The Packer Pundit

4 keys to beating the San Francisco 49ers
By Dylan B. Tomlinson

Better play from the safeties
Based on what has happened in the last several games, every team the Packers play the rest of the season is going to challenge their underachieving safeties, Nick Collins and Marquand Manuel. Last week, Jets quarterback Chad Pennington barely threw the ball anywhere close to Al Harris and Charles Woodson because he knew both were capable of shutting down a receiver. That hasn't been the case for either Collins or Manuel, both of whom have been a liability almost every time they've suited up.

Protect the quarterback
The Packers' offensive line hasn't been the same since Mark Tauscher went out with a groin injury. But if the Packers are going to win another game, they need to find some way to protect Brett Favre. After 12 games, their three rookie starters — Tony Moll, Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz — are going to hit the wall, but that isn't a valid excuse for letting their quarterback take a beating.

Sack the quarterback
During the first half of the season, the Packers did an outstanding job getting to opposing teams' quarterbacks. Lately, teams have found a way to shut down Aaron Kampman and Corey Williams. If there's a game for them to get back on track, this is the one. The 49ers' offensive line has struggled and has allowed Alex Smith to be sacked 26 times. By comparison, the Packers' offensive line, which has had its share of struggles, has allowed only 19 sacks.

Cover a kickoff
It's never a good sign when your kicker is among the team leaders in special-teams tackles. Dave Rayner has five this season, which is an indication of how bad the Packers have been at stopping long returns. In the last few games, there have been too many times where opponents have been able to start drives from close to the 50-yard line. The Packers can't allow opponents that kind of an advantage.

My attitude, strategy reflect many mentors
By Mike McCarthy
As we head west to play at San Francisco this week, I realize many memories of last season are fresh. I'm reminded of some of the things I learned from 49ers coach Mike Nolan in just the one year we spent together before I became a head coach for the first time. Nolan was the most recent influence, but when I think back, a lot of coaches have influenced my thoughts and philosophies, going all the way back to grade school basketball.

The competitive edge
Probably one of the best pure coaches I've been around was my high school basketball coach, Fran Manion. He devoted his whole life to teaching in Catholic schools, and he was a stern disciplinarian. Some of our fans, my father included, used to watch him more than the game. He was notorious for calling timeouts, pulling out five quarters or five pennies, throwing them on the gym floor and designing plays. He was an outstanding coach and a gentle man, but when he turned on the switch to compete, he was the most intense individual I've been around in any sporting event. From him, I learned the tenacity and the mind-set you have to get into to compete, giving everything you have, because he gave it to you as a coach.

X's and O's
As far as teaching me schematically about football, and offense in particular, the coach who probably had the biggest impact on me was Paul Hackett. He was the offensive coordinator at Pitt when I joined the staff as a volunteer assistant. He was named head coach a year later. Paul taught me much about analytical thinking, organization and training the quarterback. I learned the West Coast offense from the grass roots. From the time I met him in 1989 until today, I feel fortunate to have been in one offensive system my entire coaching career, because I've been able to adhere to a foundation and core belief while staying creative as I've moved through the league and coached different players. I was with Paul for nine years — four at Pitt and five at Kansas City under Marty Schotten-heimer, who was probably the biggest influence on me as far as being a head coach.

Sticking to the plan
For Marty, it all starts with having a plan, and making sure it's a well-thought-out, organized and detailed plan. Then you have to have the strength, vision and discipline to stick to your plan. Another strength of Marty's that I try to emulate is building the team back up when we encounter failure. Marty had an effective way of simplifying the plan and pulling you back to the fundamentals of your offense, defense and special teams to get back on track, and when the team was having success, that's when he was at his toughest. He drove you harder than you ever thought you'd be driven to push you farther than you think you can go. His 200 victories in the NFL speak for themselves.

Building blocks
The next three head coaches I worked for gave me an opportunity to witness first-year programs — Ray Rhodes in Green Bay, Jim Haslett in New Orleans and Nolan in San Francisco. They all were different. Ray had the task of keeping a successful team going, while Jim and Mike took over programs coming off losing seasons. Jim had an impact on my career because, as a defensive coach, he gave me full responsibility with the offense. It was a great learning experience, and I'm thankful for the opportunity. That first year in New Orleans, installing a new system for the first time, I overcoached every aspect of the offense. It was a learning experience in that you can only do so much, which is why I feel micro-management is counterproductive over the long term. As an offensive-minded head coach, I've tried to take the same approach here and share those lessons with Bob Sanders, the defensive coordinator. We talk about the mind-set and the direction we want to go, but I let him run it. I think a coordinator should not have too many people in his ear telling him what to do, because that can be counterproductive. Then last year in San Francisco, I got to see a coach building with youth, like we are here. We played a lot of rookies on offense last year, so that experience was helpful. I talked to Mike probably more than anyone my first few months on the job here. I incorporated some of the scheduling Mike used, with an eye toward keeping players and coaches fresh throughout the long season. A lot of coaches pay lip service to that, but you make it part of your program with how you schedule the work week for everyone.

Family first
Mike always had great energy, and he's an outstanding family man. He brought a family-first mind-set to our football team, and he established that relationships among players as well as coaches can be like family but still be professional and productive. It was also valuable to be part of a franchise with such rich history and tradition. In San Francisco, the expectations always are going to be high, and just being around that for a year was great training for me to handle the same challenge in Green Bay. -- Story

A short leap
By Jason Wilde / wisconsinstatejournal
As he's watched his Green Bay Packers struggle the past three weeks, Bob Harlan has been understandably disappointed. But the former team president, who still serves as the club's CEO and chairman of the board of directors, hasn't been discouraged to the point of having flashbacks to the lean years of the 1970s and '80s. Why? Because Harlan believes second-year general manager Ted Thompson and first-year coach Mike McCarthy have the team headed in the right direction. Even after last week's 38-10 loss to the New York Jets. Even with the New England Patriots' 35-0 victory on Nov. 19, the second time the Packers had been shut out at Lambeau Field this year. And even with the Packers (4-8) having lost three straight games by a combined score of 107-34 entering today's game against the San Francisco 49ers (5-7) at Monster Park. "Obviously, there's big disappointment in what's happened the last three weeks," said Harlan, who joined the franchise in 1971 and hired Thompson as GM after taking that title away from ex-coach Mike Sherman in January 2005. "But I think they're two solid football guys. "I've watched Ted Thompson for a long, long time. I watched him grow for eight years under (former general manager) Ron Wolf and I saw how Ron relied on him. And (Seattle coach) Mike Holmgren admitted Ted's the one who build that ballclub. "I know what Ted's trying to accomplish through the draft and I think we have some pretty good young players. What's happened the last couple weeks, I don't know. But I do think we have better talent. I really hope we can bounce back and be competitive down the stretch. "His background says he's done it and I've seen him do it, so I have to have faith he's going to keep doing it." -- More

Meet Amy
Tennessee Titans
Cheerleader

Amy is the focus of the next installment of the Cheerleader Spotlight. Hailing from Murfreesboro, TN she is a fourth year veteran of Line Four and a personal trainer/consultant. Check out Amy’s Spotlight:
1. When did you make the decision to try-out for the Titans?
I decided to try-out for the Titans in April of 2003.....I had cheered two years at MTSU and was ready to take it to the next level!

2. What one word would describe the experience of being a TN Titans cheerleader?
AMAZING!! I say amazing because it is simply that...an amazing experience!! This is my fourth season with the Titans and every year gets better and better! From the sisterhood to the countless opportunities, it has truly been amazing! Through this time with the Titans, I have learned so much about who I am, and I’ve developed life long memories!!

3. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself married and living in the country on a farm! I'm not sure if Tennessee is where that will be, but I would love to live in Texas! Career wise, I believe I will still be in the fitness industry helping others achieve their fitness goals. I truly believe that is my calling in life! It is very rewarding to know that you have made a difference in someone's life.

4. What characteristics do you look for in a potential male?
I look for many things.......my list seems to be getting longer and longer the older I get...HA! But, the two main things I look for are: he has to be a Christian and love the Lord and be UNSELFISH!! My grandmother has always told me that you know you have found the one when he puts you ahead of himself!! I'm still waiting on my prince charming, but I know he will come into my life when the time is right!

5. How do you juggle Titans cheerleading and work schedule?
I juggle the two with great time management skills and dedication. Being a personal trainer allows me to keep a pretty flexible schedule, which makes a good balance with the two! My planner has become my best friend!

6. If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
I would love to trade places with Oprah. She is such a powerful/influential woman!
I commend her for all that she does for people around the world. Actions speak louder than words.....I believe she truly brings truth to that statement!

7. What is your fantasy job?
My fantasy job is to own my own fitness facility. I would have a cheerleading gym on one side and a fitness studio on the other! Being able to have the two things I enjoy the most in one place would be awesome! I would also have a Starbucks Cafe in there......there is nothing like a good latte from Starbucks to start your day off!

8. What do you feel you add to the Tennessee Titans cheerleading squad?
I feel that I add knowledge from my experience and a great sense of humor....."Soldiers Lets Go"(my girls know about this!), and a shoulder to lean on if any of my 31 sisters need me for anything! Being on the squad is like having a second family....there have been times in my life where they have really helped me pull through, and I am so thankful for that!

9. What would you do if you won the lottery?
If I won the lottery, I would pay my car off and any debt that my family might have. After that, I would give the rest to various charities around the world. Honestly, I am completely content with my life right now and would want to give the money to people around the world who are in need! Money doesn't make me happy.....I believe happiness is being with your family/friends and having a job that you are truly passionate about!