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Searching for a Magic Bullet
In an around Green Bay and throughout Packer Nation, there is mutiny in the air. Since the loss to Minnesota last Sunday, the talk shows and message boards have been filled with calls for the scalps of Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy. I guess sacking Mike Sherman might not have been the magic bullet after all.
Here’s a prediction: If the Packers hit the eject button on TT and MM, we will be right back to this same place four years from now. As fans I think we under-estimate the value of stability for a team. Not that management should never be turned over–the mess in places like Cleveland is an example of that, and on the other end of the spectrum, the Titans have had the same leadership so long that they might benefit from refreshing themselves. But when competent people are in place — and say what you might about Thompson and McCarthy, they might not be brilliant, but they most certainly are competent — I believe that teams are advised to keep them there, even a bit longer than seems appropriate. Because once a team starts panicking and firing the coach and GM when things look tough, a losing death spiral often follows, a cycle of partial rebuilding and redirection that is truncated before it can develop; sort of like planting seeds and digging them up before they can sprout. Exhibit A of this in full bloom is the Milwaukee Bucks.
I think we shouldn’t loose sight of the fact that the Packers currently have a winning record and are less than two seasons removed from being in the NFC championship game. To me, that doesn’t signal that it is time to fire the coach and GM.
5 Comments
I’m just a wondering if a mustachiooed friend from the past might be in the future of the Pack if they finish 7-9(and I don’t think that will happen…I am thinking 9-7 or 10-6). That friend is looking for work and you wouldn’t need to change the names of any street signs or anything. And…that street sign ain’t named Forrest Gregg Avenue.
In principle, I agree with your ‘take’. But such leeway shouldn’t extend indefinitely or you’re only championing mediocrity.
Ted Thompson has had 5+ years to implement his plan. It was understandable and acceptable for the Packers to be among the youngest teams in the league the first couple of years of his tender, but the successive time should have been spent gaining experience and building depth. A prime example of this is the offensive line which is so deficient that the team has now been forced to return to a couple of veterans that were drafted prior to TT’s regime. We also continue to hear the same tired excuses from the head coach regarding the undisciplined play as reflected in the team’s high number of penalties.
That being said, it’s premature to panic. The Packers still have a winning record and have plenty of time left this season to yet make a run at the playoffs if they can establish some consistency.
Failing that, and considering that the team completely changed their defensive scheme this year, it’s reasonable to allow the current regime another year to demonstrate some improvement. At some point, though, there has to be steady evidence of an upward curve or the Thompson administration will have to be held accountable.
The key phrase is “at some point.” The debate becomes “Where is that point and how will we know when we have reached it?”
I agree that this administration should be allowed to remain in place at least through next season. But what is the standard for the right to continue? A winning record? A playoff berth? A deep run in the post-season?
To me, they need to reach the post-season (or at least win 10 games). Failing that, I think the club will be forced to make a move.
Reaching the post season has to be the minimum goal. From there you at least give yourself a chance.
As for when, that call is up to Mark Murphy. I only hope he has a feel, as Bob Harlan so brilliantly did, for when the right time is to make a change. I would hate to see it come to the point where the executive committee feels it needs to force his hand. If the Packers return to those days, then we’ve got real problems.
Ah, the Executive Committee. Cliff Christl wrote an article recently suggesting that that body is starting to raise its ugly head again (a la the ’70s and ’80s). Keeping them in line and under control will be a huge task for Murphy. Sadly, he doesn’t come with the powerbase, influence or team experience that Bob Harlan did.