Vikings / Packers Quotes

Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress met with local media on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Below you’ll find the transcript of that conversation, as well as the transcript for Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ conference call.

Some quick housekeeping here. We got a little scouting report today. The guys weight-lifted and ran yesterday. We got about an hour-and-fifteen-minute practice here today, which was good with the full pack on, just to get them to re-seat their pads. I feel like the team is in decent shape. Housekeeping-wise, this is the first time I’ve gotten to see you since Bryant (McKinnie) has been suspended. Again, I think that’s a policy that the League set forth and we honor the League’s intentions. Obviously, it’s the way I believe in doing business here. The accountability factor is huge. The Commissioner makes no bones about that.

As far as the roster is concerned, I don’t think there are any huge surprises there for you guys. But if there are, I’m sure you’ll let me know. Lastly, I think the last few weeks, when you have a quiet training camp it allows you to focus on the upcoming season and you’re upcoming opponents. I think it’s been great work all the way through, beginning in Mankato (to) right here as we start to get into game week.

Q: What was preparation like knowing that Bryant McKinnie might be suspended?

A: We prepared both of those guys. Artis (Hicks), really since the spring time has worked over there, completely on the left-hand side. That’s where he’s comfortable, at guard, at tackle. You have to be a multi-position guy. You can only have so many guys up on game day. He’s taken some snaps. It was my intention to get him in one preseason game earlier, but we had a couple injuries where it wasn’t allowed numbers-wise for us to get over there and get him as fast at left tackle. He’s taken rushes there. He’s played there. He’s comfortable there.

Q: Will it be tough for Artis (Hicks) to prepare to play on the left side?

A: Really not. He’s a natural left-sided guy. He played right guard coming in here. He really swung all the way across the offensive line, with the exception of center in Philadelphia. You ask any guy whether they’re more comfortable in a left-hand stance or a right-hand stance, they honestly would tell you left-handed.

A: I wouldn’t suppose to speak for Bryant. I know he knew it was out there. He knows how the Commissioner feels, having met with him. And he certainly knows how Zygi (Wilf) feels and I feel about going forward here and the direction of the Minnesota Vikings. Let’s hope it’s a wake-up call.

A: (Darren) is at services for Gene Upshaw today in Washington.

A: Scouting report-wise, he’s looking like a pirate with a wooden leg right now, out there moving around. He’s kind of making spot throws and standing in one place. He really has no movement skills to speak of at all. It looks like he has cement shoes on.

A: I’m eager to watch him play when it’s for real and when things start counting. I’ve had a pretty good window here, in terms of the offseason and the OTAs. He’ll flash everyday. He’ll do something sudden every single day that you watch him play. God willing, he does a couple of those things come Monday night.

A: About his personality? I don’t have enough time. I told somebody the other day, ‘God help us when he gets comfortable around here.’

A: I think there is a lot of time here, still, to get well. That injury happened a little bit ago. If you’d have asked me ten days ago, I would have said yes. But I know how he’s working at it. I know what he’s putting into it over the course of this past weekend. I think he’ll build to where he’s going to be okay.

Q: How much are you concerned with Artis Hicks stepping in at left tackle?

A: I think he can do the job just fine. I’ve watched him do the job just fine. Is there going to be a tight end playing on the outside of him? At times there is going to be. Will he get chip help every now and then? I’m sure. But you can say that about right tackle (and) left tackle. If somebody has a good player, you have to account for them. Artis has been to handling school from the standpoint that he’s lined up and played in there. He’s started as a left guard. He’s started as a left tackle with about two hours’ notice. I know he knows what the ramping-up process is and what it is he has to get done against some pretty good rushers over there.

Q: Will it be weird going to play at Lambeau Field without Brett Favre there?

A: It’s still the Green Bay Packers. It’s still a very difficult place to go and play. It’s a great division rival for us. Regardless, they’re pretty good. They’ve been pretty good on their home turf.

A: I think he’s evolved. All the way down to roping one in there on the first play of the game last week. That’s a big-time throw that he made in that hole to Donald Driver. That tells you about his confidence. It also talks to you about his skills and ability. He can stick the ball where he needs to put it.

Q: John David Booty hasn’t looked spectacular this season, yet you kept him. How do you evaluate his play?

A: You just hope to develop. I don’t know many of the young ones you would throw “spectacular” on as an adjective. Maybe the kid down in Atlanta was spectacular in the preseason. I haven’t evaluated him. I mean, it’s a work-in-progress. I’ve always talked about that as being an evolution in developing a quarterback. It certainly doesn’t happen in someone’s first training camp.

A: It appears like it. He was out here practicing at full speed today. That’s a good thing to see.

Q: After the (Brett Favre) trade this summer, did you feel that in the days following and the weeks following that things more or less got back to normal for you guys? Was it possible to have a normal end of training camp there?

A: I would say yes. I think any time you get into a training camp environment, or even if it was in-season, and you’re on a schedule that demands a lot of your time and you have to take time away from that to do something else, it definitely knocks you out of your regularity and knocks you out of your rhythm. It was definitely good to get back to a normal training camp environment.

Q: If you look at (training camp) as a whole, was it a productive month or six weeks for you guys? Was there more that you wanted to get done?

A: It was a productive training camp. We knew going into training camp that our schedule was just a little different than we’ve gone through before. Just the way the games and the practices were outlined. We’ve had some injuries that we’ve had to work through. It was a little bit distorted. (But) the amount of work that we wanted to get done, we were able to accomplish that.

Q: Are you almost expecting the typical first-year bumps in the road for Aaron (Rodgers)? Or is it different for him because he has been groomed?

A: You coach against it and you definitely try to prepare any first-year player for things he’s getting ready to encounter. I think he’s had very good preparation as far as following a great player at his position and also being in the same system now for three years, and really have some carry-over from the system he was in his rookie season. It’s really at the point where the player actually needs to go out and play the game. That’s the last thing on his checklist. Hopefully we have prepared him the utmost for that opportunity.

Q: There’s not really a lot from the outside to judge by. In your mind, how is (Rodgers) different now than he was when you first got a hold of him?

A: I can see why you would express that, based on statistics and what you’ve been able to see. We have the benefit of being with Aaron every day and watching him go through the practice structure and watch him go through the off-season program, watch him go through quarterback school. I think he’s definitely improved in his time here in all areas of his play.

Q: What does Aaron (Rodgers) bring to that position for you guys? What are his strengths that you see?

A: I think he’s well-rounded. I think he’s a quarterback who gives you the opportunity to run the full set of your offense. His capabilities are exceptional with run protection and even with the passing game as far as all the different personnel groups you would like to move in and out of. I like that about him. But his physical set is where he can make all the throws. He has the ability to play with his feet, both in the pocket and out of the pocket. I think he is a very well-rounded quarterback.

Q: Is there anything (Rodgers) can give you that possibly Brett (Favre) didn’t?

A: Brett Favre had a great career here and that’s well-documented. We’re excited about Aaron Rodgers and the opportunity now. I’m sure he’ll be judged accordingly, step by step.

Q: With so much attention on your dealings with Brett (Favre), how do you feel Aaron (Rodgers) has handled himself up to this point, given the constant questions about him?

A: I think Aaron has handled himself extremely well. There is probably nothing I could really compare this to, as far as the situation he’s had to go through. I think he’s been able to trust his heart and do things right, day-in and day-out. He’s continued to prepare. He’s continued to stay focused on playing quarterback because that’s ultimately all he can control.

Q: In the offseason there had been some talk that the Packers offense would sort of re-balance itself a little bit more to the running side and not quite as pass-oriented. Has it played out that way for you? Do you imagine that’s the way it will be during the season, or is it hard to predict?

A: I’ve never felt it was accurate or probably even appropriate to say, ‘Hey, this is what we’re going to do this year.’ There are so many different things that happen in the course of the year. Did we anticipate throwing the ball as much as we did last year? Probably not. You always like to have a little more balance. I think the way your game planning goes week-to-week, there are so many different factors that go into that; the matchups, the health of your team and different things like that. Ultimately, if I had my druthers, I’d be running (the ball) 40 times a game. I think that’s the way football is meant to be played. But that doesn’t always give your team the best chance to win. We’re going to take the same approach we did last year. We’re going to do whatever it takes to put the ball in the end zone.

A: He’s definitely improved at a high rate. I think that’s been impressive from Matt. You watch him play last year at LSU. Obviously, he’s a winner. He makes plays with his feet. I really liked him fundamentally, as far as breaking down his mechanics at the Combine and that’s held true with his time here. I knew we we’re getting a very good prospect, someone that you’re going to be able to work with and can fit in to our offense to do the things we like to do. I think he’s done a very good job of improving with the opportunities he’s been given.

A: Brian has been doing good. I’m going to tell you what I told Brian. I said, “I’m not disappointed in your progress at all.” It’s part of preseason football. It’s not very pretty a lot of the time. You get put into some tough spots and some tough situations. (It was) very evident in the Tennessee game with some of the opportunities he had in the passing game with the protection situations he was put in to. I thought he improved in that game. He did some things we had emphasized on in the last week and he was able to carry it over to the game. He’s still competing for the (No. 2) spot. This is not a full- season determination and we want to keep that spot as competitive as possible. The reality is that we have a first-year starter in the No. 1 position and he needs his reps. There are only so many reps left to get the No. 2 ready. We’re going to give that opportunity right now to Matt Flynn.

Q: At this point, is signing a veteran (quarterback) off the table or do you still consider that an option at some point?

A: I’m not thinking about it. I’m thinking about getting these two young men ready to play. I’m excited about both of them. I think they’re two excellent prospects. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for. Give me prospects and it’s our job to do the best we can with them and make sure they are able to perform at a high level.

Q: You’ve coached a lot of quarterbacks. Does Aaron (Rodgers) remind you of anyone at this same stage?

A: Physically, he’s gifted. He’s definitely on the high end of his overall ability of the guys I’ve worked with. He’s done a very good job. I compare him, not as much to Rich Gannon because Rich was older when he had his opportunity in Kansas City and Oakland, but Jake Delhomme waited his turn. I was with Matt Hasselbeck who was in the process of waiting his turn. There were some similarities as they were going through the learning stages of their early years. Then they got their opportunity to play. I really don’t have someone out there to compare him to.

A: Tough. Tough guy. Runs hard. (He’s)another player who took advantage of his opportunities every time he went out there. He started the family night scrimmage and I was not very encouraged with some of the things he did in the early part of the scrimmage. As it went on, he made some plays that definitely got your attention. In Week 1 against Cincinnati, he did some things. In the second week at San Francisco, he ran harder and started picking up the blitz protection. He’s a physical guy. I like his size and strength. He’s done a very good job for a young guy, particularly on third down with pressure schemes and so forth from a pass-protection perspective. I think he’s a young man with a bright future.

Q: The NFL has put a point of emphasis on calling more holding. Did you guys experience any of that in the preseason?

A: Those weren’t really factors for us in the preseason. We had too many personal fouls in the preseason. The formation emphasis was really the bulk of the focus, as far as the dialogue I had with the officials throughout the four preseason games.

Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers – Conference Call

Q: After the (Favre) trade this summer did it ever feel like it got back to a normal training camp the rest of the summer?

A: It was definitely a training camp filled with a lot of emotions and a lot of different people involved in that. We tried to stay focused as a team on the things that we could control and the guys that were at practice and let the organization and Brett handle the other situation. Once that worked itself out we wished Brett nothing but the best in New York and we are focused on what we have to do to improve this year.

Q:  What are your nerves like this week?

A:  I look at it as another game although, obviously, it’s my first start and Monday Night Football and all that. But, my preparation hasn’t changed. I’m just trying to get ready to be the best quarterback I can be and make good decisions on Monday night.

Q:  How are you able to make it just another game considering everything that has happened?

A:  It is just another game. It’s your attitude you take into the, it’s your focus each day in practice and in preparation with the film study you do every week. It is just another game. Everybody outside of the locker room is gonna make it up to be a big spectacle and that’s fine. The pressure I put on myself to perform and the expectations we have as a team will stay the same. To the 53 in the locker room it is just another game, but it’s an important one to get off on the right foot.

Q: Have you talked to Brett since he went to the Jets?

A: No I haven’t.

Q:  Is that something you plan to do?

A:  I’m sure we will talk. We had a really good relationship when he was here. We were together for three years. I’m sure once we both get settled into the season here we will be trading text messages back and forth.

Q:  How have the fans received you so far?

A:  Fans have been really supportive. The ovation that we got when we took the field against Cincinnati was a special moment for our offense and definitely for myself, personally. The fans in the community have been really supportive and I think they’re excited about the team that we’re gonna be putting on the field this year.

Q: Is there anything you give the offense that Brett didn’t?

A:  I just hope to play at a similar level to what Brett did that last season he had a great season. He passed for a very high percentage, got the ball out of his hands quickly and didn’t take a lot of sacks and put us in good situations at the quarterback position. That’s what our offense allows the quarterback to do, is get us in good situations on offense and get us out of bad plays potentially and make quick decisions. That’s going to be my goal, to make quick decisions and not take a lot of sacks and hopefully move the ball up and down the field.

Q:   What about all the gambling and risk-taking he did, is that something you stay away from that could help the offense?

A:   I’m just going to try and go through my progressions. This offense can really make the quarterback successful if you just take what it gives you. Coach McCarthy has been running this for a while and it’s a very quarterback-friendly offense. There’s a lot of options each play and if you just go through your progressions I think it’s definitely a system that I feel like a guy like myself can be successful in.

Q:  If you had your druthers would you rather open up on the road against a non-conference team you might not face for another couple years?

A: I’m excited about playing Minnesota. It’s been one of the best rivalries in football for a number of years. I think we’ve been playing for 47 years and the tally is very close. We play them twice a year, they’re in our division, they have a very strong defense. I know there are a lot of high expectations in Minnesota this year and they’ve got a great team. It’s going to be a really good test for us and we’re going to have to play a very good game.

Q:  Nothing like easing you into the job, huh?

A:  That’s the NFL. There’s not a lot of easy matchups, it doesn’t matter who you play. The parity in the NFL has gotten to the point where there’s not a big difference between the top team and the bottom team. Anybody can beat anybody on a given day and I’m excited about the opportunity, it’s just going to be a big challenge for us because Minnesota’s defense has a lot of very talented players and I’m sure they are gonna be ready to play us strong for four quarters.

Q:  During the offseason there was some talk that the Packers might change the offense to emphasize the run a little more and have more balance, do you feel that happening?

A:  I think we want to get back to that balance. We haven’t had a lot of balance in the last couple of years. Brett threw, I believe in 2006, over 600 passes and we were more like 55-45 or even higher than that pass to run. A strong running game definitely helps out a young quarterback. Bringing that eighth guy into the box can allow for better matchups outside. We’ve got a talented running back in Ryan Grant and a line that has been together for a few years now. I’m for whatever is giving us the best chance to win. If that’s running the ball that’s fine, if that’s throwing the ball, that’s fine with me as well. I just want to win games. The stats and the accolades and all that stuff, if you’re winning games, that will come.

Q:  How much can you change the play from a run to a pass or pass to a run at the line?

A: I’m not really going to get into specifics like that. There’s definitely a lot of freedom in this offense at quarterback.

Q:  Can you say if the first x number of plays will be scripted?

A:  That’s another schematic thing I’m not really gonna get into.

Q:  With Brett having been there so long, do you feel like you’re going to constantly be under the microscope for this season?

A: I know that comes with the territory playing quarterback at Green Bay. I knew that even if Brett had stayed retired there would still be that comparison my entire career. I hope it is a long career here at Green Bay. Like I say we wish Brett well and we’re focused on what we got to do. The comparisons and expectations and all that stuff is really coming from outside this building. The things that us as players are focused on are our own personal expectations and goals and trying to meet those.

Q: Are you expecting the typical first-year struggles for a quarterback or is it different since you’ve been there for a few years?

A: I’m not expecting to fail, no sir, not at all. This is my fourth year in the League and my third year in Coach McCarthy’s offense and I feel like my work in the offseason has really put me in a good spot mentally to understand the offense. I know there’s going to be bumps along the road, there always is for first-year starters. But, I feel like the guys on our offense, there’s a ton of talented playmakers we have. It’s gonna be my job just to get them the ball and get the ball out of my hand quickly and let them make plays.

Q:  How do you feel in terms of comfort with those guys, like Driver and Lee?

A: I feel good. We spend a lot of time together in the offseason. We’ve had almost 100 percent participation in our offseason program. I’ve spent a lot time with Donald and Greg and James and Donald Lee and Ruvell and Jordy when he came in. I feel good about the continuity that we have and I think it will just get better with each game every week.

Q:  Do you have a performance clause in your contract where you get 10 bucks for every time you answer a Brett Favre question?

A: I don’t think so.

Q:  How curious are you guys to how he’s doing in New York?

A: I’ve been focused on what I’ve got to do to be successful this preseason. We don’t get a chance to watch a lot of the games, so I haven’t really been following too much what’s been going on. But I do know that there’s a Brett on the Jets who has been having a really good preseason because he’s from my junior college- Brett Ratliff. He’s actually had a really good preseason from what I hear, I talked to my coach the other night. A lot of guys still have strong feelings about Brett and I’m sure they will keep up on him and I’m sure the media will keep us informed on what’s going on with him.

Q:  Did you feel like you had to address any teammates that were on the fence about Brett coming back?

A: I didn’t really want to deal with hypotheticals. If things had happened then that would have been a different story. We’ve got a good group of high-character guys that focus on the team. This whole situation is and was much bigger than myself. I just wasn’t too worried about that stuff because once you put the pads on it’s all about the green and gold and I knew the guys were going to follow whoever was going to be under center.

Q:  What are your thoughts on Jared Allen, what do you know about him?

A: I know he had a sweet mullet for a while and he had that cool sack celebration that I hope he doesn’t get to do on Monday. He’s a great player and he definitely adds something to their defense.

Q:  When you look at the Vikings defense what are your initial impressions?

A: Well, they got better. Which is amazing because they had a really, really solid defense last year. The front four they have, I’d put that against any front four in the NFL. The guys with Edwards and Jared and the two Williams in the middle, it’s a very solid defense. I don’t really see any weak spots. You’ve got a very solid linebacking crew, you’ve got maybe the best free safety in the game in Sharper, who is a ball hawk. Antoine Winfield may be one of the most underrated corners in the League as far as his toughness and coverage ability. You’ve got Griffin playing at a high level in his third year and the rookie in the secondary is doing a nice job. They’ve got it down on defense. I’d be surprised if they weren’t in the top five in yardage if not number one. It’s going to be a good test for us on Monday.

Q:  Is Grant up to speed after missing some of the preseason?

A: I think he’s gonna be fine. We were one-and-done against Tennessee, we would have liked to get him some carries, but he’s gonna get his work this week and be ready.