The Green Bay Packers blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons today is just another example of why you can’t win in the NFL by the draft alone. The Packers were totally outmanned today and that is mainly the fault of general manager Ted Thompson and his refusal to use all avenues available to improve his team. By relying on the draft alone his poor drafts have left his team with no depth to overcome injuries and/or poor play.
And by winning just enough to make the playoffs every year the Packers have lost out on the opportunity to improve their coaching staff in the offseason because most good coaches are hired by the team the Packers’ season ends, which is usually in excruciating manner.
The Packers first mistake today was when head coach Mike McCarthy deferred after winning the opening toss. You have to be a complete idiot to give the hot Falcons offense the ball first, at home, and when you have red hot Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. It was easily the dumbest decision he made all year and he got exactly what he deserved when the Falcons went right down the field for a touchdown.
The Packers need to start rebuilding and it’s going to take some aggressive moves to turn this team around, unfortunately, I don’t think team president Mark Murphy has the balls to to do it. The Packers will always be good because of Rodgers, and that seems to be good enough for Murphy. It’s not good enough for the fans, though, and the new Titletown District could very well be an empty place in a year or two and a waste of millions of dollars.
From 4-6 to winning the division is all well and good, but getting totally embarrassed in the NFC Championship game proves this was a team that was luckier than good. At the very least Capers should be relieved of his duties, the defense needs new blood. I also think it’s time for Thompson to step aside and open the door for Elliott Wolf. It’s clear the Packers have gone as far as they can with Thompson, time to cut the cord.