Matt LaFleur airs frustration after Jordan Love was hit in Packers' joint practice

There's a golden rule at training camp: Don't hit the quarterback.

Denver Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto seemingly didn't get the memo during last week's joint practice with the Green Bay Packers. His hit on Jordan Love's arm led to an errant throw that was intercepted.

A scuffle between the two teams ensued, and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was visibly frustrated.

Love said he thought it may have been right tackle Zach Tom who inadvertently hit him. However, almost a week later, LaFleur confirmed it was Bonitto, and he wasn't pleased.

Matt LaFleur wasn't happy about Broncos hit on Jordan Love

LaFleur watched the tape from last week's practice and said it was "100%" Bonitto who hit Love, not Tom, and he aired his frustration.

"They are in a different colored shirt for a reason. Stay off the quarterback. It's not that difficult," said LaFleur. "I get it. Guys are competing and they want to make a play, but at the same time, those guys are hard to come by and you want to give both teams, hopefully, the respect for one another that we'll stay off the quarterback."

Fortunately, it wasn't a big hit and Love was fine, but the point stands. Bonitto broke the No. 1 rule of practice, especially against another team, and LaFleur is right to call him out for it.

It's a good message to echo as the Packers enter another joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens. The extra competitiveness of practicing against another team is great and exactly what they need, but there needs to be a level of respect.

LaFleur hopes his team can put in a better practice performance than in last week's humbling by the Broncos. They will be tested by an excellent Ravens team, but it's what this team needs with the regular season only two weeks away.

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