Tag: matt lafleur

Bears miss last-second field goal, fall to Packers once again

The Packers continue to rule the Bears

Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers do own the Chicago Bears.

Green Bay’s coach still has not lost to his NFC North opponent.

It was a close call on Sunday when Cairo Santos missed a field goal from 46 yards on the last play of the game and the Packers edged the Bears, 20-19. The kick was deflected by Green Bay’s Karl Brooks.

The Packers had gone ahead on a one-yard run by Jordan Love with 2:59 left. A two-point conversion failed setting the Bears up for a chance to drive for a game-winning field goal.

Green Bay has beaten the Bears 11 straight times.

Robert Saleh is already coaching with Matt LaFleur’s Packers in an ironic slight to Aaron Rodgers

Robert Saleh is really coaching the Packers. Eat your heart out, Aaron Rodgers.

After Robert Saleh was unceremoniously fired by the New York Jets (for doing his job and falling in line at every turn), it would’ve been easy to assume he would take some time off away from professional football coaching. That’s kinda just what happens when you’re exposed to Aaron Rodgers’ ego and (gestures wildly at everything else). You need to let off some steam that Rodgers’ enablers, er … the Jets would never allow you to.

But that’s not the case.

Earlier this week, Saleh officially joined Matt LaFleur’s Green Bay Packers in a “fluid” role on the coaching staff. LaFleur and Saleh are longtime coaching friends who worked their respective ways up through the NFL ranks together.

While the exact parameters of Saleh’s job with the Packers are unclear (along with how long he’ll stay aboard), he will, funnily enough, stay away from the Green Bay defense.

Nonetheless, the irony here after leaving Rodgers is just WONDERFUL.

More from ESPN’s Rob Demovsky:

“Yeah, I think it [having Saleh around] helps,” LaFleur said. “Having a defensive mind talking offense and helping us with things he might be able to see, kind of similar scheme stuff, things the defense might be looking for, it helps.”

He added, “I think he’s got an elite defensive mind. But that’s why I want him on the offensive side, so he can help us attack the defenses.”

LaFleur said Saleh would work the team through Thursday this week and called his role “fluid.” Saleh has been staying at LaFleur’s house this week.

What do you think LaFleur and Saleh have been saying about Rodgers all week? Surely, nothing good or flattering … right? Oh, to be a fly on a wall inside the Packers’ practice facility.

Curse this mortal human vessel, a.k.a. my body.

Robert Saleh to consult for Packers, provide defensive perspective for Matt LaFleur’s offense

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh will consult for the Packers in a “fluid” role that involve providing the defensive perspective for LaFleur’s offense.

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh will consult for the Packers in a “fluid” role that involves providing the defensive perspective for LaFleur’s offense.

Saleh was at Packers practice on Wednesday as LaFleur’s team began on-field preparations for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Thought it was a good idea to bring him here. He’s helping us on the offensive side of the ball,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “I think that’s always a good deal to have that defensive perspective on that side of the ball. Just taking a look at some of the things we’re doing.

LaFleur said Saleh, who was fired by the Jets two weeks ago, will be in Green Bay through Thursday before returning home Friday.

The Packers used former NFL defensive back Aubrey Pleasant in a similar style of consulting role for the offense during the 2022 season.

LaFleur called Saleh an “elite defensive mind” who can help the Packers “attack defenses.”

“It’s a good opportunity for him to learn and also for him to help us and give us perspective on how teams might see us, might defend us,” LaFleur said. “Certainly, can find holes or vulnerabilities in the defense that we’re playing. That’s how we’re going to use him.”

LaFleur made it clear that Saleh would not be helping on the defensive side. He said he has complete “trust” in first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who previously worked with Saleh in San Francisco.

“Haf and our defensive staff have a great thing going,” LaFleur said.

Saleh spent four seasons as the 49ers defensive coordinator (2017-2020) and the last four seasons with the Jets as head coach. Five times in the last six seasons, Saleh’s defense has ranked in the top 10 for yards allowed.

The relationship between LaFleur and Saleh dates back being on the same coaching staff at Central Michigan in the early 2000s. They were reunited with the Houston Texans at the pro level. Not only coaching colleagues but also close friends, LaFleur was the best man at Saleh’s wedding.

Packers not considering kicker change despite another Brayden Narveson miss

The Packers are sticking with Brayden Narveson despite his NFL-leading fifth field goal miss through six weeks.

In the aftermath of another miss from Brayden Narveson, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said the team still isn’t ready to make a change.

Asked on Monday if the Packers are considering a change at kicker after six weeks, LaFleur responded: “I wouldn’t say that right now, no.”

Narveson, a rookie, missed his NFL-high fifth field goal during Sunday’s 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals. His 44-yard attempt went wide right. A drive later, Narveson hit from 41 yards, and he finished 2-for-3 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points.

Entering Monday night’s game, Narveson ranks 33rd out of 33 qualifying kickers in field goal percentage at 70.6. Greg Joseph, who the Packers released to add Narveson after final cuts, ranks 32nd at 72.7 percent.

The misses are adding up. Narveson has missed an NFL-high four kicks between 40 and 49 yards, and he’s one of only three kickers to miss between 30 and 39 yards this season (kickers are 98-for-101 on kicks between 30 and 39 in 2024).

The Packers have rookie kicker Alex Hale available as the team’s International Player Pathway player on the practice squad, and LaFleur said Hale would “potentially” be ready to kick if needed.

The Packers have preached patience at kicker. LaFleur has continually praised Narveson’s work in practice environments, and the team believes in Narveson’s combination of talent and demeanor. But patience can wear thin in a hurry, especially when margins are so thin at the NFL level.

Where is the breaking point?

“We’ll see, again, we’ll take it day by day,” LaFleur said.

The Packers host the AFC South-leading Houston Texans at Lambeau Field on Sunday. LaFleur’s team can’t afford to throwaway points in big matchups against contenders.

Narveson has missed at least one field goal in four of six games, and he had a miss in Tennessee negated by a penalty. Against the Vikings in Week 4, Narveson missed two field goals in the first half as the Packers fell behind 28-0. He also missed a field goal in Brazil in Week 1 and against the Colts in the home opener in Week 2.

Robert Griffin declares Jayden Daniels’ Commanders will finish what he started

Robert Griffin says Jayden Daniels will finish what “we” started.

Just when you thought Robert Griffin was turning the corner…

Griffin, who over the years has perpetuated the narrative that he was somehow a victim in Washington and repeatedly inserted himself into the Commanders’ circumstances, might have reached a new low on Thursday.

Griffin tweeted Thursday that rookie quarterback “Jayden Daniels will finish what we started and be the franchise quarterback the city deserves.”

How arrogant and self-absorbed must one be to suggest what this 2024 team accomplishes is somehow finishing what he began?

Griffin recently has been very positive, praising the Commanders. He tweeted that he thought the Commanders were the third-best team in the NFL. Following the Commanders’ victory over the Browns, Griffin tweeted that Washington was the best team in the NFC East and that they were dangerous.

Yet, somehow, he began to think that he must convince the NFL world that this is somehow about Robert Griffin.

Thursday, Griffin was back to what – unfortunately – history reveals he does most often: promote himself. Jayden Daniels is having a fantastic rookie season; the team has already matched the 2023 win total (4). So why is Griffin insisting he be considered part of this team’s narrative?

Think for just a second, Robert. How many players on the 2012 team are still with the Commanders today? That would be zero. When was the last season you had any success, not merely with Washington, but with any other NFL team? That was actually in 2012.

Further, “…will finish what we started?” Robert, what happened after the playoff loss at the end of 2012? Yes, you were injured, and we hated to see that for you. Yet, wasn’t it you, Robert, who told the Shanahans you were no longer playing the offense they had designed for you? Didn’t you then struggle mightily in 2013 and 2014, playing from the pocket?

Didn’t we all learn from that experience that it was the Shanahans’ willingness to think way outside the NFL box that brought you your only success in the NFL?

Therefore, wasn’t it you, Robert, who actually finished what the Shanahans designed for your success in 2012? Wasn’t it you, your poor quarterback play, and then-owner Daniel Snyder who resulted in the firing of the great coaching staff Mike Shanahan had assembled?

The ownership, front office staff, coaches and players are accomplishing in 2024 a cosmic shift for this franchise.

But here you are again, Robert, attempting to con people into thinking this is somehow about finishing what “you” started.

Why do you continue to repeatedly seek admiration and validation for what you “think” you accomplished? Is it any wonder that years ago, someone out there coined for you the nickname “RGME?”

Matt LaFleur’s advice for Bo Melton before facing brother Max Melton: ‘Kick his ass’

Coach Matt LaFleur on Bo Melton facing little brother Max Melton on Sunday: “I was teasing Bo about, big brother’s gotta whoop up on little brother, so you gotta make it happen.”

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur knows a little something about facing a little brother. Just last week, LaFleur’s Packers beat the Los Angeles Rams, who have Mike LaFleur — Matt’s little brother — as their offensive coordinator.

So, what’s LaFleur’s advice for wide receiver Bo Melton before he faces little brother Max Melton on Sunday at Lambeau Field?

“Kick his ass,” LaFleur said Thursday while smiling.

Max Melton, a rookie, is a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals. With Bo playing snaps at receiver for LaFleur and Max handling perimeter snaps on defense for the Cardinals, it’s possible the two Meltons will be on the field together and competing against one another on Sunday.

LaFleur believes it would be a big-time battle between the Meltons.

“If Max Melton is anything like Bo Melton, which I think he is, just evaluating him during the draft process, I know he’s going to be the ultimate competitor,” LaFleur said.

And he wants big brother to impose his will.

“I was teasing Bo about, big brother’s gotta whoop up on little brother, so you gotta make it happen.”

Bo Melton latched on with the Packers in 2023 and emerged as a playmaker for LaFleur’s team down the stretch, producing a 100-yard receiving game in Week 17 and catching a touchdown pass in San Francisco during the postseason. Through five games in 2024, Melton has two catches for 40 yards and two rushes for eight yards.

The Cardinals made Max Melton the 43rd overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Both Melton brothers went to Rutgers and ended up as NFL draft picks. Who will write the next chapter in the Melton’s football journey? Sunday’s showdown at Lambeau Field provides a terrific opportunity.

For more on the Melton showdown, read Wes Hodkiewicz’s long-form story at Packers.com.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur fined $14K for unsportsmanlike conduct penalty vs. Vikings

The NFL fined Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur $14,069 after he was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct late in the first half of his team’s 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. 

The NFL fined Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur $14,069 after he was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct late in the first half of his team’s 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

LaFleur said officials told him he was being “too demonstrative” while attempting to call timeout after a catch by receiver Romeo Doubs at the 1-yard line with under 30 seconds in the first half.

A play after the penalty, Jordan Love threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed — helping eliminate the immediate effect of the infraction. The score cut the Vikings’ lead to 28-7 at half.

Replays showed LaFleur attempting to call timeout from the sideline. When he couldn’t get one, he started jumping up and down and screaming at the officials. Only then did the flag come out — unsportsmanlike conduct, 15 yards.

LaFleur and the Packers take on the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur sees a bright future for Jared Verse

Matt LaFleur has been impressed by Jared Verse’s play already and expects him to be a stud for a long time

Jared Verse has been a handful for opposing offensive tackles to handle already and he’s only played four games in the NFL. The Rams rookie was named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for September after racking up 19 tackles, five tackles for a loss and one sack, leading all rookies in pressures thus far.

Matt LaFleur and the Packers will be the next ones to game plan for Verse when the Rams host Green Bay on Sunday afternoon. Ahead of that matchup, LaFleur shared his thoughts on Verse and he expects big things throughout the edge rusher’s career.

“Jared has definitely shown up on tape,” LaFleur said. “He’s twitchy, he’s violent, and he’s relentless. That’s what you’re looking for in those guys. I think he’s going to continue to develop and I would expect him to be a very, very good player for a long time in this league.”

Verse will go up against Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker most of the time in Sunday’s game, which is a tough battle for both players. Walker has an 81.8 pass-blocking grade and has allowed just one sack, so he’s held up well protecting the blindside of Jordan Love and Malik Willis.

Verse is excellent at generating pressure but he needs to learn how to convert those hurries into sacks to create negative plays for the offense.

Matt LaFleur on Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks: ‘We all see the talent’

Dontayvion Wicks had some drop issues against the Vikings. Matt LaFleur: “I know what he’s capable of doing, we just have to get it out on a consistent basis.”

The Green Bay Packers are looking for more consistency out of talented wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks following a two-drop, two-touchdown performance against the Minnesota Vikings last week.

Consistency is often the difference between good and great.

Wicks couldn’t hang on to or complete at least four targets thrown his way in the 31-29 loss at Lambeau Field, but he also caught a pair of touchdown passes in the fourth quarter — highlighting both his incredible ability to get open and the obvious need for down-to-down improvement.

“I’m excited about him and what he can become, because we all see the talent,” coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday. “He is tough to guard on the line of scrimmage. I know what he’s capable of doing, we just have to get it out on a consistent basis.”

Wicks has caught only eight of 22 targets this season, including five of 13 on Sunday. He caught almost 70 percent of his targets as a rookie. Pro Football Focus has charted Wicks with three drops and an 0-for-5 start on contested catches.

LaFleur said the Packers are looking for more consistency “across the board” on offense. It comes down to how players practice and prepare, and he’s confident Wicks — who has seven touchdown catches in 19 career games — will “embrace” the challenge.

A chance to rebound arrives Sunday in Los Angeles. Wicks will likely be a starter and near full-time player with Christian Watson on the mend from an ankle injury. Wicks said it’s a “next man up” situation.

LaFleur said catching the football is typically more mental than physical.

“We’ve seen him catch the ball and make some great catches,” LaFleur said.

Getting open hasn’t been an issue. In fact, PFF charted Wicks as the most consistent receiver in football at gaining separation to start 2024. Now he has to work on the finish.

On Sunday, Wicks had a third-down target go off his hands in the red zone, two sliding catch attempts ruled incomplete and a fourth-down heave from Jordan Love dropped nearly the goal line. All four could be described as difficult catches, but NFL receivers have to make tough catches.

LaFleur isn’t worried about Wicks’ hands. He even mentioned a difficult catch Wicks made on a bubble screen against the Vikings that forced the young receiver to adjust and then get up the field. What could have been an incomplete pass or even a loss turned into a 13-yard gain.

“We’ve got complete confidence (in him),” LaFleur said.

Wicks said he’s been taking his eyes off the ball too early on some of his drops.

“Just like everybody else, I’ve had some drops, I’ve had some good catches. Try to critique myself on the bad plays, and seeing what was the reason for them. The drops are just taking my eyes off the ball before I finish the catch.”

Drops can be a discouraging even for a position who is asked to catch the football. But no one — from the coach to the quarterback to the player — is even slightly worried about Wicks, a talented young receiver who can get open consistently and now must find the overall consistency that differentiates a good player from a great one.

Matt LaFleur threw a furious tantrum after a ref ignored his timeout call during the Packers’ brutal first half

Matt LaFleur’s temper tantrum summed up a rough day for the Packers.

With Jordan Love’s return from a knee injury, the Green Bay Packers thought they’d have a fun divisional battle with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon. They thought wrong.

From the outset, the Vikings jumped on the Packers, with Sam Darnold launching absolute lasers all over the field and the Minnesota defense flustering a clearly uncomfortable Love to break any Packers’ offensive rhythm. By the conclusion of the first half, Minnesota held a likely insurmountable 28-7 lead.

You could see the frustration mount on the Green Bay sideline when Matt LaFleur wanted to call a late timeout, but was ignored by an official. This led to a furious temper tantrum that summed up a long 30 minutes for the green and gold:

This is what happens when you get embarrassed at home, ladies and gentlemen. One random moment of “disrespect” gets blown up into a whole viral moment people will laugh about for the next few days.