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Packers coach Mike McCarthy supports going for 2 'every single time'

The Packers' head coach joins the chorus of NFL luminaries that want to break with tradition on two-point conversions.

NFL: NFC Divisional-Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL making the extra point more difficult via rule changes, the concept of teams proactively attempting two-point conversions has become a hot topic in professional football. Superstar quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees have already stated that they'd like their teams to go for two as part of their normal offensive strategy rather than just as a late-game tactic.

Count Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy as someone who supports the idea.

"Personally, I definitely agree with Ben and Drew," McCarthy said Wednesday, via ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I think especially with Aaron being out quarterback, I would have zero issue as an offensive coach going for [a two-point attempt] every single time."

The numbers suggest that teams in in the NFL convert two-point conversions about half the time, with better teams succeeding at an even higher rate. As McCarthy points out, the presence of a two-time MVP under center significantly improves the Packers' chances when they go for it. Similarly, a healthy offensive line and a slimmer Eddie Lacy can also impact the team's chances in such situations.

Green Bay's head coach hasn't always taken such an aggressive stance. During the NFC Championship game two seasons ago, McCarthy opted for field-goal attempts in three fourth-and-short situations, including two at the goal line. Perhaps those misfires have convinced the long-time Packers headman to utilize more assertive tactics in the future.

While some fans and pundits may bristle at the thought of attempting two-point conversions "too early," the research suggests that teams leave points on the field by not taking a more aggressive approach after touchdowns.

Jason B. Hirschhorn is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and covers the NFL for Sports on Earth and SB Nation. He also serves as the senior writer and editor for Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog.