So Mike McCarthy-Corleone paid a visit to Fredo Crosby yesterday , stating at his press conference, “I’ll just say this, I have all the confidence in the world in Mason Crosby.”

Yeah. So do I. “Winkie” ;)

It’s not a surprise to hear this type of verbal affirmation from the Packers. I mean, what is Mike McCarthy supposed to say? “We’re just gonna start going for it every time because Mason is clearly ‘bleeped’ in the head?” That’s not going to happen, especially considering the position in question, and the lack of viable options at that position.

Kickers are quirky. They’re fragile. And for good reason. If they miss, it’s rarely a “no problem” scenario. And when a miss occurs, they might not get a chance to redeem themselves for another week. The opportunity to get back out there and right a prior wrong simply isn’t there for kickers.

Lonesome kicker

J | MySpace Video

So protecting Mason Crosby is a foregone conclusion.

Then consider the pool of talent from which Ted Thompson could pluck a leg, and shielding ours from the slings and arrows of malcontent is even more critical.

Mike’s doing the right thing here. He will protect his player in the public, and deal with the doubt in private. But let’s not kid ourselves. There is doubt.

Take this for what you will: Biren Ealy is now on the waiver wires, opening a roster spot at 1265.

It’s not insane to believe that Ted is simply cutting dead weight, preparing himself in the event that a sudden move would have to be made (at any position). He is, of course, primed at every area to act in the blink of an eye, armed with a list of characters he’d pursue in the event that a dude goes down. Biren Ealy wasn’t doing anything for this team, so perhaps Ted is simply eliminating step one.

But I’m not sure that, in professional athletics, such a thing as pure coincidence exists.