Where do the Green Bay Packers go from here? With some changes, and a strong foundation to build on, the future remains bright.

The NFC Championship game was of course disappointing. It pointed out some changes that need to be made.

First and foremost: Fire Shawn Slocum.

That isn’t because of one play. Brandon Bostick’s mistake on the hands team doesn’t mean that Slocum should be gone. It’s a much deeper issue than that.

Slocum has been the Special Teams coach for six seasons. Let’s examine how the Packers’ Special Teams have fared during those years:

2014 – 22nd

2013 – 19th

2012 – 18th

2011 – 8th

2010 – 26th

2009 – 32nd (LAST)

So, after making progress in Slocum’s first three seasons, special teams plummeted back down to the lower half of the league – and in fact, have continued to deteriorate.

It isn’t only because of personnel. That isn’t because of the excellent kicking team the Packers have had for years now in Mason Crosby and Tim Masthay – while both have had ups and downs, their overall records are quite strong. It isn’t because of individual mistakes like Bostick’s.

The breakdown on special teams has been, with the exception of ONE year, across the board. Tackling, anticipating the opposition’s play calling (see Jon Ryan’s fake punt last week), execution have always been suspect. You can never depend on what Slocum’s personnel are going to do, regardless of the level of players he has at his disposal.  Read more... (665 words, estimated 2:40 mins reading time)