Matt LaFleur meltdown vs. Vikings highlights an even bigger issue for Packers

A team resembles the identity of its head coach. Matt LaFleur has done so much right this season, especially getting the Green Bay Packers prepared to win without Jordan Love, but he also needs to get a grip on the ongoing penalty issues.

The Packers had seven penalties in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings, including one from LaFleur himself. Furious at the officials for missing his time-out call, he ran down the field and let them know about it.

It cost the Packers 15 yards, moving them all the way back from the Vikings' goal line. Fortunately, Jordan Love hit Jayden Reed for a beautiful touchdown on the next play, but LaFleur's mistake almost cost the Packers big time.

While it's understandable why LaFleur was so frustrated, the Packers couldn't take a penalty there. It's on him and also highlights a bigger issue for this team.

It's up to Matt LaFleur to fix the Packers' horrendous penalty issues

I get it. LaFleur had every reason to be frustrated, but taking a 15-yard penalty is unacceptable. He would demand more from his players and should have the same expectation for himself. The Packers got away with it, as Love still found Reed for a touchdown, but it almost cost them.

How can LaFleur demand better discipline from his players if he can't do the same?

The Packers had seven penalties in the first half against Minnesota, continuing a problem we have seen all season. They had 26 in the opening three games, the seventh-most in the NFL. The issues continue to add up.

Green Bay has all the ingredients to make a Super Bowl run despite the awful performance against Minnesota. Jordan Love has looked rusty in this game, but it's important not to overreact. The Packers can make a run once he gets back into rhythm and is fully healthy.

But until they become a more disciplined football team, forget about it.

LaFleur says the right things during his press conferences and understands his team needs to clean up the penalties. However, it's hard to get that message across when he is also costing them yards with a lack of discipline on the sideline.

The Packers need to fix this problem, and it's on LaFleur to make it happen.

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