Mike McCarthy's reaction to facing Packers in playoffs is exactly what we expected

There's no shortage of storylines in the first round of the playoffs. A new-look Green Bay Packers team reached the postseason in their first year without Aaron Rodgers, and they will meet a familiar face.

Standing in the Packers' way are Mike McCarthy's Dallas Cowboys, the No. 2 seed in the NFC.

McCarthy is part of Packers history. He has a street named after him, a short walk from Lambeau Field. McCarthy brought home the Lombardi Trophy in 2010 and led Green Bay to six NFC North titles, nine playoff appearances, and 10 postseason wins.

His next job is to try to eliminate the Packers.

McCarthy's Cowboys lost at Lambeau Field last season, but this game is different. The season is on the line for both teams. The winner moves within two games of the Super Bowl.

Mike McCarthy plays down 'drama' of Packers playoff showdown

Mike McCarthy answered a question about the Packers in the most Mike McCarthy way. He isn't interested in the "drama" of taking on his former team.

"They've had a good year. I haven't watched them a whole lot. The drama of it, I'm sure you guys will love. I will not participate this year," said McCarthy. "It's playoff time. It doesn't matter who we play, to be honest with you."

McCarthy sends the right message. He doesn't want any distractions or the focus to be on him. McCarthy received a warm welcome back to Lambeau Field last season, but his team threw away a two-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter.

That was the reunion. McCarthy was taking on Aaron Rodgers for the first time.

But this Packers team is completely different. Aaron Jones, Jaire Alexander, and Kenny Clark are the only active players on the roster who played during the McCarthy era.

This game is bigger for both teams than the Mike McCarthy storyline. Dallas is the favorite at home, having gone 8-0 at AT&T Stadium this season. The Packers are the underdogs who are playing with house money after unexpectedly making the playoffs.

It should make for a fascinating matchup.

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