McCarthy: No mental hurdle vs. Seahawks
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke with media for about nine minutes before Wednesday's practice, the first that will be used to prepare against the Seattle Seahawks. Here are some highlights of his conversation.
On the impact of losing starting ILB Sam Barrington: We placed Sam Barrington on IR yesterday. Sam Barrington, obviously one of our starters. So that's the obvious answer to the question. But Sam was really taking on a leadership role, defensively. He was a signal caller, so that was a big responsibility you have on defense.
On Nate Palmer getting opportunity at ILB: Nate Palmer gives us the ability to play outside and inside. He had production in this first game, and I think he'll be a week better.
Barrington won't be easy to replace
On who takes over communication: Nate Palmer, he takes over communication.
On Morgan Burnett's status to play Sunday: Hope so. I'm hoping he practices today.
On getting Seahawks at home: It's the start of our home schedule. We've got the "Get Loud" campaign going on, so that's important. Home games are so important, and I think we did a heck of a job last year at home.
On turning tables against Seahawks: I really haven't thought much about that part, but really just focusing on the game plan. Every week is a different challenge. So just really focused on the information at hand to get ready for this game.
On a possible mental hurdle against Seahawks: Oh, I don't think so. I don't look at it that way. It's a new experience, considering the environment we'll be in. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
On Seahawks missing Kam Chancellor: He's a Pro Bowl player. He has a lot of leadership with that team. We really focused on really the scheme and how people are playing, where they're playing, matchups and so forth. I'm not going to compare their defense from this week or last week to last year, but obviously they have some new faces there.
On prime time games: It's a big deal. It's a different deal for our fans. They're different, though. They take more to get used to. My favorite games are noon games at Lambeau Field, personally. Night games, there are different things you have to talk about to get used to, from a distraction standpoint. Night games are obviously great for fans, great for TV, but my preference would be to play them all at noon.
Walkthrough: Onside redemption
On Richard Sherman in the slot: Richard Sherman played the slot the last time we played them. He's a terrific player. We'll focus on who lines up and where, and focus on running our offense.
On emotions of this game; We've had an opportunity as a football team – I think individually everybody has had the opportunity to go through last season. We're focused on getting through our next game 2-0.
On Russell Wilson's growth: Command of the offense. Obviously, very comfortable. He makes a lot of plays with his feet. He can make all the throws. He's an electric player.
On Marshawn Lynch wearing teams down: I mean, Marshawn Lynch is a heck of a football player. How the last game went is really irrelevant compared to preparing for this game. we're really focused on who we're going to face this week.