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Duane Sampson -> RE:The Packers (8/7/2007 5:01:11 PM)
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Sydney Speaks! Too much hype By Harry Sydney mybrotherskeeperinc@hotmail.com Posted Aug 7, 2007 Mike McCarthy has been saying all the right things about this year's Green Bay Packers, but is he being realistic about the team's ability to win games? PackerReport.com's Harry Sydney offers his thoughts. With more than one week of training camp complete, I believe Mike McCarthy likes what he has seen and, for the most part, so have I. Please understand, this camp won’t be about the usual suspects because we know how they will do. We have seen them time and time again. Trust me, I didn’t need to see Donald Driver run routes and make catches at Family Night because I know he will show up in games and he’s earned the new contract extension the Packers just gave him. Good job to whoever made that call! On those same lines, the fans at Family Night got to see Brett run out onto the field for the start of maybe his last year, especially if they normally don’t get to attend games during the regular season, so that night might have been priceless. But again we know about Brett Favre and Donald Driver. They are proven we know what they are made of we know that they can pass the test, but can others? Also, remember Family Night is designed to be successful because Mike McCarthy and his staff put the offenses and defenses in position to be successful. That’s why they will play the number one offense against the number two or three defense, and vice versa. That’s why I didn’t get too caught up in that scrimmage because it’s just the first week of practice. Believe it or not the guy that has probably gotten my attention more than any player has been Mike McCarthy himself. I don’t know about you but the way he makes this team sound you would think it was primed for a Super Bowl run. I like positive, believe it or not, but sometimes it sounds so much like false chatter. It’s like he is still trying to convince himself as well as the players, but unfortunately that can come back to bite him in the butt. Here’s how that can happen: Don’t think that either Vernand Morency or Brandon Jackson will be the answer because that won’t happen. They will be just good enough to be average. I know Mike McCarthy believes in what he says and he’s supposed to because if he doesn’t who will? But I wish he would take notes from some of the others that coach the game. Guys like the late Bill Walsh, Mike Holmgren, and Andy Reid and, for that matter, Bill Belichick. They always want more from their teams and are never satisfied, not even close, they need more. Nothing is a substitute for perfection. Mike McCarthy seems too happy and satisfied with just going in the right direction. Don’t get me wrong, he is a very likable guy and I respect his philosophy. I like the way he practices because he appears to cover every detail. I have seen some very out-the-box great drills that may seem like a waste of time, but he has a reason and objective in everything he does. There is no wasted time. I just worry that in his excitement and enthusiasm that he doesn’t create an atmosphere of raised expectations and can’t deliver. I don’t want him to go through the curse of the young coach who starts to doubt himself because the results aren’t what he thought they would be. Then throw on having to face a tough schedule without having the luxury of being able to start slow. I know in the past I have talked about ‘coach talk,’ but in this case I think Mike McCarthy just might be going over the top. I am looking forward to an interesting season that will bring about many ups and downs I just want everyone to be clear on what their expectations should be and don’t believe everything positive that comes out the mouths of coaches because, think about it, what are they supposed to say? Like I have said I am a fan of Mike McCarthy, but let’s not think this offense is going to transform into a powerhouse just because the offensive linemen have worked together for a year. I just don’t want Mike McCarthy to be so good of a salesman that eventually because of the talent, or lack of it, he can’t deliver. That would be a shame. The reality of the situation is that in order for this team to win, it is going to have to play over its heads and catch every break, and win on defense, hoping they get something from the offense. In other words, please don’t BELIEVE ALL THE HYPE!!!!!!!!!! I don't :beer:
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