On The Beat: 5 questions with Green Bay writer Bob McGinn - 'Mike McCarthy deserves considerable credit for developing Aaron Rodgers'

Every week, we go deep on the Patriots’ next opponent with our “5 questions…” feature where we check in with a writer who covers New England’s next opponent. For this week’s game against Green Bay, we talk with Packers’ beat writer Bob McGinn, who has carved out a niche as one of the most esteemed football writers of the last 30-plus years. McGinn currently covers Green Bay for BobMcGinnFootball.com. Check him out on Twitter here.

1. We’ve heard lots of stories about possible tension between Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy. What’s the story there?


In some ways their relationship is like a solid marriage that has lasted 13 years. They’re at their best when they’re together, but at times I suppose familiarity does breed some contempt. Mike McCarthy deserves considerable credit for developing Aaron Rodgers. Few remember just how poorly Rodgers played in his first two summers with the Packers. Blessed to be in a quarterback-centric offense, Rodgers took off and brought McCarthy a Super Bowl victory. McCarthy is confident bordering on cocky, whereas Rodgers seems to think he’s the smartest person in every room. Conflict is inevitable, but it’s never really harmed the Packers.

2. Is there an under-the-radar type on the Packers who might be poised to surprise people Sunday?

Rookie cornerback Jaire Alexander made just his third start Sunday in LA. It turned out to be a tour de force as he closely covered Brandin Cooks much of the game and was credited with five passes defensed. Julian Edelman generally gets free against everyone from the slot. Look for that to change if the Packers match Alexander on him.

3. If you were the Patriots, where would you look to attack the Packers?

The Patriots should go after middle linebacker Blake Martinez. Not only is he a step slow in coverage, but he’s out of position far too often. Outsiders give Martinez recognition because he’s the Packers’ leader in tackles. In truth, Martinez is exploited weekly in the passing game, and with James White running routes at him it could be another long day.

4. Mike Pettine has faced New England as a DC on many occasions when he was with Rex Ryan. How do you expect that familiarity with New England to manifest itself on Sunday night, if at all?

Josh McDaniels and Mr. Belichick know Mike Pettine as well as Pettine knows them. As the Jets’ defensive coordinator from 2009-’12, New York went 3-6 against New England. The Packers’ defense is coming off its best and most inspired game of the season. Advantage, no one.

5. The Packers win Sunday if…

...they avoid catastrophe with their historically terrible special teams, they outgain the Patriots on the ground and they somehow are able to make a supreme effort for the second week in a row.