and the Packers outscored their opponents by an unbelievable 201 points. They even won with Matt Flynn starting at QB, as he tied a franchise record with six touchdown passes in a game.
The adversity was gone. Green Bay strolled the regular season, but even with momentum and home-field advantage, one postseason punch in the mouth was enough to take them out. A season's worth of adversity hit them in a playoff loss to the New York Giants, and just like that, the defending Super Bowl champions, who had lost only one game in 391 days, were done.
Fast forward to today, and the Packers need to address the concerns on offense to have any shot. Somehow, LaFleur must figure out how to overcome the offensive line struggles. But they already have a championship defense, and the adversity may serve them well.
McCarthy believes their defense can lead them as the temperature drops and the real football begins.
"I've been able to see them play four times, three at Lambeau and one in Pittsburgh, and have been very impressed by them," he said. "Their defense in all four contests, very consistent. Their energy and the level they play at really bodes well, especially with November and December football in front."
McCarthy has been there. He understands what it takes to win in Green Bay. Here's hoping LaFleur can follow in his predecessor's footsteps.