McCarthy: Sitton going back to left guard
Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media Thursday morning. Here are some highlights:
On Sam Shields:
Sam is still going through the protocol.
On Datone Jones:
He was out of town. I have not gotten the report on him yet. … We’re not going down that path (as with Jermichael Finley's injury). For me to answer the question, I haven’t talked to Dr. McKenzie.
On who they are:
We’re the 2015 Green Bay Packers. We’re taking full advantage of the opportunity. Everything we set out to accomplish is in front of us. It’s important for all of us to stay focused on that. We’re a focused football team preparing to beat Washington.
On if they can change:
It depends on what your definition of who we are is.
On the way defense is playing:
Keeping them out of the end zone. Making them kick field goals. Our young corners have really stepped up and played well. Our big men are getting after it. There’s a lot of things I like about our defense.
On emphasis on running the ball:
Josh Sitton needs to play guard. That’s where he’ll play this week. That’s the fact of the matter. How we go into games is which direction it takes you. It’s my job to call the plays and it’s the players' job to run the plays.
On this year’s defense compared to 2010:
There’s a lot more base defense back then until now. I think we were 17 percent base defense last year and I’m sure we’ll come in near that again (this year). It’s a little bit different game than 2010. The confidence and the cohesiveness, there’s definitely a lot of similarities in that aspect.
On life of an NFL coach after Lovie Smith was fired:
The volatility of the coaching profession, it’s hard to understand sometimes but it’s the reality of the risk you take being in this industry. Lovie Smith, I have a lot of respect for Lovie. He was in Chicago. The most important part of this is the families.
On whether David Bakhtiari will be able to play:
I hope so. It’s going to take a week. The practice plan is going to be adjusted for him today.