Matt LaFleur’s comments unintentionally highlight gap that makes Ben Johnson appear to come up short by comparison
Packers had a much better start this season.
Ben Johnson is unequivocally a great offensive coordinator and playcaller. He did a great job in that area for multiple years on the Detroit Lions, which led him to an opportunity as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. But now, things are different, and an immediate comparison with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur makes it clear.
Earlier in the offseason, Johnson said that quarterback Caleb Williams would have to complete 70% of his training camp passes. Later, the head coach admitted his quarterback wasn’t there.
While it’s valuable to set goals and expectations, an exact number like that for a stat that doesn’t exclusively reflect quarterback play may be dangerous.
Matt LaFleur has a different perspective
Over the past few games, Jordan Love has been extremely efficient and productive. Nonetheless, he has left some big-play opportunities on the field. Asked if there was a completion percentage goal for those explosive plays, LaFleur shared an intriguing perspective that shows his leadership skills, with an offensive mind that leans towards process and not immediate results.
“I think it’s different. I don’t want to say there’s a set standard, like you have to complete X amount of passes,” LaFleur said. “When they’re there, you’d like to capitalize on them. And when they’re not there, then don’t throw them, check it down, do whatever you got to do. So I think he’s done a really nice job.”
High-level play
Among qualifying quarterbacks through two weeks, Jordan Love is third in adjusted EPA/play, fifth in success rate, third in completion percentage over expectation, and first in air yards. It’s clear that he’s played like an elite quarterback.
“When you have a quarterback that you trust, that is going to go and make the right decisions, you tend to call just a little bit more,” LaFleur added. “And then obviously every week is a little bit different of a plan based on coverage, but also when you’re playing a team like Cleveland, who can generate a lot of rush, you got to pick and choose when you want to take those shots.”
So far this season, Green Bay’s offense has been extremely aggressive down the field. Jordan Love leads the NFL in average depth of target (13.1). The difference between him and the second highest (Russell Wilson, 10.8) is bigger than the difference between Wilson and the 16th highest ADoT (Caleb Williams, 8.6).
Love has the talent, but being developed by an offensive mind and a leader like Matt LaFleur makes the process much smoother. And this is a lesson for the divisional rival.
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It’ll be a big challenge on Sunday.
