Comment from Matt LaFleur will likely anger Packers fans
Green Bay Packers fans likely won't be thrilled with the latest comment from head coach Matt LaFleur. After losing 27-10 to the New York Jets on Sunday, LaFleur was asked about Green Bay's defense. LaFleur point-blank said he only expects a defense to "hold on for so long". He then said the Packers need to […]
Green Bay Packers fans likely won't be thrilled with the latest comment from head coach Matt LaFleur.
After losing 27-10 to the New York Jets on Sunday, LaFleur was asked about Green Bay's defense.
LaFleur point-blank said he only expects a defense to "hold on for so long". He then said the Packers need to do more offensively to win games.
LaFleur is correct that the offense needs to do more — it's been dreadful so far this season (three games with 14 points or less).
But this is a terrible attitude to have toward the offense.
There's no doubt that the NFL caters to offenses. But defense still wins games. And LaFleur should hold his defense to a championship standard, not a "well that's good enough" standard.
Everything in the NFL has to be done at an elite level. A three-and-out late in the fourth quarter is where tough games are won. Suggesting that an offense is eventually going to hit a big play so the offense should just play better is one of the worst approaches an NFL coach could have.
Not only does it downplay the importance of the defensive unit, but it puts more pressure on the offense. Green Bay's offense knows after hearing LaFleur's comments that it's on them and not the defense. They know they're going to get the blame for the loss.
LaFleur has done a great job so far with the Packers. But he's barely keeping his head above water this season. He seems lost. And comments like this one about the defense won't give Packers fans much confidence that things are going to change anytime soon this season.
Featured image via MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL / USA TODAY NETWORK
