The date was January 22, 2017. Less than 23 months ago, Mike McCarthy's last playoff game as Head Coach of the Packers was against the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC Championship. The "run the table" Packers couldn't quite reach the end of the table as they were run out of the Georgia Dome 44-21. The Falcons advanced to the Super Bowl where they blew a 28-3 lead and lost to the New England Patriots.
How the mighty have fallen.
The 4-7-1 Packers have bid adieu to McCarthy as Head Coach, turning the reins over to Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin as they welcome the equally disappointing 4-8 Falcons to Lambeau Field for the 12:00 PM kickoff.
Atlanta arrives having lost four in a row, that streak started by the Cleveland Browns of all teams. Dan Quinn's squad has been hit with injury and by his count, played six close games that came down to final possessions and they've lost four of those.
They still have the dynamic duo of quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones. Both have put up prolific numbers. Ryan is closing in on 4000 passing yards with 25 touchdowns and Jones has 86 receptions for 1323 yards. In each of the last two meetings between these teams, that combination has lit up the Packer defense.
You wonder where Green Bay's focus will be in light of the unprecedented firing of a coach in-season. Here's a few targets of what I'll be focusing on.
The Aftershock Rebound
There are two ways the team can go in light of the McCarthy firing and honestly, neither will be satisfactory. Either the plunge off the cliff will continue to the end of the season or the players will rise up, put forth a strong, winning effort in an attempt to show the fans it wasn't their fault the coach got whacked. That's especially true for Aaron Rodgers. If he suddenly completes 75 percent of his passes with over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns, you know what the skeptics will say. Player enthusiasm will be easy to see.
Let Me Take Him
I mentioned the destruction Jones has produced against recent Packer secondaries. Nearly all of the Green Bay defensive backs torched are long gone. Enter this year's number one pick. I visited with Jaire Alexander this week and he brashly asked the coaching staff, let me take Jones. He wants the all over the field coverage responsibility. I love that confidence about him and I say, why not. He's going to give away a few inches and a few more pounds but Alexander makes up for it with gumption. He brought up the two man wide receiver screen against the Vikings two weeks ago where he not only blew up the lead blocker on the play, but knocked down receiver Stefon Diggs with the same bowling ball hit. Let's see what he's got against one of the best.
The Liberal Left
The right side of the offensive line hasn't practiced all week. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga and right guard Byron Bell were both knocked out of last week's Arizona game. Jason Spriggs and Justin McCray might have to man the posts leading you to believe the Packers will be leaning to the left all day. They'll run Aaron Jones to that side and they'll roll out Rodgers away from that side.
Joe's Show
Philbin will be calling plays in a game that counts for the first time since he was at Northeastern University.....in 1996. Even as Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins, Philbin let his coordinator call the shots. He's obviously been a big part of the game planning this year and constantly offers suggestions during games but now he'll be the voice in the ear of Rodgers. Don't expect jarring differences from McCarthy in the look or flow to the game other than maybe Philbin's preference to be a physical rushing team, and sticking with it.
Life's Not A Snap
There's one more injury of note that could turn this game. Long snapper Hunter Bradley is nursing an ankle injury and even Special Teams Coordinator Ron Zook wouldn't divulge who his replacement might be if he can't go. Zook said they might even go with two snappers, one for punts and another for placements. Life may not be a snap for the Pack.
Cold Hard Aluminum
Finally, I'll be curious to see how and how many of the paying customers will react to this tumultuous week. There were plenty of empty seats last Sunday, especially in the upper reaches of the south end zone. While Cardinals were on the field, boo birds were in the stands and they were heard as that game got away. With birds of another feather coming in Sunday, I'm wondering how the populace will watch a team that hasn't been this disappointing since the final days of Lindy Infante.
So I'll take a guess the Packers play an inspired, close game and maybe this time, Mason Crosby makes a late kick. I'll take the Pack 24-23.
