Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur held a season-ending press conference on Wednesday morning at Lambeau Field.
Here are some highlights from the 30-minute session:
– LaFleur said he is still “working through” evaluations on everything, including the coaching staff. He punted on endorsing Mike Pettine as his defensive coordinator in 2020.
– He expressed disappointment in the level of energy and effort against the 49ers.
– LaFleur confirmed he’ll have a conversation with team president Mark Murphy about any upcoming decisions or potential changes.
– Toughest part of being a head coach? LaFleur said leading and installing the offense while also managing the other two phases of the team.
– Goal of the offense this offseason is to be more efficient. He pointed specifically to third down, which “wasn’t up to the standard” in 2019.
– LaFleur likes the talent level of the team. “I do think we have a really talented roster, I do. I think Gutey has done an incredible job of providing us with great players and great people.”
– Building a scheme on offense is about “catering” to players.
– LaFleur wants to put in more up-tempo offense this offseason. They didn’t get to it much in 2019.
– LaFleur is excited about being in the same place for a second year, which hasn’t happened for him since 2015-16 in Atlanta. He’s been a first-time coach in different places the last three years. It will provide an opportunity to self-scout and scout the rest of the league for good ideas.
– LaFleur said outside linebacker Rashan Gary is not expected to need surgery on his shoulder.
– Why didn’t Gary see more of the field? There were two good players ahead of him, and he has specific areas where he needs to improve. The Packers plan to keep him at outside linebacker, with the flexibility to move inside and rush inside.
– Growth areas for Aaron Rodgers? LaFleur pointed to more comfort in the uncomfortable areas of the scheme. “I’m excited, getting another offseason with him,” LaFleur said. “I think everybody has a much better understanding of what we’re trying to do and why we’re trying to do it.”
– More LaFleur on Rodgers: “He’s still one of the most talented players out there. He seemed energized all season long, his mind is as sharp as they come.”
– LaFleur wasn’t happy with the energy, urgency, toughness and effort on defense against the 49ers.
– “They definitely out-coached us,” LaFleur said. “It’s disappointing because we knew exactly what they were going to do. We knew they were going to run the football.”
– How doesn’t the effort show up in a title game? “That’s a great question. That’s something I’m still trying to figure out. I don’t understand that. You’re there. You have an opportunity to play in a Super Bowl. For that to happen, it’s bothersome. We have to look at ourselves, everybody. Why weren’t our players playing with their hair on fire?”
– LaFleur on the offense: “There’s more out there for us.”
– On taking up the whole play clock: Offense has to be varied. Don’t want defenses teeing off in the pass-rush. A little more tempo could help keep defenses off balance.
– “A lot of luck” went into Packers staying so healthy in 2019.
– LaFleur is open to the idea of adding or drafting a quarterback. “You can never have enough great quarterbacks. If you get a feeling about somebody, yeah, sure, you should take a shot.”
– LaFleur wasn’t 100 percent sure, but he doesn’t think Adrian Amos, who hurt his pectoral muscle in San Francisco, will require surgery.