We’re mid way through the season already! The Green Bay Packers are sitting at 6-2 in a stacked NFC North Division. I know, I know, I can’t believe we’re in the timeline where the Lions and Bears are no longer gimme games.
WIth a showdown looming this weekend against an explosive Detroit Lions, I know there’s a lot of fears in the Packerverse.
This week I wanted to take a moment to try and calm those fears with reasons why the Packers are finding ways to win.
1. Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur, A Masterclass
Matt LaFleur has earned his nod into the conversation for coach of the year in 2024. If you want the nail in the coffin on that topic, look no further than Week 2.
With Jordan Love getting hurt in the season opener in Brazil, things seemed pretty bleak. Malik Willis took the helm after 3 weeks in the building, and Matt LaFleur went on to execute a game plan at the highest level. Which he then replicated in Week 3.
Between injuries, drama in the locker room, and what looked to be another year of lackluster kicking, Matt LaFleur has not had it easy. Yet, week over week, while it may not be pretty, he is finding ways to draw up a win.
I may give him crap from time to time about being a bit too emotional, but at times that may be his greatest strength. Much like his well documented & manicured eyebrows, LaFleur is razor sharp and dialed in.
Check out the locker room speech he gave after his masterclass in week 2. It’s clear how much this team believes in their leader.
“It’s never perfect but I think the sky is the limit for this group…“
2. Enter Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley
I don’t think I can give enough praise this season to new Defensive Coordinator, Jeff Hafley. His new aggressive scheming and opportunistic defense current leads the league in takeaways with 19 so far, which is two more than they had in the entire 2023 season.
While there may be times where it’s not the prettiest, and there still seems to be a lack of production from star players like Rashan Gary, this defense is finding ways to give their offense a fighting chance to stay in the game.
3. The Green Bay Packers Are Bought In
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
This team is united and bought in!
I know I know, people will be quick to point to Romeo Doubs here, but I think it’s pretty clear that his issues were personal.
Listen below where he also made it clear that he still feels the team comes first.
Outside of that hiccup this team has shown time and time again through social media and interviews that they are bought in. They seem to have that mentality that I like to reference from Charles Woodson where he said.
“We gotta be one team, one dream one vision.“
It’s a sentiment I try to employ in my own life, and it’s a clear reason why the Packers continue to fight until the final whistle every game.
In the end they find a way to win.
Also, the addition of Brandon McManus who has had back to back game winning field goals hasn’t hurt!
Final Thoughts Ahead of Week 9
This Sunday’s matchup will determine whether MCDC or Matt LaFleur will hold the keys to NFC North kingdom. With uncertainty on Jordan Love’s status, there is NO uncertainty when it comes to the confidence in back up Malik Willis. Hell, I’ve even seen calls around the Twitterverse for the Packers to bench Love even if he’s good to go.
I would say personally that I am not opposed to the idea of letting Jordan heal going into a BYE week. However, I think Matt LaFleur was pretty clear on where he stands. Saying the following in his presser on Monday.
“If he can go, he’ll go. But if we feel like he can’t protect himself, then we certainly wouldn’t put him in that position.“
We’ll see how this gritty team stacks up against a dangerous Lions team. If Hafley can get pressure on Goff and disrupt his pinpoint accuracy, then I think the Packers offense can put up enough points to walk away with a 30-24 victory this Sunday.
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