The Green Bay Packers are still in contention for a postseason place, but they must address a number of issues in order to remain competitive. One of those difficulties, as head coach Matt LaFleur pointed out, is their lack of communication on defense.
The Packers were defeated 30-24 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday due to a variety of communication breakdowns. During Mike Evans’ touchdown catch in the second quarter, cornerback Eric Stokes signaled for safety help from Rudy Ford, but Ford didn’t notice him and was focused on wideout Trey Palmer.
There were a handful of similar mistakes where the Packers’ defenders’ communication was simply awry, and LaFleur is fully aware of them.
“It happens when people don’t talk and set the front a certain way or make sure the safety rotation is done correctly so your backers aren’t bossed over one way and you’re rolling that way.” It’s just that there were far too many examples of it,” Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy told The Athletic.
With the problem persisting, Matt LaFleur indicated that he is now aiming to be more proactive in order to promote communication among his players. Finally, if they want to win, both their attacking and defensive groupings must be on the same page.
“I need to be more present with those guys to ensure we’re all on the same page.” Because, you know, football is, if you don’t have all 11 on the same page — obviously, it starts with our staff making sure all our coaches are on the same page — but if you don’t have all 11 on the same page, it only takes one guy and then everything goes to crap after that and you get exposed,” LaFleur added.
With only three games remaining in the season, the Packers must overcome their communication concerns as quickly as possible. They can no longer afford to lose at 6-8 if they want to keep their postseason aspirations alive.
They certainly don’t want their campaign to fail due to clumsy errors caused by a lack of communication.
Matt LaFleur’s Green Bay Packers Facing Tough Road Ahead
The last three games of the 2023 season will definitely be a significant test for the Green Bay Packers. After all, two teams that they will be facing are also fighting for a postseason position.
Following the Carolina Panthers in Week 16, they will face the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears in Weeks 17 and 18, respectively.
Green Bay, Minnesota, and Chicago are all in the same division. The Vikings are 7-7, while the Bears are 5-8. Having said that, the games they have could be decided by how well they execute.
For the Packers, communication will be crucial. If they continue on the same page as Matt LaFleur, they may be able to climb the standings and earn a wild card position in the playoffs.
Of course, that’s easier said than done, but the Packers have no choice but to be perfect.
