3 strengths and 2 weaknesses of Matt LaFleur heading into 2023

Matt LaFleur weakness: Backup quarterback situation

Not everyone is going to share this opinion, but the Packers' backup quarterback situation right now is an embarrassment. Just like a baseball manager can get good results with a poorly constructed lineup or poor usage of the bullpen, so can an NFL coach get good results from the backup quarterback despite a poor process.

The Packers may not need Sean Clifford or Alex McGough this season. They don't want to need either of those players. They want Jordan Love to play, and I get it. We all get it.

But the Detroit Lions just signed Teddy Bridgewater for pennies on the dollar and I don't understand why the Packers wouldn't do something like that. The Lions already have Jared Goff and rookie Hendon Hooker. They didn't exactly "need" another quarterback but a player like Bridgewater brings more to the table off the field than on it at this point. He sees the game well. Having a player like Bridgewater in your QB room elevates the room overall.

It's not about competition at this point. It's not even about "pushing" Jordan Love. It's about having another competent QB in your room who can be a valuable set of eyes, who can bring experience, and who can actually step into the lineup if something happens.

Let's play out another hypothetical scenario. Let's say the Packers are 6-3 through the first half of the season, and they are leading by 14 or more points in their 10th game. They're looking like they're going to move to 7-3 on the season and like they're going to be able to basically coast into the playoffs over the final seven games. Then, all of a sudden, Jordan Love gets hit hard and suffers some kind of injury. He's now forced to miss the next 4-6 weeks of games.

You're telling me that you're going to trot Alex McGough or Sean Clifford out there in meaningful NFL football games in November and December, just because you weren't willing to spend a couple million on a legitimate backup?

It's mind-boggling.

Players like Carson Wentz are still out there. Heck, call Matt Ryan out of retirement. LaFleur has worked with Ryan in the past. Do something here, because the current backup QB position is a setup for complete embarrassment in the right (or wrong) set of circumstances.