Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is urging his team to move forward after a season that surpassed expectations, emphasizing the need to build upon their achievements rather than rest on them. Despite their youth and a challenging 1-5 start, the Packers secured the NFC’s No. 7 seed, winning a playoff game and demonstrating resilience in the divisional round against the San Francisco 49ers.
LaFleur cautioned the team against assuming success in the future, urging players to return in April better than when they left. The Packers, particularly with young quarterback Jordan Love stepping in for Aaron Rodgers, traded to the New York Jets, believe they are positioned for sustained contention. However, LaFleur is emphasizing the challenge of managing heightened expectations and the necessity of continuous improvement.
The team’s youth was a notable aspect, as they became the youngest team to win a playoff game since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Overcoming a 1-5 start, the Packers secured a playoff spot and impressed with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
With Jordan Love proving himself as a worthy successor to Aaron Rodgers, who was traded in April, the team is optimistic about its future. However, defensive lineman Kenny Clark stressed the importance of remaining grounded despite potential praise, emphasizing the team’s humble beginnings as a seventh seed.
LaFleur’s approach to staff adjustments was less definitive compared to the previous year, indicating a need to assess each assistant coach individually before making decisions. The status of defensive coordinator Joe Barry has been a subject of speculation, and LaFleur expressed hope for the return of quarterbacks coach Tom Clements while remaining open to various possibilities, including play-calling responsibilities.
The article delves into Jordan Love’s performance during the playoffs, acknowledging both his impressive touchdown passes and the learning curve revealed in the loss to the 49ers. LaFleur expresses confidence that Love’s experience will contribute to his long-term development, emphasizing the need to avoid forcing plays and making better decisions under pressure.
Kicker Anders Carlson’s struggles during the season, culminating in a missed field goal in a crucial moment, led LaFleur to express a desire for competition at every position, including kicker. However, LaFleur expressed regret over a comment he made about praying when Carlson goes on the field, clarifying it as a joke and expressing disappointment in how it was portrayed.
The future of star left tackle David Bakhtiari, who played in just one game this season due to injuries, is a significant offseason decision for the Packers. The team had success with first-year starters at offensive tackle, but the article highlights the uncertainty surrounding pending free agents like Jon Runyan Jr. and AJ Dillon.
The receiving corps, comprised mostly of rookies and second-year players, has shown promise, but injuries, particularly to top deep threat Christian Watson, have been a challenge. Watson emphasizes the importance of maintaining availability to contribute consistently to the team.
In conclusion, the Packers face the dual challenges of managing heightened expectations and addressing offseason decisions to ensure sustained success after an unexpected playoff run.
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