2024 Weekly Report Card: Matt LaFleur

[OldSchool101]

One of the things that helped the Packers win the last 2 weeks was sticking to the gameplan by persisting with the run game. I felt like ML was nervous and that transferred to the team. He wasn't confident and neither was the team. Love seemed more relaxed or confident in the 2nd half and began to trust his knee more. But the whole team seemed off from the get-go.

I think our strength is in our Run game and it’s what opens our passing game. We got down so quickly that we had to get away from what has helped us play winning football the last 2 contests. We were the #1 Rushing Offense going into Week 4 and we didn’t Rush for 100 yards Sunday. We all but abandoned our strength but we didn’t need to once it was 7-28 at the half. Even a long 6 minute drive ending in points to start quarter #3 and it’s 10-28 or 14-28; plus 1 1/2 quarters of ball.
The only way we were going to get out of our strength was to fall behind 3+ scored very early on. That’s EXACTLY what happened. I’d argue if you even hit both FG tried we’re talking 6-21. That’s not enough to abandon the Run. Then 13-28 halftime. Same thing we could’ve played ball control. It was a weird game nothing went right for near 2 quarters until the Punt Muff

 

[PikeBadger]

I can't give LaFleur anything better than a C+. We got boat raced in the 1st half and once again imo, LaFleur went too far away from the run game, especially in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. I will say, his players execution on both sides of the ball was generally putrid however which put him in a bad spot. Getting down 14-0 so quickly and easily is a good reason to slow the game down with a gimpy QB. LaFleur needs Clements or one of his coaches to settle him and slow him down when things aren't going well.

 

[XPack]

Week 5 - Packers vs Rams

Another scratchy outing for MLF despite the win. Had Rams not been this injured, it would have been a L surely.

The gameplan for Love still seems to not have settled in. The initial big play to Reed has all the wow factors, but in reality it was a throw made to a receiver under triple coverage. There really was no necessity to make such a high risk throw that early in the game. Very nearly could have been an INT. Maybe it was bad decision making from Love, but he still doesn't come across being commanding.

The pass/run ratio is still off. Lots of situations where we should have used the run game more effectively were not.

Somehow he always fluffs out the time killing drives at the end. I have seen it in multiple games now where we can't sustain drive to maintain a lead and end the game comfortably. Always quick to give the ball back and hope for a big defensive play to hang on.

He also needs to have a chat with Halfley. That D needs some serious tweaking. Gary has been a non-factor till now. Passive to start and all aggressive in phases with no continuity. The linebacker support to cover for the passer rush also needs work.

We nearly have all the pieces, but they just aren't coming in together. Maybe we should just go back to basics and treat Love as we did 2nd half of last season rather than a superstar QB already. Keep the hero throws to a minimum and get the chains moving consistently.

Rating: B-

 

[Magooch]

Yeah, I dunno. In what has become a bit of a recurring theme...I'm yet again left feeling like we continue to come into games a bit under-prepared and out-planned. Credit to LaFleur in that he DOES usually seem to adjust well and strengthen things up as the game wears on, but it sure would be nice to be a strong-starting team and feel like WE were the ones better-prepared and outcoaching our opponent to start the game.

Love definitely looked healthier than last week but I still feel like he doesn't quite look totally 100%. And it feels like MLF has been scheming/game planning as though he's got a 100% Love who's in his late-2023 form and that just hasn't been the case.

We are still rather undisciplined when it comes to penalties as well.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

Week 5 - Packers vs Rams

Another scratchy outing for MLF despite the win. Had Rams not been this injured, it would have been a L surely.

The gameplan for Love still seems to not have settled in. The initial big play to Reed has all the wow factors, but in reality it was a throw made to a receiver under triple coverage. There really was no necessity to make such a high risk throw that early in the game. Very nearly could have been an INT. Maybe it was bad decision making from Love, but he still doesn't come across being commanding.

The pass/run ratio is still off. Lots of situations where we should have used the run game more effectively were not.

Somehow he always fluffs out the time killing drives at the end. I have seen it in multiple games now where we can't sustain drive to maintain a lead and end the game comfortably. Always quick to give the ball back and hope for a big defensive play to hang on.

He also needs to have a chat with Halfley. That D needs some serious tweaking. Gary has been a non-factor till now. Passive to start and all aggressive in phases with no continuity. The linebacker support to cover for the passer rush also needs work.

We nearly have all the pieces, but they just aren't coming in together. Maybe we should just go back to basics and treat Love as we did 2nd half of last season rather than a superstar QB already. Keep the hero throws to a minimum and get the chains moving consistently.

Rating: B-

It's still surprising to me that ML and offensive coaches can game plan beautiful games for Willis but can't do the same for Love. Is it because they still don't know what he can and can't do?

 

[AmishMafia]

I noticed plays with a WR open that Love does not see. The big one to Reed he had a guy wide open for an easy 15 yard pass. A much better option than deep tight double coverage.

Love isn't playing as well as he should. The OLine is not where it should be. It looks similar to last season early. Maybe such a precisely timed offense just need more reps for everyone to get on the same page.

I'm not worried, I think they will come around.

 

[sschind]

Week 5 - Packers vs Rams



Somehow he always fluffs out the time killing drives at the end. I have seen it in multiple games now where we can't sustain drive to maintain a lead and end the game comfortably. Always quick to give the ball back and hope for a big defensive play to hang on.

What's funny to me is if we get the ball with 2:00 minutes left needing a score to win I'm fairly confident we can get it done. If we get it with 2:00 left and need to run out the clock for a win I'm not nearly as confident.

I noticed plays with a WR open that Love does not see. The big one to Reed he had a guy wide open for an easy 15 yard pass. A much better option than deep tight double coverage.

I don't think we have ever had another QB where this was a complaint have we?

 

[Krabs]

It's hard to give anything lower than a B+. I'd even say an A- might be in order. They bottled up Murray and didn't let him beat them with his legs. He's a solid passer, but is more dangerous when escaping the pocket and making off script plays. He was never comfortable but one drive yesterday.

Offensively, they kept the Cards on their heels all afternoon. They really couldn't stop them. The only really bad play was the interception and Melton slipped on the play. Probably would have been a completion. The Doubs play was a back breaker for the Cards. It was interesting how Johnston praised the CB from the Cards and gave no love to Doubs on the play. That CB ran himself right out of the play. He never located the ball. All besides the point.

B+ outing.

 

[Magooch]

I'm really very happy with that one. Honestly one of the most complete games out of us I can remember in a long time, right up there with that demolition of Dallas.*

Probably the only thing I could complain about is that McBride pretty much had his way....but if keeping their QB from rushing for anything and pretty much shutting down the rest of their receiving options comes at the expense of a decent game from their TE, that's a trade-off I'm happy to make.

Just played four really good quarters. Feels like a lot of the times we come out flat and have to play a great second half or come out hot and try and give it away late. And I was glad to see there was little-to-no "let-off". Seems like we often are lacking for killer instinct. I can't ask much more out of the coach than what he gave us yesterday. A for me.



*But perhaps that one has also lost a bit of its shine as it appears just about anyone can walk into Jerryworld and hang 40 on them

 

[PikeBadger]

LaFleur gets an A+ from me. Brilliant job of coaching imo. They successfully got Doubs back on track and involved and first half play calling was exceptional. Used all weapons to all parts of the field. Totally outclassed the Arizona staff. I cannot bring it upon myself to expect a better job done by him the past week, even though I complained twice yesterday about not rushing the ball on two different series.

 

[Magooch]

They successfully got Doubs back on track and involved

Yep I think this is a part that he deserves a lot of credit for, too, even though it will probably be a little under-the-radar. It would've been easy to put him in the doghouse, take time to ramp back up to full speed, or just give a reduced role or something. But nope. Immediate contributor! I know he didn't have a ton of targets/recs, but if I read correctly he ran the most routes in the game. That's a great way to show support and to show that you're only looking to move forward together.

And really that's a shout out to all the guys as a whole. Loved seeing the rest of the squad surround and lift him up...and I can't help but smile at how Love was treating him in particular. I know it was only a one-game suspension, but I have to think in previous years we had guys with "trust issues" who really would've made him earn their trust back, so to speak. (Not giving any names in particular... )
With Love on the other hand, I didn't get any sense of that at all. In fact one could argue it was the opposite and that there were a few occasions where perhaps Love trusted Doubs a bit TOO much and just kinda chucked it up like "Eh, Romeo's gonna come down with it..."

 

[PikeBadger]

Yep I think this is a part that he deserves a lot of credit for, too, even though it will probably be a little under-the-radar. It would've been easy to put him in the doghouse, take time to ramp back up to full speed, or just give a reduced role or something. But nope. Immediate contributor! I know he didn't have a ton of targets/recs, but if I read correctly he ran the most routes in the game. That's a great way to show support and to show that you're only looking to move forward together.

And really that's a shout out to all the guys as a whole. Loved seeing the rest of the squad surround and lift him up...and I can't help but smile at how Love was treating him in particular. I know it was only a one-game suspension, but I have to think in previous years we had guys with "trust issues" who really would've made him earn their trust back, so to speak. (Not giving any names in particular... )
With Love on the other hand, I didn't get any sense of that at all. In fact one could argue it was the opposite and that there were a few occasions where perhaps Love trusted Doubs a bit TOO much and just kinda chucked it up like "Eh, Romeo's gonna come down with it..."

Looks to me that Doubs is the guy he trusts to win one on one battles for the ball against DB's. Doubs footwork and body positioning on plays like that is astounding

 

[tynimiller]

Looks to me that Doubs is the guy he trusts to win one on one battles for the ball against DB's. Doubs footwork and body positioning on plays like that is astounding

Doubs body control is elite level. He may not be elite in many categories (very good, great, solid..) but dangit that man's body control once ball is in the air reminds me so much of the greats like Calvin, Larry and Carter.

 

[PikeBadger]

Doubs body control is elite level. He may not be elite in many categories (very good, great, solid..) but dangit that man's body control once ball is in the air reminds me so much of the greats like Calvin, Larry and Carter.

He's one of those guys who just works at his craft more than his peers. Great job of identifying these characteristics by Packer scouts.

 

[XPack]

*But perhaps that one has also lost a bit of its shine as it appears just about anyone can walk into Jerryworld and hang 40 on them

Ours was special. It was playoffs. Girls had a home winning season and some streak going on. Fans were at all time high in optimism.....and we popped their bubble with a QB on his first full season. That was delicious.

I was feeling bad at work a couple of days before and watching the game and the post game meltdown by Skip Bayliss.... man it'd cheer anyone (other than cowboy fan) up

 

[XPack]

Sorry been out for last week so had to skip. Back on again.

Week 8: vs Jaguars

Another scratchy outing that we barely scraped through. Nothing clicked offensively against a awful Jags team that ranks 2nd worse in Points Allowed in all NFL. We made it look far more competitive than it actually should have been.

Love's gun-slinging is now a cause for mild concern. Fond memories of Farve but far cry from the peak 2nd half last season version, which was far more solid. Read somewhere that the race between Love and McKinney over INT looks interesting.

Bonus points needs to be given for game management with Willis though. Solid and didn't let it derail the game.

Defence is close but no biscuit. Edge rush needs to improve as is run defense. Great in turnovers, but requires some slight tweaks before it gets from good to great.

I'd have given him about B-, but what we did with Malik upgrades this week to B+.

 

[milani]

I think our strength is in our Run game and it’s what opens our passing game. We got down so quickly that we had to get away from what has helped us play winning football the last 2 contests. We were the #1 Rushing Offense going into Week 4 and we didn’t Rush for 100 yards Sunday. We all but abandoned our strength but we didn’t need to once it was 7-28 at the half. Even a long 6 minute drive ending in points to start quarter #3 and it’s 10-28 or 14-28; plus 1 1/2 quarters of ball.
The only way we were going to get out of our strength was to fall behind 3+ scored very early on. That’s EXACTLY what happened. I’d argue if you even hit both FG tried we’re talking 6-21. That’s not enough to abandon the Run. Then 13-28 halftime. Same thing we could’ve played ball control. It was a weird game nothing went right for near 2 quarters until the Punt Muff

We have to reduce those penalties on the offense. We did better yesterday after the first quarter. Playing behind the sticks can take us out of the running game.

 

[Magooch]

Well, forgive me for sounding like a broken record... but again I come away feeling like we're just generally a little undisciplined, unprepared, just often aren't looking like a particularly "well-tuned" machine. I give a lot of credit for LaFleur's handling of Willis - that's definitely a bright spot on his record right now.

Overall it's feeling more and more like we're a team that has a tendency to play both up AND down to the level of its competition, for better or worse. When we are locked-in and "on" we can hang with and even beat anyone in this league, IMO. At the same time....when we're "off" we can struggle to beat even the absolute dregs of the league. It would not be surprising at all to see us struggle and have to rely on a game-winning field goal to beat the Jaguars...and then turn around and play the Lions close next week or even win. Feels like we can hang with anyone...but also anyone can hang with us.

 

[Magooch]

One other thing I'd add: it's odd to me how long Love was allowed to continue to play for. He was pretty clearly not at 100% for most of the game and was visibly hampered long before he actually left. I'm not sure why we kept him out there for so long, especially knowing how Willis has been really solid for us.

 

[milani]

Well, forgive me for sounding like a broken record... but again I come away feeling like we're just generally a little undisciplined, unprepared, just often aren't looking like a particularly "well-tuned" machine. I give a lot of credit for LaFleur's handling of Willis - that's definitely a bright spot on his record right now.

Overall it's feeling more and more like we're a team that has a tendency to play both up AND down to the level of its competition, for better or worse. When we are locked-in and "on" we can hang with and even beat anyone in this league, IMO. At the same time....when we're "off" we can struggle to beat even the absolute dregs of the league. It would not be surprising at all to see us struggle and have to rely on a game-winning field goal to beat the Jaguars...and then turn around and play the Lions close next week or even win. Feels like we can hang with anyone...but also anyone can hang with us.

It us very difficult to hang in with the Lions. The one way to do it is to get a few timely turnovers like we did against them last Thanksgiving. But we must take advantage of them. Because of their OL and speed they beat you with crossing patterns. They can run up the middle or around the boundary. The Vikings hung with them because of a late turnover. Try and get them in 2nd or 3rd so Goff will throw and maybe we get to him or he throws a pick. And assume nothing on 4th down with Detroit. Tampa beat them and surprisingly with defense. The Rams had them beat but lost the toss in OT after their D was so worn down by the Lions line.

 

[Magooch]

Well, let’s see.

Outplayed on offense
Outplayed on defense
Outplayed on special teams
Less disciplined and less prepared than the opponent
A ten point loss that felt like it could’ve/should’ve been thirty

If a few weeks ago vs Arizona was some of the best from LaFleur, today was some of the worst.

I guess I could call it a “D” if I’m being generous but from a coaching perspective I imagine that’s as close to an “F” as we’ll see. The comparison to Campbell’s team - specifically when it comes to preparation, discipline, and execution - couldn’t be more jarring.

 

[gopkrs]

When we had that 4th and 1 and it was our last slim chance to get back in the game. I said to myself don't run it. We can't run for short yardage with consistency when the other team knows it's coming. Leaving Wicks in the game when you have guy on the bench that catches everything is a coaching mistake. Otherwise I don't know what LaFleur could have done. Maybe played Monk? I don't blame anyone but Love for that pitiful interception. I'm glad LaFleur tried to get something at the end of the half. You can't play ***** football and expect to win

 

[milani]

Well, let’s see.

Outplayed on offense
Outplayed on defense
Outplayed on special teams
Less disciplined and less prepared than the opponent
A ten point loss that felt like it could’ve/should’ve been thirty

If a few weeks ago vs Arizona was some of the best from LaFleur, today was some of the worst.

I guess I could call it a “D” if I’m being generous but from a coaching perspective I imagine that’s as close to an “F” as we’ll see. The comparison to Campbell’s team - specifically when it comes to preparation, discipline, and execution - couldn’t be more jarring.

And as I said before, we were the indoor team. We would not likely have won in good weather but we botched snaps, dropped passes, and committed penalties you make on the road. We often say he played too conservative. Today you can say he played to liberal.

 

[XPack]

Week 9: vs Lions

Yeah, there's just too many flaws in today's game.

Stupid penalties, Love INT problem, overall lack of preparedness and lack of any tactical intelligence, it was a dumpster fire of a game.

Feels like MLF decided this was a L and didn't put in any effort.

Rating: F

 

[milani]

Week 9: vs Lions

Yeah, there's just too many flaws in today's game.

Stupid penalties, Love INT problem, overall lack of preparedness and lack of any tactical intelligence, it was a dumpster fire of a game.

Feels like MLF decided this was a L and didn't put in any effort.

Rating: F

That is why I thought he should have let Willis get some PT especially at 24-3. Lions are a much better team and force a lot of mistakes but you cannot give so much to a super opponent.