Following the team's 38-point performance last week against Detroit and with offensive coordinator Tom Rossley still getting back to full health, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman will once again be the man calling the plays for the Packers offense when the Dallas Cowboys pay a visit to Lambeau Field Sunday afternoon.
Rossley has returned to work after undergoing an angioplasty operation last week, but is still not quite up to 100%, which prompted Sherman to call his own number again as the play-caller for Sunday.
Sherman spoke about the discussions he's had with Rossley regarding the subject Wednesday in his mid-day press conference.
"We've talked," Sherman said. "Obviously, I'm concerned for his health and to make sure that he's 100%. (I told him that) if he's not 100%, then I would call the plays. He would have input just like I had input (in the past)."
"It will depend on Tom's health. He was just in the hospital. He had surgery a week ago and I don't want to put too much on him too soon. I'm pleased with him as an offensive coordinator. I think he's done a great job here. His production has been very good."
Obviously, Rossley's health is not yet 100%, as he told the media following Wednesday afternoon's practice. The coordinator said that after putting in a full day (nearly 12 of his usual 14-plus-hour workday) Tuesday, he was worn out and had to go home early.
That was a factor in making the decision for Sherman to remain calling the plays - the unknown of Rossley's condition, especially in pressure situations.
"I just don't know how tired you get with the emotions and those kinds of things that you can't predict," Rossley said. I think I could do it, I'm optimistic. Yesterday, I thought I could go through till 9:00 and I cratered at 6:30. You just have to take it a day at a time and see how strong you are."
Rossley also invoked the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy, referring to the team's success on offense against Detroit.
"I think there's some momentum built and probably it's best that we continue with what's working," he said. "Not that I can't do a good job - I feel like I can, but we talked about it and probably at least through the bye week he's going to call the plays and I'm going to do everything I can to help him.
"I want to do what's best for the team to win. For whatever reason, if you feel like something has given us a spark - whether it's the juice on the sideline or whatever it happens to be - if there's a spark, the last thing I want to do is put the spark out. I want to do what's best for us to win and I think I can help us from the press box, whether it's calling the play or assisting with the call of the play."
Rossley will continue to have large role in the product you'll see on the field Sunday afternoon. The coordinator returned to running the offensive meetings Wednesday, where the first phase of the offensive game plan was installed.
He and Sherman will continue their long-standing practice of collaborating on the game management Saturday night prior to the Sunday contest.
"We'll put together a lot of our thoughts the night before like we always do, and as the game progresses, it's really keeping up with tendencies and helping him whenever I can," said Rossley.
"I don't know just how strong I'll be through the game and the excitement of it, but I think I can handle it. I'll be there for whatever Mike needs."
