McCarthy: Martinez off to a really good start
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke with reporters for a little less than 10 minutes after Monday afternoon’s practice at the Don Hutson Center. Here are the highlights of that conversation.
On Jared Cook’s return: Jared Cook, really we have no long-term concern over his situation. It’s good to have him back. I can’t really give you a timetable. I’m not going to get into injuries, it’s not the time of the year for that.
On Cook’s acclimation to Packers offense early in offseason: Jared is doing well. He’s a veteran football player. Really, what you see is the challenge of the language, which everyone goes through.
On how Richard Rodgers accepted Cook into Green Bay: I really don’t think players view it that way any time you take a certain player in at a particular position, especially veteran players. Veteran players know you need as many good players as you possibly can. I would definitely think Richard welcomes that. Any time you bring a veteran in, it’s an opportunity for Richard and some of those tight ends to grow.
Packers should stick with Jeff Janis
On Jeff Janis: Jeff Janis is doing a lot of good things. He just needs to continue to progress through the fundamentals of the position. Special teams was tremendous last year, he graded out as one of our top players. Like to see him take the same step as a receiver.
On why Jeff Janis is good at catching Hail Mary passes: Jeff is a big target that can go deep. I think the play that he made today was really good concentration on his part, competing through the action with the DB and keep playing. He’s a very strong wide receiver. I think that surprises people. He uses his strength and his speed.
On players excitement when plays are made: Well, I think it’s all part of the group dynamics each group has to go through. I think you definitely see the comfort with each area. Last week, I would’ve said the defense is ahead of the offense. I think the offense did some good things today.
On first impressions of Blake Martinez: I think he looks very comfortable. I think he’s done a good job transitioning to the base defense to the sub defense, the echoing of the calls. He’s very bright, quick. He’s definitely a very instinctive player. He’s off to a really good start.
On college rookies who are on campus: There’s nightly meetings with the coaches and the players that are not here. We’re looking forward to getting those guys here in one other week.
On Randall Cobb’s growth over the years: I think Randall has always been so mature, when he came in and being as young as he was as a rookie. Just very consistent. He’s the same guy every day. As he’s grown in this business, so has his responsibility. He just manages everything. He’s really a true professional.