Green Bay Packers: The Case For Matt LaFleur Following Week 17 Loss To Vikings
The Green Bay Packers could not improve the seeding in the NFL Playoffs and lost to the Minnesota Vikings by the score of 27-25 on Sunday afternoon.
As was the case in each of their losses this year, Green Bay’s offense got off to a slow start, partially due to a turnover (Josh Jacobs fumble), but also because they failed to make a proper game plan for the start of the contest.
During his postgame press conference, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur admitted that the Vikings played more man coverage on defense, something that he was not expecting as they primarily play a heavy zone. He also took blame for not adjusting to their coverages quickly enough.
Indeed, Jordan Love and the rest of Green Bay’s offense did not start seeing success on the field until late in the fourth quarter, when it was too late. The loss was frustrating, so much so that many fans want LaFleur fired when the season does end.
Green Bay Packers Fans Want Matt LaFleur Fired Following Loss to the Minnesota Vikings
There is no question that Packers fans are among the most passionate and loyal fans in all of sports. However, that passion can oftentimes lead to unfortunate attacks on players and coaches. Such was the case following the loss to Minnesota, with many fans calling for the Packers to fire LaFleur:
Even former Packers offensive lineman Mark Tauscher had some criticism for LaFleur after the game (even though he did not say that Green Bay should fire him).
It was a frustrating loss, and LaFleur could have done a better job. No question about it. But firing him would be a mistake.
The Case for the Green Bay Packers to Keep Matt LaFleur
Many fans seem to forget the state of the Packers in 2018. They finished that season 6-9-1 and fired Mike McCarthy after their 4-7-1 start. Former quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed just 62.3% of his passes for 4,442 yards, 25 touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 97.4.
Many also forget that, the year before, Green Bay was just 7-9.
But with the arrival of LaFleur in 2019, the Packers returned to their winning ways. In his very first season, he led them to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.
They won 13 games in each of the next two seasons as well, Rodgers won two MVP Awards, and Green Bay consistently had one of the most feared offenses in the NFL.
After struggling in 2022 with an aging and injured Rodgers, LaFleur and the Packers returned to the postseason in 2023 with a 9-8 record, and have done so again this year at 11-5.
In other words, the Packers have made the NFL Playoffs in five of six seasons under LaFleur, and they are the only team in the NFC that can make that claim.
Of course, LaFleur is not perfect. But he has helped create a winning and team-first culture in the locker room. Furthermore, one needs only look at how well Rodgers played after assimilating to LaFleur’s offense compared to how he was played since leaving it. Sure, his age has a great deal to do with his decline. But it would be foolish to say that the Packers head coach and his scheme did not play a large role in Rodgers’ career renaissance.
Finally, LaFleur has made the NFL Playoffs in each of the past two seasons with the youngest roster in the NFL. They make mistakes that young football players make because they are a young team. It takes a special coach to elevate them to the level that they are currently playing despite these errors.
He may never win Coach of the Year because of his long run of success, but make no mistake: LaFleur is one of the best coaches in the NFL. Only two coaches in the history of the league have won more games than him in their first 100 games coached.
Green Bay is fortunate to have him.
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