In the Green Bay Packers' latest performances, questions have arisen about Matt LaFleur's job security.
A lack of consistency is the main concern, and LaFleur's conservative play-calling in losses to the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles came under fire. Since then, LaFleur has led the Packers to three straight victories, with some gutsy play-calling along the way.
The Packers' three fourth-down conversions helped secure a Thanksgiving victory against the Detroit Lions, in what could have been LaFleur and the offense's best performance of the season. Now, facing a matchup versus the Chicago Bears, who lead the NFL in turnovers, all eyes are on LaFleur to find a balance of aggression and patience.
Is Matt LaFleur coaching to win, or not to lose?
It seems after every inside run on 3rd-and-short that LaFleur is never looking to put the dagger into the teams he faces. For too long, inferior teams have been able to hang with the Packers to the point where it can cost them victories.
The losses to Cleveland and Carolina highlight this. Both games were separated by just a field goal, with the offense managing 10 and 13 points, respectively.
Another example stems from the recent 23-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Although the score is convincing, anyone who watched that game can tell you the Packers could have scored 30 or 40 points. It was too often that LaFleur had a bland inside run planned on third down, which the Vikings had answers to.
They settled for field goals rather than pushing for more. Although it did not make a difference in this game because of the inferior opponent, the playoff teams in the NFC will make you pay if you do not convert your opportunities. Thinking back to the Eagles game, it was an inside run and 4th-and-short, one the Eagles inevitably saw coming, which sunk the Packers at Lambeau Field.
A balance of aggression and patience is needed for Packers to beat Bears
The Bears' defense is averaging over two turnovers per game, an NFL high. This is a defense that knows how to take the ball away, and frankly, thrives on it. Fortunately, the Packers have been one of the best teams at taking care of the football offensively, as quarterback Jordan Love has only three interceptions this season. Coach LaFleur has to recognize that the path to victory is in protecting the football.
Although it seems simple, LaFleur has to find the correct balance of coaching aggressively without being rash. This means that settling for field goals is not the end of the world, but if there is a play call he really likes on 4th-and-short, do not be too fearful to go for it. LaFleur's play-calling cannot hinder Jordan Love's ability to throw the ball downfield, which is what Love is allowed to do when the Packers are at their best.
On what will be a cold day at Lambeau Field, LaFleur will have to balance the run game with Josh Jacobs while picking times to take some deep shots against the Chicago secondary. Playmakers such as receivers Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden are hopeful to get back on the field on Sunday, which only gives LaFleur more options to get creative with.
With speed in the wide receiver room, LaFleur will likely use lots of run-pass options and motion plays to confuse the defense, opening up run lanes and giving Love time to throw.
LaFleur knows he has to step up for this Packers team. After every loss, he takes accountability and recognizes his mistakes as things he can improve on in the future.
When asked if he thought about the consequences that would come from not converting on fourth down late against the Lions, LaFleur stated he would rather go down swinging, which feels like a change in philosophy that could light a fire under the Packers.