McCarthy's Execution Cost the Packers a Win

×

Expand

paul noonan

I often write about coaching tactics, and Mike McCarthy’s general lack of creativity, but it’s worth noting that for a coach who prides himself on a prepared team focused on executing their offense at a high level, his squad is often sloppy. That sloppiness has cost them in the past, from Brandon Bostick’s botched onside kick recovery against Seattle in the NFC Championship Game, to poor use of timeouts, to odd and severe penalties rushing the passer. These are not tactical issues. They are execution issues. They are preparation issues. They are where Mike McCarthy is supposed to excel.

The Packers played the Rams to a virtual tie—with many of their stars putting on inspired performances—but ultimately it was these little inexcusable mistakes that cost them.

Jaire

Let’s start with Jaire Alexander. The rookie corner, recently returned from injury, was incredible against the league’s best passing offenses and one of its best receivers. Alexander had five passes defended against Brandin Cooks and blanketed the star all afternoon.

His swagger seemed to carry over to the rest of the defense, and aside from a small swoon after half time, the defense played a very good game considering the opponent. Kenny Clark continues to show that he is one of the best nose tackles in the league, with three tackles for loss to go with two sacks. Clark might be the best player at his position in the NFL, and you can tell that Mike Pettine is close to having something special.

If Clark isn’t the MVP of the defense, it’s almost certainly Alexander, who showed his value through his absence. He is the first true shutdown corner this team has had in years and allowing the other defensive backs to guard lesser foes is a huge contribution. He was also tied for the team lead in solo tackles, and at this point, he has no obvious weakness. Mike Pettine has always relied on a dominant corner to anchor the defense, and it looks like he has his man.

Rookie Receivers

Ty Montgomery’s inexcusable fumble cost the Packers the game, and while this failure of coaching and execution is impossible to ignore, let’s focus on the positive news. Davante Adams continues his superlative play, dominating the Los Angeles secondary with five catches for 133 yards. Adams struck with bombs as well as short gains, putting the team in great position, and converting first downs time after time. Adams brilliance is becoming standard, but the truly encouraging development was the play of rookies Marques Valdez-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown. MVS used his speed to break free for a 40-yard bomb from Rodgers in the fourth, while St. Brown was effective on both his targets as well. Even with Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison back, it was the rookies who provided the support production. If the Packers are to rally in the second half of the season, the rookies will need to remain a big part of the offense.

The Elephant in the Room

The big story though, was the running backs. Aaron Jones led every back in touches with 12 carries for 86 yards, and Jamaal Williams chipped in a one-yard touchdown. Ty Montgomery saw his usage drastically decreased, and according to NFL.com’s Mike Silver, this caused him to have a sideline tantrum. In the game’s waning moments it seems he let his emotions get the best of him.

Taking the ball out of the end zone on a kickoff is almost always a bad idea under any circumstances, but this was particularly egregious. Montgomery could have taken a knee with 2:05 left in the game, meaning the Packers could have run any play in the playbook with the 2-minute warning forthcoming, and started a drive with Aaron Rodgers needing to simply move into field goal range with two clock stoppages. Instead, Montgomery took the ball out of the end zone even though it wasted the 2-minute stoppage, and there was almost no chance of him reaching the 25. The fumble simply compounded an already terrible decision and cost the Packers the game.

Whether this was Montgomery going rogue, or not understanding the situation, the coaching staff needs to make their preferred strategy in this situation clear. If Montgomery was truly insubordinate, punish him harshly. It’s one thing to make an overly aggressive play while trying to win. Montgomery made a play that was bad in any context seemingly out of spite, and the team paid the biggest price in football. Jones ascension should be cause for celebration, but a lack of professionalism by one of his backups ruined the day. Hopefully it doesn’t ruin the season.