Take a bow CHTV. I came to the site from the Allpackers-JerseyAl side of the merger, and it was great move, great place to visit and vent/gloat.

Going for 2 at that point in the game is the ABSOLUTE dumbest thing the Packers could have done. There's not an NFL Coach past or present who'd go for 2 there. The Packers just went 94 yards in 2 plays, 25 seconds (After Sack) to get within one. Your ONLY play there is to kick the extra point and play OT.

Nebraska went for 2 in the 1984 Orange Bowl for the National Championship. They were the BEST Team in College Football that year and they MISSED! If it's THAT Painful to watch the Packers, perhaps you should STOP.

Personally I was proud of the Packers Saturday Night. I'm never happy when they lose, but the defensive effort for most of the game, the offensive effort without Nelson, Cobb, Montgomery, and Adams was something I wouldn't have ever imagined would happen against that defense. They held the "Most Explosive Offense In The League" down pretty well Saturday Night, right up until Micah Hyde went down. Maybe it was just a coincidence maybe not, but as soon as Hyde went down and Capers started to play Zone, the Cardinals began to move the ball. Fitzgerald caught a few balls and Capers switched. Personally I'd have continued to play Man coverage and take my chances. Capers Zones never seem to work out against an Elite QB and good WR Corps.

Us going for 2 is and would have been crazy. But in hindsight now.,maybe a fake field goal. I do not think anyone would have expected THAT from US. Talk about a surprise play. .

While it would have been tough to go for two as a coach given the hell you would pay if you missed it, I still think it was our best chance to win probably 50% 2 Pnt try versus 15% OT. How do I know 15% OT? Before yesterday, we were 0 - 4 in the previous playoff overtime games with a zero point zero OT winning percentage. 15% may be generous. Fake Extra Point? Are you kidding me? 2.3% on that one.

Look at the game. We were doing nothing in the 4th quarter on offense (other than luck) and they were kicking our tails right down the field. I don't think I am alone in thinking that going for a point conversion was the right thing to do. Although I see where it could cost a coach his job if it failed.

Agreed.

To be honest, I'm ok with either Carolina or Arizona. But to be honest I would rather see Arizona win it all...

Aside from Patrick Peterson (whose actions are more comical than self-promoting), there aren't the flambouyant egos on this team (at least obvious ones) like what we get from Cam Newton. I just don't like his posturing and strutting...pretend you've played the game before...

Personally, I like the coaching staff of Carolina much more than the one of Arizona. Then you have Newton vs Peterson in player personalities. To me, it's a wash. As far as good guys go, you have Greg Olsen vs Fitzgerald, but you also have nobody on the Cards squad who is similar to Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly. You also get no fighting, no cheap shots, and just a hard playing football team with the Panthers. I am rooting for them from here on out, but that's my personal preference.

I did love that they kicked some Seahawks butt. And I did not understand how there was a warning for the continued unsportsmanlike conduct of Pete Carroll, I wish at some point there is a 15 yards and the head coach getting thrown out and having to watch from the stands. What a douche bag, constantly whining, being in the ears of refs, constantly being on the field, and in my opinion really not having any respect for the game. No matter who they play, I am and will always be rooting for that opposing team.

I certainly will not root for any of the AFC teams. The only player I really could root for there is Manning. I certainly could not stand the NE Cheaters winning the SB again. Let's hope that won't happen.

True, but Ariens challenge on the safety in the first game pissed me off.

Hey RC, I don't know if you saw my post in yesterdays comments, but as Janis was taking it to the Cardinals I couldn't help but think of you and others here at CheeseheadTV. All season long several of us suggested to Janis a try, you more than anyone. You were met with a chorus of "He's not ready", "If he was ready the coaches would play him", "Rodgers doesn't trust him".

We've watched Janis a few times this year do something with the ball when they throw to him. He may not be the most polished WR but at least the few times he's been thrown to he's delivered. Something Adams can't say after this season.

Could not agree more. Thanks for laying it out better than I could have written. I was up til 3 and I am paying for it now. Tough tough loss, because not only were there so many chances and what if's, but because of the way they played. How hard they fought. They not only surpassed ours and everyone's expectations, we came so close,almost won. Moral victory yes but better yet there is so much to hold our heads high about and a brighter hope than we had only a couple of weeks ago. Instead of going into the off-season with doubts and frustration like last year, we have postiives to build on. Defense is definitely championship caliber. Aaron will certainly have a better year. Tretter provides depth at LT and elsewhere and improves the running Abby and yes, Janis are what we hoped they could be. I for one am happy about Janis, especially because we go into the off-season knowing that he and Abby bring more talent and depth instead of wondering. It is a blessing that we were "forced" to use them. Even MM now says Jeff has to play. That alone is huge. Maybe even Ripkowski will now play. Arrow is pointing up.

For me the only reason to bring Kuhn back is for his 'on field coaching'. I think Ripkowski can fill in as the FB and do much of the same stuff that Kuhn does, but the difference is Kuhns knowledge of the offense.

I can see Kuhn coming back, but I can also see them moving on and going with Ripkowski.

From a pure talent point of view, Nick Perry is better than Neal. I know his availability is not where it should be, but when Nick Perry is on, not many OTs in the NFL can consistently stop him.
I am wondering whether both Neal and Perry can be kept, and we'd see more of Jayrone Elliott. I think that will be the case if Peppers will be gone, which I suspect will happen.

Good comment on Fitzgerald, even though I'll root for Carolina now.

Agree on Perry, can't go with label. Have to see it that he is now justifying our faith. Gut feeling is we would regret not keeping him. Of course it has to be at a fair price based on performance and potential. Hope he realizes that and does not go for just money. Gotta think noone will overpay for him.

I agree...

I would like to see both Raji and Guion return. They do form a really good duo at NT.
I like Hayward, but honestly I Rollins might be a better player. They also have Gunter to play outside.
If they do let Hayward go, I do want to see them find another slot CB though. I don't want to be left with Hyde as the only backup slot CB.

I could see Jones possibly resigning basically just to be sure there are no more injuries to the position. Also to be sure there aren't any setbacks with Nelson/Cobb, and others.

Many of these guys will like get the chance to test the open market. Hayward had his chance to show he was a big-money, high-impact CB, and he showed at times he could handle good WR/TE, but he's very replaceable. He might get good money somewhere else, but my guess is that he'll have to come back at TTs price, if at all.

As you say, Whitt does really good things with Packer CBs and I expect TT to grab another CB in the upcoming draft. Goodson gets some recognition for his ST play, but he's a liability in coverage...he can go, too.

For Starks to be the no 2, he sure has to improve his ball security...

Personally I think Perry is just much more talented than Neal. But I think both will stay if Peppers will be gone.

I don't see Raji being gone. Guion is cheaper, but Guion is just a guy, IMHO. Raji can be a difference maker.

Hayward is not fast or quick enough to be an NFL starter outside. His big plus was his big play ability and constantly being around the ball. He doesn't make enough big plays to warrant that. So I agree, he will probably be gone, and we will see more of Rollins, and possibly another young draft pick in 2016 draft.

I think they will find a way to keep Kuhn. Just a gut feeling. But personally, I would like to see more of Rip.

And if all WRs come back healthy, I just can't see how Jones sticks around. I am not even sure there will be a spot for Adams.

If cap goes up 17 mil, and roll over is roughly 7.6 mil, that makes an increase of 24.6 mil. Subtract the roughly 14.6 mil increase in contracts this year and that leaves 10 mil for FA and draft pool.

Where do you come up with 31 mil?

If Hundley continues to show well, do you think we see Scott Tolzien come back?

I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers cut Barclay loose with the expectation that a draft pick or developmental guy can offer at least as much as Barclay does now and has the chance to be more.

Never thought I would ever say this but I think we have to find a way to keep Neal and Perry. Barclay, Richardson leaving will help.

I agree. The "going for 2" argument is more of a "feel of the game" argument than anything.

The situation is this: We're down our top 4 WRs. We've just completed yet another season saving impossible hail mary (what are the odds of THAT?). Our O-Line has been playing banged up for weeks. Or D is tired and our secondary is banged up as well. Personally, I would much rather go for it all than try to just "survive" for another quarter against a team that has their full arsenal of offensive weapons let alone hope for a favorable coin flip.

No, just give me the ball, one play and #12. I like those chances better. And if we don't succeed, at least we can say that we had the ball in our best player's hands at the end of the game. It's cliché but it's true.

I am already salivating over the prospect of going 5 wide next season with Janis and Jody on the outsides, essentially forcing 2 high safeties, and then letting cobb, Montgomery, and adams work an unclogged middle. If they choose not to double Janis or Jody... Bomb! Lol, sounds nice today anyway

Yeah, I am very excited for next year. Assuming all the guys come back healthy and can stay healthy...

I hope next year they find a way to use all their WR's too. And to use each one's strengths. Create different packages that allows them to use their strengths and create different looks.

For example each players strengths are:
Nelson - Everything... He needs to play ever down regardless.
Cobb - Versatility. Moving him around getting him the ball in space, but mostly use him in the slot. Getting Nelson back will open up a lot for Cobb.
Adams - After a sophomore slump, he was turning it on late. He is really good at breaking tackles. He also does have really good leaping ability.
Montgomery - Like Cobb his versatility is what sets him apart. For him I would like to see him be our receiving threat at RB.
Abbrederis - Slot WR. He is our version of Julian Edelmen. His route running creates so much separation.
Janis - Big play ability. He showed that he is a big play waiting to happen. Need to find ways to use his size/speed and explosiveness.

I would love to see them come up with different packages to use all their weapons. How about one where they have all big WR's (Nelson, Janis, Adams) on the field at the same time. How about another where they have Nelson and the 3 slot type WR's together (Cobb, Montgomery, Abbrederis). How about a 5 WR set with Montgomery as the RB.

IF they added a WR I either want a speedster, or one with great size (6'-4" +) A speedster with PR ability would be nice. I'm getting kind of tired of Hyde as a PR. My guess is they won't add a WR until late in the draft if at all. Probably bring in a few as UDFA's.

One game does not a season make. I'd like to think there was a reason why Janis and Abby couldn't get on the field. Prob because they aren't that great.

On top of that, Adams is below average and Montgomery is an unknown talent at this point.

I'd feel more comfortable drafting at least one more WR this year to see if we can't upgrade the position. Either that or upgrade the TE to take some pressure off the WRs we do have.

Yes a tall speedster.

I agree. Having Barrington back should be a big life there as well. This team will have few needs heading into the draft if everyone is healthy. I'd like them to hang on to nick perry. But then if they are able to draft an impact MLB, you could move clay back outside. Then ilbs would be barrington/draft/ryan and olbs would be clay/pep/lerry/mulumba/Elliot I think both of those groups are upgrades.

yeah, i agree again... That was my dream with Richardson as well..

I might be in the minority but I do like Joe Thomas as our Dime LB. He has speed and does a good job in coverage.

Yes, but Deone Bucanon was a first-round pick. He was one of those physical safeties who is going out of vogue in the current, less combative NFL. I think this kind of idea is great, and I agree that Richardson had that potential, but do you burn day 1-2 pick on a guy at a position where you have players on the hope that you can turn him into an ILB?

I cannot root for Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals. I live in western WI where we were inundated with "a former Minnesotan helps defeat the Packers" after the Packers' loss in AZ. One and Done vikings fans finding some solace in their own demise with the fact that Larry Fitzgerald is from Minnesota. It's as if the vikings won by proxy. Pathetic!

Al, very good review. I'm proud of Packers. I was thinking about how deep would Patriots go without Gronkowski, how deep Steelers went without Antonio Brown, how deep will go Cardinals w/o Larry Fitzgerald, how deep would Panthers go w/o Olsen etc. All those players are man to go for their QB. Aaron lost his man to go on the beginning of the season. He tried to find another one. For short time it looks like it will be Ty, then Ty went down. James Jones filled that role for one or 2 games. Randall Cobb was injured and later he was playing constantly under double coverage... Davante was forced to become one , RR too. Nobody responded well. Well, until Abby showed up. He played well against Minnesota, he played perfect against Cardinals. Why wee did not see him in the 2nd half? Because he was taken away bay double coverage. To adjust to that Jeff started to fill that role... But it was to late...
Well, we have to turn our hopes to the new season. I already can not wait...

From ESPN: " For the Packers, there’s just no getting used to that numbness, either. In head coach Mike McCarthy's 10 seasons, the Packers have lost seven times in the playoffs. Of those losses, an astonishing five -- five! -- have come on the final play of the game.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, McCarthy's five playoff losses on the last play of games are far and away the most of the Super Bowl era. No other coach over the past 50 years has more than two."

It's too bad for this team's defense that they couldn't have a healthy offense to go with them. I'd love to say "keep this D intact, give them another shot", but they'd probably be changed with age anyway. Peppers is the biggest question mark. I'd feel bad for him not getting another run at a Super Bowl, but he did disappear for long stretches, whole games even. We're going to have to wonder if he's worth the risk that he hasn't yet reached his inevitable expiration date. Probably not, he hasn't flashed any "unstoppability" for quite some time anyway. They could do well with Matthews, Neal, Elliot and my sleeper OLB, Datone Jones. I saw him fill in there 2 or 3 years ago, and he looked good. There's got to be video out there of him dropping into coverage on a zone blitz a year or two ago, when he showed better hips than any LB on the roster.

If Raji doesn't find any team to pay him a boat-load, then Ted might be able to bring him back, but I agree with Al, Guion will do. If Pennel can play NT effectively, good, he's flashed some, and William Campbell on the practice squad (6'5", 330) is an interesting prospect to watch. Hayward's going to get paid elsewhere. And note to, Dom; play Gunter in the WR's face, not 5 yards off the line.

Earlier this season on Twitter, I and Jay Hodgson agreed Ted would have to draft a tall, fast WR just to tamp down the outcry for Jeff Janis. Things changed, quite dramatically. Now, they'll need to dress 6 receivers every game. Or not, but their receivers might be the best way to address the lack of production at TE. Plus, I remain the lone, steadfast believer in practice squad TE Mitchell Henry, a 6'4", 250 guy who ran a 4.69 40 before the draft.

If I could submit an off-season plan to Ted, it would look like this; Re-sign Crosby, period. Also Neal, Starks and Guion, just like the Jersey Al plan. Besides Perry, Raji, Hayward and Kuhn, let Peppers go also. Get one of the 2 or 3 top ILB's in this draft. They won't make it to 27, so Ted will have to, (gasp!) move up. It worked to get Matthews, maybe it could work to replace him. In the 3rd round, maybe 4th but probably 3rd, draft an OT to play OT. The backup OT spot has been tenuous long enough. Ted can fill in the rest, (better than faux GM's like me,) but two more items on my wish list are a RB with speed who can catch, and a FS. Hopefully one who can cover better than Hyde, who's not terrible, but allows receivers to get open as much as not.

Lastly, Al didn't address the coaching staff, but they didn't do the job when the offense started circling the bowl. There's one too many guys overseeing and one too few coaching QB's and WR's. Hopefully Rodgers is okay if Clements leaves and Bennett is okay with a bigger title like Associate Head Coach/Offense/Wide Receivers. The receivers were great when he coached them, and that, in my estimation, was the worst problem they had this season.

Is there anyone else that thinks that we should find a competent wide receiver coach?

Regarding McCarthy experiencing 5 of 7 playoff losses at the last play, 37.5% of each season's teams qualify for the playoffs. The Packers have qualified 7 consecutive years. The average probability of a NFL team to accomplish that is 0.1% (37.5% to the seventh power).

Yes, this is a very limited way of quantifying McCarthy's results; but (having gone for decades between Lombardi and Wolf / Holmgren) I cherish every playoff game the Packers play, win or lose. Sure, I want the Packers to win the Super Bowl every year; but evaluating the Packers on what they have not accomplished rather than what they have to me renders the "5 of 7 playoff losses occurring on the last play" question as being intended to incite disharmony among a fan base known for its perpetual ebullience.

Good article and insight.

While I too would like to re-sign Starks, the running back will be 30 years old before training camp so I'm guessing that Thompson will be judicious with any contract offers.

I also like the Guion option over a higher priced Raji who is no spring chicken and has had both performance and health issues all too often during his stay with the Packers.

Keep up the good work

Questions about going for 2 - say the Packers lined up to go for 2, but were just trying to see if they could draw the Cards off-sides. Without any timeouts, if no one jumps, they'd have to take a delay of game to reset.

1. Would the game have just ended on the offensive penalty?
2. If not, and they then line-up to kick - the penalty would be assessed from the kicking spot then, yea?
3. Are teams allowed to change their PAT choice like that?

It would be all too fitting for the Packers to have won on a free play.

Looking towards next year, I think the team is going to be VERY good. That said, let's not put the expectations on them like we did this year that is was a Superbowl win or bust. SO MUCH happened that changed everything: The coaching changes were a mess. The offense was a MASH unit all year. Rodgers was not himself for much of the year.

If you'd have told me before the year that we'd get 2nd in the division and lose in the 2nd round of the playoffs, I'd have said that the year was an epic fail. But, knowing what I know now about the injuries and how hard this team had to battle with limited talent outside, I'm not awesomely pleased, but I'm ok with it. It was a close loss against a team that has arguably been the best team in the league all year. They were deeper and more talented than us and our guys fought their tails off. Plus, the good guys are still going to own the NFCN for years and have a shot at it all annually.

The point is that this year has taught more more than ever before that we just can't know what January will look and feel like in August. As a fan I was absolutely miserable from the first Lions game until the win over the Redskins - with the notable exception of the win at Minnesota. (Those 3 divisional losses at home still burn me up though)

I don't want to do that again, so I'm going to hope for a super bowl win, and enjoy the ride more next year.

Last year I thought Green Bay had the better team vs. Seattle. Predicted a win in double digits. Didn't happen because of a very unpredictable collapse.
This year against the Cards, I thought the Pack would keep it close but lose and they did.
Unlike many, I thought MM had the team ready to play and a solid game plan that would bring home a win. To lose both games the way they did doesn't point to a coach breakdown, but individuals not able to finish. The problem is LOFT (Lack of freaking talent) to grab a lead and play to the end. Seattle almost won the game in Carolina because they have enough talent to put their foot on the gas when they need a win. Same with the Cards. This year, Green Bay didn't have enough play makers to close the deal. Maybe next year.

I see Perry, Raji, and Hayward leaving in FA. Raji may be back, but doubt it. I think Peppers does another year. He's still got some gas left in the tank and knows Green Bay is close. The guy I don't know about is JJ. I think Janis and Abby were restricted in their development because of Jones. So looking at all the healthy WRs it would appear that there's no room for Jones.

I think the coaches see Tretter as the primary replacement for any of the Oline positions including LT. They will need to find another OT, and G that can be counted on. Practice squad tackle Vujnovich could be a surprise reserve.
TE, 3rd down back, and ILB/OLB will be a positions where TT spends some time evaluating FAs and draftable players. I think Thomas didn't impress enough and there are questions on Barrington for the ILB spot. Maybe Elliott or Mulumba can make a difference in the OLB position. It could be that Peppers was brought in until one of the two could develop into starters.
The one thing that I don't understand is why Green Bay always seems to have so many injuries. Last year was different except it hit Rodgers. If the injuries stay away from Green Bay next year......The Pack will he holding up the Lombardi Trophy.

CHTV is the one and only site to go to. Thanks, I especially have grown to love the live Game day blog. It was the next best thing to be with my fellow Packer fans, outside of being at the game. Only Jersey AL was close and now it's all in one. All other sites pale in comparison and it's not just the intelligent informative articles, it is the true fans on this site. We have our differences but we are true fans, and I look forward to coming here as much as watching my Packers. Thanks everyone.

I would have been equally satisfied with MM choosing to go for two or kick the xtra point. There's a lot to be said about the wave of emotion after a Hail Mary that could have had the defense reeling on the 2 pt conversion. Not to mention we were kind of playing with house money at that point why not go all in and give your MVP qb the chance to close out the game. Granted I get conventional wisdom say kick the xp and go to overtime. I'd be satisfied with either choice.

Al, you have a great observation. I myself will be rooting for the cards. If it aint the pack, i want to see bruce arians and larry fitzgerald do it. Its damn cold out and i have to cheer for somebody. I can accept an OT loss this year. What you said about the game is right there. Thanks CHTV. This is a new year to look forward too. I'm excited. Can't wait.

I was OK with the kick it and overtime call. Because I felt at the time the D had a better chance of closing it out. I look at this game as a deflected pass away from a win. I mean tipped to Floyd in the endzone, I mean c'mon...thats crazy football God type stuff.
I would keep Starks, he is showing no signs of wear. We will see what a non-injured Lacy looks like next year. I do advocate for a scat back Sproles type player...I feel every NFL team needs one of those.
Tight End is a hard one, I mean RR is capable of gaining and losing weight, a his speed changes accordingly (at least that's the way he was in college) He doubled his yardage from year 1 to year 2 and quadrupled the amount of TD's...he had 8 o so this year I believe. I will say for as big as he is...his blocking needs serious help, hasn't been very good at blocking. As hard as it is to believe RR out performed Eric Ebron.....and who saw that?? But with Quarless unknown etc..it is a need.
I think as long as the long routes are going to continue on offense and the time that they take to develope...drafting another Guard/Tackle should be a priority along with WR. We have Aaron Rodgers....give him time in pocket and talent to throw to. No guarantee Nelson will be 100%.

I could go on and on about play design on the second to last drive for hours on end. I won’t. The approach speaks for itself. The best option was James Jones against All-Pro Patrick Peterson on a backshoulder? Gotta love all those vertical stems in to the teeth of the coverage. But seriously, McCarthy did call a pretty good game, with the exception of that drive. It was just brutal. But I digress.

I want to focus on the two point conversion. Now, most fans and “experts” are going to suggest that kicking the PAT was the right thing to do. On its face I can’t disagree with that. If your goal is to extend the game then kicking the PAT seems like the safest bet. Success rates with the adjusted PAT distance have shown a decline from 99% to 94%, although, to the best of my knowledge, this isn’t final data. Either way, it’s still not a guarantee to winning the game simply by forcing overtime. It’s not even a guarantee to make it in the first place (oh the agony you must feel Vikings fans!). Conversely, going for 2 points appears to be a 50/50 proposition. Certainly the odds of converting on the 2 point conversion are lower than kicking. Here’s the rub and why McCarthy, while not wrong for kicking, should have seriously considered attempting to put the game away by going for 2. Sans the 3 plays prior to the Hail Mary possession, the Packer defense was struggling to hold down the Cardinal offense. Casey Hayward was routinely getting exposed in man coverage by Fitzgerald, thus the switch to more zones. The defense gave up numerous 3rd downs on the touchdown drive in which Floyd caught the ricochet. In essence, the Cardinals were starting to have success and it showed no signs of slowing down. I won’t even touch the overtime defense. It doesn’t factor in to this decision. Players were out of position and left their top receiver open, couldn’t tackle Palmer and couldn’t tackle Fitzgerald. Understanding that the defense was on the ropes a little bit prior to the Hail Mary, speaks to McCarthy’s awareness of the current dynamics of the game. While some will most assuredly argue that kicking to force overtime communicates faith in the defense it neglects current realities. Furthermore, what does it communicate to Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offense? “Hey Aaron and Jeff, great job. We’ll let the defense take it from here.” This brings me to my biggest point. In the same manner as he did in Seattle, he took the ball out of his best player’s hands in a situation where the best player could have iced the game. Notice I didn’t say would have. This isn’t about guarantees. It’s about giving your best player, who happens to be the QB…..who has his hands on the ball every snap, an opportunity to perform and create. Instead he left the decision to chance via a coin toss. It certainly doesn’t express confidence. But then again, I wouldn’t call McCarthy a confident coach. Going for 2 points and a chance to seal the deal with your best player at the controls and letting the chips fall where they may speaks to confidence. Choosing a play to beat man press with pressure would have fallen on McCarthy. Kicking the ball absolves him of that responsibility in the moment and shines the light somewhere else. For a guy who talks about not being an underdog he certainly doesn’t show up in the big moments. He gets awfully chippy and defensive in pressers when asked about scheme, approach and philosophy. That’s another topic altogether.

At the end of the day, McCarthy wasn’t “wrong” for kicking and he wasn’t “right.” Both arguments for and against kicking and going for 2 points have validity. You can look at statistics until the cows come home and argue either way. Those statistics aside, the Packers were on the doorstep to put the game away, with the ball in the hands of their best player…..the 2x MVP of the league. They had just made a momentum swinging play. They had a receiver with the hot hand going up against their worst corner. The offensive line exceeded expectations in their protection all game. The team had shown life in the redzone following the Lacy romp, scoring from the 8 yard line. The Packers were playing with house money. McCarthy had an opportunity to look at his playsheet and dial up a play to beat man press and blitz during the timeout for review of the Janis catch. As a coach, he had an opportunity to put his players in a position to win the game right then and there and took a pass. If Rodgers gets sacked so be it. If he overthrows Starks on a swing pass so be it. If he schemes to get Janis open and he drops it so be it. Instead he left it to chance that his best player would get the ball again. Again, it’s not what cost them the game……BUT…..it didn’t win them the game either. Ask yourself this question: Would you give Steph Curry the green light to shoot the 3 in game 7 of the Western Conference finals knowing he only needed a 2 to force overtime? Would you be confident in drawing up a play to get him the ball in a position to execute the shot? Could you, as a coach, live with that decision if he missed the 3? For some these are tough questions. Did McCarthy struggle with it? Who knows. That’s speculation. What isn’t conjecture, is the fact that for 2 consecutive seasons he took the best player on his team and quite possibly the league, out of the equation in pressure situations. I wonder how Michael Jordan would feel about Phil sitting him on the bench or making him be a passive participant in crunch time? Again, not wrong or right. But since many of you are so extremely stat driven, what do they say? Since 2012, with the implementation of the new overtime rules, teams that have won the coin toss and elect to receive the ball, win 50.7% of the time. Those of you who are so dismissive of those who suggested going for 2….well, your stats don’t bear out. Green Bay was 4 of 6 on the season for a 66.7% success rate. That’s a far better probability than taking your chances with a coin toss you can’t control. So, you can have Crosby kick with 94% certainty in order to give the team a 50% chance of getting the ball on the toss so they have a 50% chance of winning the game or you can give Aaron Rodgers the ball with 100% certainty with at worst a 50% chance of winning the game and at best a 66% chance of winning in regulation. If you’re using stats, the 2 point conversion was statistically better given Green Bay’s situation. Not advocating it but just pointing out the foolishness of those who are so certain and cling to those stats.

Excellent analysis. I felt at the time that the second to last series was probably going to be our best and last chance to win the game,but what do I know. I do know I wish MM gambled more.