My biggest concern in MM's play calling is predictability. A token "show" a couple times per year that fails is not "mixing it up". These things have to be field tested with serious intent in practice and on the field. Showing something when it doesn't matter or fails with consistency accomplishes nothing. Introducing variety, a measure of unpredictability, to get a defense off balance requires some imagination and risk. MM is risk averse in a peculiar way. It doesn't seem that he is because of our predilection for the deep ball. But he's not afraid to go down the field because of Rodgers' relatively high level of success while avoiding picks...the deep ball has the advantage of getting quick points with a low risk component.
I have said this a few times, now it is getting attention..
MM isnt all to blame on the play calling
http://www.billmichaelssports.com/trust-mccarthy-and-rodgers-but-you-can-second-guess/
“It’s 3rd and 1, run the ball. That’s why you drafted Eddie Lacy!” That’s the clamor from fans watching the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday.
It was after the failed attempts that cause the Packers to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns and the cries for McCarthy to utilize Eddie Lacy rose to a crescendo.
“Sure, blame the play caller”, those were the words McCarthy used in his press conference on Monday. The media contingent laughed and went along with McCarthy’s Q & A. What was lost in the back and forth was the fact that McCarthy slipped in, “Aaron Rodgers has the ability to change any play at the line of scrimmage base upon the packages and match-ups the opponent shows.”
Do you get when he’s saying?
When the Packers faced 3rd and 1, Lacy began to run out on to the field only to be waved back by Rodgers who wanted an extra receiver on the field. The play failed and the Packers settled for a Mason Crosby field goal.
Twitter burst into “throttle” mode with fans screaming about McCarthy’s play calling.
It was Rodgers, not McCarthy, that chose to throw the ball.
McCarthy and Rodgers work together on the game plan and conspire with Tom Clements to come up with their “one sheet” of lists to run in every possible circumstance.
So to simply blame McCarthy is erroneous and misguided.
Rodgers and McCarthy have done a lot of great things together and they have the numbers to back it up. Sure you can second guess them, we all do, but trust them…..I do and so should you.