In a wonderfully entertaining game, the Green Bay Packers beat the Dallas Cowboys 40-40. Following the hard fought contest, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur offered some key takeaways and learning experiences acquired during the battle. That closely fought game highlighted a lot of critical issues, starting with LaFleur’s play calling in key situations. He admitted afterward that he never considered going for it on fourth down from the Cowboys’ 16-yard line. Instead, he opted to end regulation with a 45-yard field goal attempt with seconds remaining.
LaFleur emphasized the importance of reflection following the game, stating that there are “plenty to learn and discuss from the end-of-game and even end-of-half decisions and execution.” His head coach defended his risky approach with pride. He understood how important that was, particularly with the Cowboys set to receive the second half kickoff. This policy has his signature bold move-making approach all over it.
With 28 seconds remaining on the clock, LaFleur called his last timeout, a choice he would soon second-guess. “At that point, I should have just shut it down,” he admitted. But he understands the importance of perfect execution in life-or-death moments. This has been a hard learning lesson for us,” he said. Now that has to be included in the profession and practice week-to-week because in those crucial moments you have to be perfect.
LaFleur was mostly pleased with his team’s offensive tempo throughout the contest. That’s not warp speed, to be honest. He called their go-no-huddle pace “pretty basic.” He compared that to their two-minute drill, which is meant to be more fast-paced and efficient. It’s a terrible appearance, to admit it, he said. “The communication and process have got to be cleaned up because we can’t allow that to ever happen again.”
After the first quarter, LaFleur knew he should have expected a shootout. Had he lost faith in his defense, he might have decided to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Cowboys’ 49-yard line. He learned that in high-pressure situations, trusting his instincts is crucial. This time around, he self-flagellated by conceding that on this particular one, he “violated it.”
Along with breaking down game strategy, LaFleur was able to shed light on some player health and recovery. He said the team was really thinking about opening up Christian Watson’s practice window. They have not yet made a determination. Regarding Watson’s recovery from January ACL surgery, LaFleur expressed optimism: “To date, his rehab has gone as well or better than expected.”
He said he was unsure on the status of two players. Left guard Aaron Banks and right tackle Zach Tom are both unknowns for the Week 6 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. “We’ve got to get these guys their bodies back,” LaFleur remarked, aware of the challenges ahead after their bye week.
LaFleur ended his comments by doubling down on the need to do better, whether it’s players executing better or coaching decisions.
“Where I’ve got to be better is just to tell Jordan [Love], it’s either [open] or throw it away.” – Matt LaFleur
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