Mike McCarthy to Packers' players: 'See you Thursday'
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Mike McCarthy had an explanation for his players' business-as-usual attitude after Sunday's monumental win over the New England Patriots.
"I just think they were mesmerized at the fact that they got an extra day off," the Green Bay Packers coach said Monday. "They were speechless. Yes, hey, it was a fun locker room.
McCarthy
McCarthy
"It was a lot of build-up during the course of the week. I thought their discipline and staying focused, that they definitely hit the targets. A lot went into that game for both teams. I thought both teams competed at a very high level. They were probably tired more than anything."
If there wasn't a wild celebration after the victory, there was when McCarthy announced in the locker room that players would be off until Thursday.
The postgame locker-room video, which can been seen here on Packers.com, shows McCarthy telling the team: "I want you to treat these next two days like a mini bye week. ... Let's get you fresh, get healthy. I will see you Thursday."
The Packers will still have a full week of practice. They get an extra day because their next game is their one and only appearance this season on "Monday Night Football," against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field.
Instead of holding an extra day of practice Wednesday like he has done in the past, McCarthy said the on-field work will begin Thursday.
"I wanted the players to have an extra day off this week," McCarthy said. "You look at years past when you plan out your schedule. We've played on Thanksgiving day every other year. I always like that little break right before the fourth quarter of the season, so I tried to create that a little bit with the Monday night schedule."
The Packers had two injuries from the game: cornerback Sam Shields (concussion) and linebacker Jamari Lattimore (ankle). McCarthy had little new information about their conditions.
"Sam Shields had a concussion, so he'll go through the protocol," McCarthy said. "Jamari, he felt a little better today than he did yesterday, but I don't have any gauge on what their practice participation will be this week."
