Matt LaFleur reveals what’s driving Packers’ turnaround after first complete performance of the season against the Bears
Green Bay bounced back from a shaky start with a 31-7 win over Chicago, and the head coach explained where the progress starts every day.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has faced plenty of criticism since last season, and much of it was deserved to a certain extent. He went through some low moments, probably the hardest stretch since he took over the Packers in 2019. But his stability is still one of the most important things he brings to the building.
One can argue that LaFleur’s even-keeled approach feels deflating after a loss. Still, it’s refreshing that he carries the same mindset whether Green Bay wins or loses. After a 31-7 blowout win over the Chicago Bears in Week 5, it’s clear the locker room is still listening to him, and the week-to-week improvement has been significant.
A steady climb for Green Bay
The Packers opened the season with a 1-2 record and some truly bad performances, especially in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 4, they didn’t play well either, but found a way to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Against Chicago, Green Bay finally put together a complete game from start to finish.
After the win, LaFleur stressed the importance of keeping the same approach and continuing to evolve. More challenges are ahead, and the next one is a Week 6 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football.”
“You just have to keep your head down and keep swinging,” LaFleur said. “That’s exactly what we’re going to do. You can’t allow the outside noise to mess with your brain or your head. You just keep trying to do right by your team and the guys and take it one day at a time. We’re always going to be where our feet are and try to put our best effort in each and every day.”
Instead of taking credit for the win, the Packers head coach also praised his players for how they have handled the start of the regular season.
“What I’m so proud of is watching these guys because it’s been a little rocky early in the season and we haven’t played a complete football game until [Sunday],” LaFleur added. “But our guys approach it the right way. They come into the building with great energy. That’s where it starts every day. You have to come in with the right mindset and great energy that’s contagious for everybody. It gets you excited about going to work. The work we do isn’t always easy, but you have to put the work in. It’s no surprise to me that we’re showing some improvement, and I still think we have a ways to go.”
Light at the end of the tunnel
It wasn’t necessarily a surprise to see Green Bay respond this way. Losing two of the first three games was a deflating start. Now, though, the Packers can see the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the improvements on offense, particularly along the offensive line.
The roster has taken some hits. Green Bay suffered tough season-ending injuries to right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele, wide receiver Jayden Reed, and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave could probably be added to that list as well.
On the other hand, help is on the way. The Packers also have important players coming back from injury over the next few weeks, including edge defender Micah Parsons and wide receiver Savion Williams. Those returns would give the team a significant boost on both sides of the ball.
For now, the Cowboys game in Week 6 will be the next test of whether that steady approach can hold up on a bigger stage.
