Holmgren come back to Packers to take on his old squad.
One of the primary storylines for Saturday’s National Football Conference divisional playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks doesn’t need to be explained to Mike McCarthy.
It’s led by the Packers’ coach. He did, at least, until this past week.
Holmgren Way, named for former Packers coach Mike Holmgren, who guided the team to its final Super Bowl victory in 1996, is located one block east of Lambeau Field. On Saturday, he will be on the opposite sideline.
McCarthy remarked on Sunday, “I think it’s probably the most unique circumstance in pro football.” “I wonder if anyone else has ever needed to do it.
“Maybe I should take a break from Holmgren Way for a week or so.
McCarthy will still have to deal with the shadow that Holmgren cast over his tenure with the Packers, even if he reroutes his daily journey.
Together with former general manager Ron Wolf, Holmgren turned around the Packers, who had only won two of their previous 18 non-strike seasons.
In the seven years that he was in charge, from 1992 to 1998, the team set winning records and returned to national prominence. In the history of the team, Holmgren’s 75-37 record is second only to Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi.
McCarthy declared, “I think he’s unquestionably one of the greats in our business.” “I believe his accomplishments speak for themselves.”
McCarthy, who went 21-11 in his first two seasons and 13-3 this season to win the NFC North division, has also proven to be no slouch.
Mike Sherman and McCarthy are tied for the best two-year record. Lombardi is leading Holmgren (18–14) by four points.
But in Titletown, USA, a stellar regular-season performance does not guarantee you a street named after you. The only thing that counts are championships.
It is therefore extremely ironic that McCarthy’s first obstacle to entering the elite group will be Holmgren, who also led the Packers to the Super Bowl in 1997 before departing for Seattle in 1999.
McCarthy, whose sole encounter with Holmgren was a quick meeting prior to the teams’ exhibition game this season, said, “Anytime you have an opportunity to compete against a coach like Mike Holmgren, it’s something you look forward to.”
There will be intense scrutiny of the two coaches’ chess encounter.
Despite having different looks, both operate the West Coast offense. McCarthy’s attack is now far more open and heavily relies on the shotgun and many receivers.
Hired out of college in 1986 by former San Francisco 49ers coach Bill Walsh, Holmgren’s offense is a more stringent version of his design, with two running backs in the backfield most of the time.
But Holmgren and McCarthy both write the plays that they direct.
McCarthy talked down the significance of calling plays against Holmgren, even though he stated he was “definitely” looking forward to it.
McCarthy remarked, “I view it more as our football team versus his football squad.” “I call the plays for our offensive, and Mike Holmgren calls the plays for their offense.
Therefore, there isn’t really as much of a chance to advance in a chess encounter. However, the week’s preparation and getting your team ready for the game are all included.
Brett Favre of the Packers is a direct conduit between McCarthy and Holmgren.
Holmgren transformed the undeveloped Favre into the three-time NFL MVP (1995–1997) winner. McCarthy played a part in Favre’s MVP-caliber comeback this season, marking his 17th season.
When Favre faced off against his former coach for the first time in 1999, McCarthy coached his quarterbacks.
The Packers lost that game 27–7 at home, with Favre only completing 14 of 35 passes and throwing three interceptions.
McCarthy remarked, “I think Brett really pressed in that game.” However, I believe that he has matured much since the 1990s.
