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It’s not often that you hear Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy give a candid assessment of his team’s struggles and shortcomings the way he has this week in his press conferences. However, that’s what fans got this week from him, as he spoke pretty openly about his disappointment in the Packers’ early elimination from the playoffs, something he has experienced just three times now in his tenure as head coach.
Perhaps the most illustrative comment was the use of the phrase “patterns of negativity,” which made waves among the beat writers and media who follow the team. McCarthy also discussed making moves independent of emotion or feeling, which suggests that there are probably some significant business decisions coming — either on the coaching or the player personnel front.
Of course, McCarthy does not have the final say on player moves, but he does hold authority over the coaching staff. Perhaps this is the first significant sign that there will indeed be some shakeups among his staff of assistants. At this point, we’ll have to just wait and see over the next few weeks.
Same matchup, changed circumstances for Brett Hundley vs. Vikings | Packers.com
Hundley was thrust onto the field last time due to Aaron Rodgers' injury the Packers played the Vikings, but this time he'll have much more preparation -- and a mostly solid offensive line as well.
Mike McCarthy: Aaron Rodgers in ‘rest and recovery mode’ | Packers Wire
There are no further surgery or repairs needed for Rodgers' broken clavicle, so it's time to just kick back and relax. Of course, we know better than to expect Rodgers to do that.
McCarthy looking at how ‘patterns of negativity’ can improve | Packersnews.com
Is this a hint that there are changes coming on the coaching staff? McCarthy also said that it is important to "be direct and honest and keep the emotion out of it."
Green Bay Packers' Davon House has incentive to finish season - ESPN
House has some significant playing-time incentives, which would kick in at 50, 60, and 70 percent of the team's defensive snaps. He's just over the 60% mark right now, but missing significant time in the final two games could push him back down under that level.
Seahawks fined for not following concussion protocol - NFL.com
The fine is $100,000, and it came as a result of the Seahawks not having the medical staff evaluate Russell Wilson for a concussion as directed by the officials.
Dick Enberg dies at age 82 - SBNation.com
Enberg was one of the great broadcasters of the last several decades, and he will be missed.