Mike McCarthy: Packers relish underdog role
In Green Bay's 2010 Super Bowl run, the Packers had to sneak into the playoffs on the strength of a win over the Bears in the season finale. From there, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers won four straight and took home the Lombardi Trophy.
That was probably the last time Green Bay was a true underdog.
Until this week, that is, when the Packers head out west on Saturday night to face the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs after dispatching the Vikings 24-10. But coach Mike McCarthy isn't worried. In fact, he all but said the Packers prefer being the underdog.
"Our players like that," McCarthy told the media Sunday. "I think they respond better when they're disrespected. And I'm sure we'll get some of that this week too, because we weren't successful in the first week [against San Francisco]. I think it brings a little more energy."
The 49ers came to Green Bay in Week 1 and dismantled the Packers, winning 30-22. Much has changed between now and then -- not the least of which being San Francisco's decision to go with Colin Kaepernick at quarterback ahead of Alex Smith, who threw two touchdowns in the aforementioned opener.
Still, the Packers will be underdogs Saturday night, and they'll hope for a better result than what occurred in September. And, more distantly, the 2011 playoffs.
The only difference is, this time the Pack isn't expected to win.
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