Matt LaFleur Should Be Considered for Coach of the Year
Pro Football Talk called and spoke with LaFleur following the 21-13 victory over the Chicago Bears. LaFleur said, “I have full trust in Aaron. He’s seen enough during his career. I trust he’ll make the right call.” The rookie head coach specifically mentioned their first touchdown in Sunday’s game. They were on the Chicago 29 yard-line on fourth and four, and LaFleur had a play ready to “move the chains.” However, Aaron Rodgers saw much more. Allowing his quarterback to switch up this play led to a touchdown rather than just another set of downs.
In addition to having full confidence in his quarterback, LaFleur has given the Pack’s run game life. His belief in the young backs, Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones, is quite clear. Committing to improving the run has given Rodgers a much needed break. Surely, constantly feeling obligated to pass the ball wasn’t doing him any favors. Beefing up the run game also makes their offense less predictable.
During his Monday press conference, LaFleur admitted the Packers need to learn how to close out games in the fourth quarter. Lately, the team has been letting teams hang around too long and making things too close for comfort. The head coach said, “I think when you have an opportunity to put somebody away, you gotta take advantage of those.” He joked that they made the game against the Bears a little too entertaining. When asked about the issues with third downs, LaFleur agreed there have been far too many three and outs for his offense. This team will have a few kinks to work out before Monday Night Football on December 23rd.
Closing out the Season Strong
With a win on the road against the Minnesota Vikings or the Detroit Lions, Matt LaFleur can be only first-year coach to win the division. Claiming the NFC North would guarantee the home field advantage that the Packers want. LaFleur said, “We want to get as many games as possible in our home stadium. This is a tough place to play when you get late into the season.”
In Episode #492 Packers Unscripted: “Possible prominence,” Mike Spofford and Wes Hodkiewiczdiscussed the importance of winning home field advantage. Lambeau Field is always difficult for visiting teams to play in during the unforgiving winter months. As Hodkiewicz pointed out, the Packers practice in these freezing conditions regularly. Spofford explains that if the Packers win these last two games, they will be the second seed in the NFC. This would give them the highly coveted first-round bye to regroup for postseason football.
The Packers 2019 campaign can arguably be deemed successful already with 11 wins. It’s certainly a welcome improvement from last year’s abysmal 6-9-1 record. LaFleur has Green Bay on the right track again, but he will be an obvious choice for Coach of the Year if they make a deep playoff run.
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