The Green Bay Packers can't have nice things, and by nice things, we mean competent special teams play.
In two games, the Packers' fourth-down play has evolved from a brewing concern to a flat-out disaster. Matt LaFleur's decision to extend Rich Bisaccia's contract now looks more questionable than ever. A blocked field goal effectively cost the Packers the game last week against the Cleveland Browns, and they have apparently learned nothing.
Green Bay made a fast start against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, racing out to a two-touchdown lead. But remember, the Packers can't have nice things, and Bisaccia's unit made another embarrassing error in the kicking operation.
The green and gold sea parted, allowing Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas to fly through to block the point-after try. Safety Markquese Bell recovered the ball and returned it for two points. Instead of 14-0, it became 13-2 — a three-point swing. Bisaccia's special teams effectively handed the Cowboys a field goal.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur needs to use the bye week to find a new special teams coordinator
The Packers need their bye, which will arrive in Week 5. It gives LaFleur time to make a decision that's well overdue.
LaFleur clearly values Bisaccia's leadership, having made him his assistant head coach. That's fine, but only if he is accomplishing his main task of leading the special teams unit.
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We don't ask for much — nobody is saying the Packers need to dominate on special teams. Just get the basics right. Maybe, just maybe, they could not allow blocked kicks?
It's nothing new, unfortunately. The Packers know how to develop quarterbacks, and they know how to draft wide receivers and offensive linemen. That never changes. Unfortunately, they also have no idea what competent special teams look like.
Bisaccia was supposed to provide the answer. He inherited arguably the Packers' most embarrassing special teams unit in decades after the meltdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round four years ago.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
LaFleur has shown loyalty to his special teams coordinator, but that decision is becoming more disastrous by the week. This team has a dominant defense and an offense good enough to win. But the special teams keep haunting them, and if they're not careful, this unit will cost them when it matters the most.
The Packers will enter their bye week after Sunday Night Football. It's an opportunity to get healthy, but also for LaFleur to make a special teams change he needed to make months ago.