For the first time since the bye week, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy conducted a post-defeat Wednesday press conference. Despite the loss, McCarthy remains upbeat about his team and expressed confidence in his squad.
- As expected, Josh Sitton sat out Wednesday's practice. Since injuring his toe in New Orleans, this has been a typical part of his weekly routine. Joining him on the sidelines were Davon House (shoulder) and Bryan Bulaga (concussion). McCarthy said Bulaga looked "great" in meetings today but is still working through the league's concussion protocol.
- Though not totally inactive, T.J. Lang (ankle), Mike Neal (abdomen), Nick Perry (shoulder), Clay Matthews (biceps) and Eddie Lacy (eye) were limited in practice. McCarthy said Lacy's issue was not game related and downplayed Matthews' injury.
- McCarthy praised the work of former Packers center and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith. The coach said Dietrich-Smith appeared often throughout the season in their cut ups and he was impressed with the center's work.
- When asked about coaching against former NFC North rival Lovie Smith, McCarthy said he's "always had a lot of respect for Lovie." Smith coached with the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2012.
- While discussing the matchup, McCarthy called Sunday's tilt "a road game that we have to have." Though that's not technically true -- the Packers could still qualify if the Eagles lose out -- his words provide a portal into the atmosphere present at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
- McCarthy has been impressed with the play of his offensive line. "It's a smart bunch. They help each other, have helped Corey (Linsley). We look for them to play their best football down the stretch."
- Finally, the team has already voted on playoff captains. Players voted Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson to represent the offense, Julius Peppers and Morgan Burnett the defense, and Randall Cobb and Jarrett Bush from special teams. According to McCarthy, "Leadership is something every coach is focused on. Can't assign it. Must come from the locker room." By choosing captains now, the coach believes he's creating opportunities for leadership. "Those six men have accepted the responsibility."
That's all from McCarthy. Keep your internet machines tuned to Acme Packing Company for the latest Packers news and developments.
Jason B. Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Acme Packing Company. He also serves as an SB Nation Newsdesk Contributor and writes for Sports on Earth.