McCarthy glad to have Jones back
Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media on Monday. Here are some highlights:
On James Jones' re-signing:
Great to have James back. Obviously everybody is excited. He has a certain energy about him. He’s obviously a good fit for us, excellent player for us. I’m glad he’s back.
On his experience:
He’s a good football player. Don’t lose sight of that. Look at his tape in preseason and last year, he looks like James Jones. He’s been a big part of our success in the past.
On offensive changes:
There will be variations of concepts. I don’t think he’ll have any major learning curve.
On cutting Myles White:
Myles White did a heck of a job. He did enough to make our 53 and things went a different direction. That’s the tough part of the business. He’s a young man who’s developed here and done everything you could ask.
On Jared Abbrederis on practice squad:
I think you always want to get your own guys back on the practice squad. That’s our preference all along. Jared really just needs to play. He hasn’t played a lot of football if you think about it. It’s great to be able to continue to work with all those guys.
On Abbrederis’ performance in preseason finale:
He did very well for someone who hasn’t played in a football game since college. He only practiced one time in pads all of camp. What impressed me is his ability to go back and catch punts and the way he handles the football.
On flipping the switch for Chicago:
It is time to play. Cuts are tough. Saturday is probably the worst day of the year. Sunday is a transition day. It’s all about the Chicago Bears. It’s a big time rivalry. This is distinctly different. New staff, excellent staff. Playing first game of the year.
On his comment last week about kicking the Bears’ (butt):
I don’t really talk to our football team the way we talk to the chamber of commerce. It’s an example of why you shouldn’t say things like that in public. It’s a great rivalry.
On defensive line without Guion and Jones:
It’s just part of it. Really when you go through training camp you’re just trying to give everyone opportunities. If you watch the way we rotated, we were making sure we had enough information to make the right evaluations.
On Bruce Gaston:
He’s made a big leap. He deserves to be on the 53. Made a lot of strides in the offseason.
On James Jones playing against Chicago:
I’m looking forward to seeing him practice Wednesday. James is a very hard worker. I’m sure he’ll be doing the same thing all week to be ready.
On not regretting his comment:
It’s the reality of the rivalry. We’re not going down there to play hopscotch.
On suspended players’ program:
There’s guidelines the league gives to you. We want both Datone and Troy here. They’ll be here full-time and the times they’re not allowed to be here, they won’t be here.
On leaders emerging on special teams:
I think you’re seeing young guys step up. Our specialists have been together a long time. Sean Richardson was one of our highest graded guys. It’s time for young guys to take advantage of it.