McCarthy speaks about Buccaneers loss
By Lori Nickel of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 9, 2009 12:22 p.m.
Here are the highlights from Packers coach Mike McCarthy's press conference back in Green Bay Monday:
Tackle Mark Tauscher suffered a knee sprain, the same knee he had surgery on in '08. Team doctor said he doesn't think it is a serious long term injury; at the most a few weeks, said McCarthy, if Tauscher can't go this week.
Aaron Kampman suffered a concussion. His availability is up in the air. Packers had planned to rotate Kampman in heat in Tampa; he did not come in and out due to a concussion suffered early on.
"Our passing game was not as productive as it had been in the past." McCarthy said he was OK with the pass to Greg Jennings in heavy coverage by goal line that was intercepted: "I was OK with the decision. ... I thought Aaron threw a catchable ball."
Were receivers open? "We were challenged by the secondary. You can take that for what it's worth."
He was asked how he will keep the team on board with everyone outside the building in an uproar: "This is definitely a challenge. This will be a challenging day. ... Even more so when you lose in the fashion that we did in Tampa."
Kick coverage breakdowns last two games: "The timing is the biggest thread." Give up a lead by letting them run back on special teams. "It's lane integrity, nothing more than that. ... We did a poor job. You can classify it as technical, metal..."
Surprised not better on special teams? "Disappointed the last two weeks. I thought our coverage units played very well before the last two weeks." "It's something we need to make sure we're ready for Dallas. The momentum, field position swings have definitely been a factor."
Consider changing coaching responsibilities at offensive line or special teams?: "I'm very confident in our structure. Offensive line, the way we're built our staff is structured by design. We have a high level of expertise....Shawn Slocum has done a good job," and likes his philosophy.
"I take full responsibility." But disappointed that they are 4-4.
Any other options at punt return? Other than Tramon WIlliams: "He's been put in some tough spots.
As for correcting the giving up sacks and how the team approaches that now mid-season, he sounds still confident in his staff and his team. "It's obvious was is going on." "We don't need wholesale change. We need to adjust those things. ...I'm very confident that they are correctable."
He said the team was productive against the Bucs but a couple of "impact" plays cost them a road win. Mentioned twice that last two series and fourth quarter play was devastating.
Stop the run is still top priority, have to do that in order to pass rush, said McCarthy. Liked pressure for the first three quarters. "But in the fourth quarter we did not apply the pressure."
After the game Sunday, McCarthy said on his radio interview that the Packers didn't take the Bucs lightly because of their then 0-7 record. He said, in fact, that they may have worked too hard. Asked again about that today, McCarthy said he didn't think the Packers had the adequate energy level that was needed in the fourth quarter. He made an error, he said. "I'll stand by what I said, an error was made as far as our schedule."
