GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Aaron Rodgers used the same word to defend Mike McCarthy that his coach used last month in response to mounting criticism of the Green Bay Packers quarterback.I think its ridiculous, Rodgers said Wednesday when asked about the scrutiny on McCarthy.At 4-5 and on a three-game losing streak, McCarthy has come under criticism for his failure to get the Packers out of their tailspin in a year when many tabbed them among the Super Bowl favorites.I think people dont understand how difficult it is to win in this league and win consistently, Rodgers said. The success that weve had here, its tough to do. Weve set the standard pretty high.But I wouldnt listen to some of those people out there. I mean, theyre not in this locker room, theyre not in the meeting rooms, theyre not in the practice environments. They dont know whats going on, they dont know the type of work ethic that we have here and that Mike has here.McCarthy reacted strongly on Monday, when he defended his 11-year run as the Packers coach.McCarthy, who has a 108-60-1 record, has led the Packers to the playoffs each of the last seven seasons, including one Super Bowl title. The Patriots are the only other team that also has made the playoffs each of the last seven years.Last month, when Rodgers came under fire for not playing like a two-time NFL MVP, McCarthy said the scrutinys ridiculous.Earlier on Wednesday, Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian said on SportsCenter that McCarthy was doing the best he can with a very, very short deck in terms of players.I dont see any problem with the coaching, Polian said. 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TORONTO -- If there was a built-in disadvantage for Team North America, one of the World Cups Frankenteams, it was that chemistry may not come quickly.And so far, that challenge is most apparent at the top of the Team North America lineup with the players surrounding No. 1 center Connor McDavid.On Friday during practice, Team North America coach Todd McLellan unveiled his newest top line -- McDavid centering Mark Scheifele and No. 1 overall pick Auston Matthews.Three exhibitions, three different top lines. Now a fourth one for the opening of group play on Sunday against Finland.But boy, did McLellan work his hardest to stop this from becoming a thing after practice ended. The comparisons are already being made between McDavid and Sidney Crosby, who? faces his own challenge of finding the right linemates when he competes for Team Canada.McLellan was quick to shoot down any idea that this was an issue at all for his young team.Every time I watch Sidney Crosby, he seems to be getting a Stanley Cup, a gold medal, or a world championship ring, or world junior. So someones been able to find wings for Sidney Crosby, and done a pretty good job, McLellan said. Theres a lot of players who can play with Connor, both here and in Edmonton. He welcomes any kind of linemate or teammate. He feels its his responsibility a lot of times to make them better, and thats just a good sign of leadership. He puts a lot of pressure on himself.It hasnt been a total shuffle of the deck at the top. It does appear that McDavid and Scheifele are becoming a pair and for good reason. Like Crosby, the ideal for McDavid is to have a linemate who thinks the game at his level, who shares his hockey IQ, and Scheifele definitely fits. Hes also a big body who likes to shoot the puck and is comfortable allowing McDavid to be the puck transporter on the line.One of thee constants during Team North Americas camp has been McLellans call for more second and third scoring opportunities through strong efforts near the opposing goalie.dddddddddddd When the staff went back and broke down secondary chances in exhibition game No. 3 against the Czech Republic, Scheifele was one of only four or five players around the crease on a consistent basis. That earns you time with McDavid.So does being one of the best young players in the world, and Auston Matthews has quickly established himself on that level.He entered training camp as a 13th forward and now is playing on the top line, impressing coaches with a willingness to play hard on both sides of the puck, with strength and versatility.Nobodys stock has shot up faster on this roster than Matthews, a kid who nearly didnt make the team.Hes proven over the last few games that hes for real and he can help me play at this level, McDavid said. Im definitely excited about this.The challenge of playing with McDavid is that he can surprise teammates on the ice at times. He thinks the game at such a high level and works best with teammates who instinctively go to the space on the ice McDavid knows will be there.You can watch McDavid enter the zone, draw three defenders to him, delay a moment and then make a perfect pass to a teammate -- and sometimes that teammate isnt ready.Matthews seems to understand this and certainly has the skill level to make it work.Hes a special player so you can do things out there at a certain pace that not [many] people can do, Matthews said. With him, you give him his space, you get open and move the puck well. Hopefully we can definitely take control in the offensive zone and create some opportunities. ' ' '