GT: Packers v. 49ers

[Kerb Hohl]

Oddly enough, I'm sure nobody that bitches to no end about which formation or call happened in the redzone will respond to those statistics. Similar to the discussion about limiting turnovers for the backup QB in the "is McCarthy holding Rodgers back?" thread when I presented the fact that McCarthy currently coaches the best TD/INT ratio QB in NFL history.

[trwi7]

We were still doing those shotgun pitches to Lacy that never amount to anything.

[Rockmaninoff]

Prior to 2013, I think most would agree our running game was pretty subpar.

Redzone scoring percentage (TD%):

2012: #1 in the NFL
2011: #3 in the NFL
2010: #4 in the NFL

That idiot McCarthy better not run any more empty sets down there.

I'm not saying nothing was wrong this year but I'm just saying people love to just point their finger at the coach whenever anything goes wrong.

I'm not really of that mindset at all. I thought overall McCarthy called a good game. I just thought in the particular context of the last game, that it didn't make a ton of sense to run 3 consecutive plays on the 9 yard line without an RB in the backfield.

I can understand the philosophy of a spread formation in red zone, but I can also think that having a running back in the formation could have created increased spacing opportunities for the receivers and also an audible running opportunity if the defense was overplaying the spread prior to the play.

The stats you provided are nice, and they tell a lot of the story, but they don't really explain how the Packers fared in the Red Zone over that time from similar formations, at similar yardage, against similar defenses.

[Rockmaninoff]

...and for the record, I would have wanted Starks in the spread formation from 9 yards out. He has the speed to exploit the loose interior as a rusher, and the edge as a receiver.

[Kerb Hohl]

Prior to 2013, I think most would agree our running game was pretty subpar.

Redzone scoring percentage (TD%):

2012: #1 in the NFL
2011: #3 in the NFL
2010: #4 in the NFL

That idiot McCarthy better not run any more empty sets down there.

I'm not saying nothing was wrong this year but I'm just saying people love to just point their finger at the coach whenever anything goes wrong.

I'm not really of that mindset at all. I thought overall McCarthy called a good game. I just thought in the particular context of the last game, that it didn't make a ton of sense to run 3 consecutive plays on the 9 yard line without an RB in the backfield.

I can understand the philosophy of a spread formation in red zone, but I can also think that having a running back in the formation could have created increased spacing opportunities for the receivers and also an audible running opportunity if the defense was overplaying the spread prior to the play.

The stats you provided are nice, and they tell a lot of the story, but they don't really explain how the Packers fared in the Red Zone over that time from similar formations, at similar yardage, against similar defenses.

I don't disagree that much on those 2 or 3 formations in a vacuum. I don't know if it was the plays I'd have called if I was somehow placed in McCarthy's situation right there. However, those stats do paint that the guy has credibility in his playcalling down there.

Also, if you'd have told me before the game that we'd go 2 for 3 in the redzone on touchdowns with a 4th attempt that fell short because of a penalty/time running out in the half, I wouldn't have batted an eye. That's pretty normal. Those years we were top 4 in the league, we shot about 67% in touchdowns down there. That seemed like a pretty "standard" result down there but I guess coaches, fans, analysts, etc. all practice for and strive for getting it done in the big moment, which we really didn't so I can understand some backlash.

Yeah, I think it's fair to question those 3 formations. Personally, I didn't mind the sets. From the 10, I don't mind spreading it out more. Get 5 legitimate receivers out in the open and find somewhere to throw it. I also get the idea of threatening the run and/or literally running it.

I guess I just get defensive because it doesn't seem to be "strive for perfection" in some fans' eyes, it is to literally expect the Packers to dominate every facet of the game all game or McCarthy has done something wrong. That is not necessarily you Rock or anyone else, it just seems like we can't go a lost game without some form of coaching being completely thrown under the bus, which, can't always be the case. You win and lose with the players on the field, and most importantly, in the NFL it is pretty evenly matched out there so you can't win 100% of them.

[crkone]

Rodgers said that McAdoo came up with the redzone offense this year, FYI...

[trwi7]

Browns should hire him imo.