Frustrated Packers’ Matt LaFleur Takes Blame for Week 9 Loss
It was late in the third quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay and as frustrating as the game against the Panthers in Week 9 had been up to that point, it looked as though the Packers offense was on a path to set things right. The team followed a Panthers scoring drive (putting GB behind, 13-6) with a methodical 13-play effort into the fourth quarter, getting the ball down to the Carolina 8-yard line with a third-and-3 play.
The Panthers blew up that effort, sending Emanuel Wilson back five yards to make it fourth-and-8. Rather than try for a field goal, though, coach Matt LaFleur gambled that his team would convert from the 13-yard line. But the fourth-down play went for an incompletion from Jordan Love to Romeo Doubs and the drive was over, with no points scored.
Given the final tally–the Panthers won, 16-13, on a last-second field goal–LaFleur had plenty to lament in his postgame meeting with the media. But that play call was chief among his woes.
Packers’ LaFleur: ‘It Was a Bad Play Call’
And LaFleur took responsibility.
“It was a bad play call,” he said. “We ran the same play the play before, we went to Rome on the back side and I saw one guy out there, it was (Tre’von), Moehrig and give credit to him, he blew up the play and we loss four yards on the play. So third-and-four went to fourth-and-(eight).”
Packers kicker Brandon McManus had missed a kick earlier in the game, and perhaps gave LaFleur cold feet about calling for another kick into the wind on a blustery day. But either way, the result was nil–the Packers had one of their five trips into the red zone, a healthy number for the offense.
But the fact that only one of those red-zone trips yielded a touchdown was decidedly unhealthy.
“Hindsight is 20-20,” he said. “I wish we had taken the points there. Yeah, bad decision.”
Mistakes Ruled to Day
LaFleur was clearly frustrated in his postgame meeting with the media, both with himself and with the many mistakes his team made on the afternoon. There was a fumble in the red zone on the opening drive by rookie Savion Williams, as well as an ill-advised interception by Love when he tried to force a throw into coverage in the third quarter.
There were also seven penalties whistled on the Packers.
(Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers.
Packers Will Re-Evaluate Game Plan
Most of all, though, there was the game plan, which is still too reliant on big-play gambles and too uncomfortable playing for short chunks when that’s what the defense offers. That’s something that LaFleur said he will have to take a hard look at when it comes to play-calling.
“We thrive on some explosive plays, and when you’re not getting them, you have to move the ball down the field consistently—we had penalties, we obviously had a fumble on the first drive,” he said.
“We had three possessions in the first half, we had a nine-play drive, a nine-play drive and a 10-play drive. And we had six points. It’s gonna be tough if we can’t figure (expletive) out and score in the red area. It’s tough to win football games like that.”
You Won’t Believe What Devin Neal Just Did for the Saints – A Bold Move That Could Lead Them to Glory!
In an unprecedented move that could send shockwaves through the NFL, New Orleans
Is this a PR stunt, or is Devin Neal the selfless hero the Saints need to seal their championship fate? According to sources close to the team, Neal's offer is genuine — and management has been blown away by his commitment to winning.
"I cannot play right now, but I can still fight for the team in another way," Neal said, leaving fans speechless. "If reducing my salary helps us add players and get closer to the Lombardi Trophy, I am ready to do it. I love the
But the question remains: Will other NFL stars follow Neal's lead? Can a pay cut actually be the secret weapon the
Sources reveal that Saints management is seriously considering his offer, and fans are already going wild. Could this be the ultimate act of leadership, or is it a desperation move from a team desperate to get over the hump?
With his reputation as one of the league’s most dedicated players, Devin Neal’s offer could be the spark that ignites the Saints’ journey to the promised land. Will his gamble pay off, or will it all blow up in the
Stay tuned as we continue to track Neal’s incredible gesture, and find out whether other stars will join the
