Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers missed the playoffs at the end of what was a brutal 2022 NFL season. It was a roller-coaster of a season, but all-in-all it was a complete failure. Losing to the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field while playing for a chance to get into the playoffs summed up the entire year.
From Aaron Rodgers breaking his thumb, to the wide receiver injuries, to the disappointing defense, the franchise will need to make some major changes this offseason.
One of those massive changes could end up being a trade of the Packers’ long-time superstar quarterback. There have been rumors running rampant about the franchise moving on from Rodgers. Jordan Love would take over under center, but only time will tell if those rumors become a reality.
Outside of that question, the Packers have to improve all-around. The roster needs changes and the coaching staff needs to be much better. That all starts with Matt LaFleur.
Matt LaFleur Is Facing A Make Or Break Season In 2023
Quite simply, LaFleur has been downright awful in big games. Whether that be in the playoffs or in a situation like the Lions’ game, he has not coached well. The moment simply seems to have been too big for him.
Perhaps the most concerning part of the 2022 season was the lack of preparation on the mental side of the game. That comes directly back to coaching. Too many times, the Packers were flagged for boneheaded plays that changed the course of a game.
Looking at just the Week 18 loss to the Lions, there were two penalties that were not characteristic of a Packers’ football team. The first was Rasul Douglas’ penalty on a field goal at the end of the first half. Secondly, Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt both got physical with a member of the Lions’ training staff trying to tend to an injured player.
Those are things that a head coach has to fix. Granted, the player is responsible for the act, but the coach has to be held accountable as well.
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Since taking over as head coach of the Packers, Matt LaFleur has put together an impressive resume. His regular season coaching record has been fantastic. But, how much of that has been due to the roster he took over?
Coming into a situation with Rodgers and Davante Adams with a ton of other impact stars on the roster was something any new head coach would beg to have. The 2022 season was the first real time that LaFleur hasn’t had a stacked roster. Clearly, that first test was not passed.
This article is not trying to say that the Packers should be considering firing Matt LaFleur right now. However, if the 2023 season continues on the trend that 2022 started, a consideration will have to be made.
All of that being said, every single Packers fan will be hoping and praying that the team can right the ship. LaFleur is a good coach, but it’s time to see whether or not he can be good in the hard times. True leadership will be tested next season and hopefully Matt LaFleur can rise to the occasion.
