HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii – When Packers coach Mike McCarthy left frigid Green Bay, the temperature was in the single digits. When he landed in Honolulu, it was a balmy 80 degrees.
The Green Bay Packers are thawing out in the islands, relishing every minute of their Pro Bowl experience. They would gladly trade in their floral leis, beach chairs and mai tais, however, to be preparing for the Super Bowl.
Just like every team in the NFL, theres only one team thats going to be satisfied when the season is completed. We wont be that team this year, said McCarthy, who is coaching the NFC squad for todays game.
As a reflection of their stunning season, the Packers have six players in the Pro Bowl – second only to the seven members of the San Francisco 49ers. Green Bay sailed through the regular season with a 15-1 record before coming apart at home in a 37-20 loss to the New York Giants in the NFC divisional playoffs.
But were a good football team, McCarthy said. Well make the adjustments we feel we need to make and add new players; ... well forge ahead and, we look forward to being a better team next year.
When asked what the Packers needed to improve on, cornerback Charles Woodson didnt hesitate to answer: Personnel.
I think the last game, our entire organization saw the same thing out on the field, he said. There were some things we just werent able to do, so hopefully well bring some guys in to accomplish the same goal we achieved last year.
Its clear the Packers are still scratching their Cheeseheads, trying to figure out what went wrong after so much went right earlier in the season. McCarthy said hes still in the middle of an evaluation process.
I had a chance to spend the full week back in Green Bay, talking to all the players the first two days, he said. Were still working through the coaching evaluations. Well go about it like we always have and head our compass pointing toward next year.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he hasnt had time to look back at what the team was able to accomplish, nor to reflect on a season in which he passed for 4,463 yards with 45 touchdowns and just six interceptions. His quarterback rating of 122.5 set an NFL record.
I think thats going to happen once I leave here and the offseason really starts, itll be time to reflect on that, he said.