Morning Buzz: Capers expected to stay
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After Mike McCarthy’s season-ending news conference, Pete Dougherty writes that the onus is on Ted Thompson to provide McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers with better talent for their beleaguered defense.
As one league source said this week, “At some point, you have to look at Dom.”
Fair enough. But you have to look at personnel, too.
In 2009 and ’10, Capers had three bona fide difference makers: Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson and Nick Collins. All made plays and took away the ball. The Packers won games because of them.
Then in ’11, Collins’ career ended in Week 2 (neck injury) and Woodson, while still a good player, started to decline.
Since that time, general manager Ted Thompson has hit big on only one defensive draft pick, Mike Daniels. He’s now the Packers’ best player on that side of the ball.
Matthews remains a talent, but injuries have cut into his playing time and effectiveness over the years. Now age (31 in May) is becoming a factor, too.
One coaching change that is being made is happening on the offensive side of the ball, with Tom Clements’ contract expiring. Michael Cohen has the latest on Clements moving on.
There’s little mystery when it comes to the cornerback position, which was an absolute mess in 2016. Ryan Wood writes on the need for consistency heading into next season.
Sounds like Ty Montgomery will remain at running back going forward:
I wrapped up the season in my latest podcast and looked ahead to the offseason:
I also chatted with readers over on Facebook after McCarthy’s season-ending news conference.
Elsewhere, David Bakhtiari and Ha Ha Clinton-Dox seem to be having a good time down at the Pro Bowl:
Rob Demovsky writes on the need for cornerbacks and pass rushers:
This is an interesting story on the city of Green Bay struggling with the perception of the city that is created by its beloved football team:
Fans aren’t thrilled that Dom Capers apparently will be sticking around: