The Green Bay Packers pulled off a thrilling 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, highlighted by a bold call from head coach Matt LaFleur that was influenced by quarterback Jordan Love.
With 2:32 left in the fourth quarter and the Packers down 23-20, Matt LaFleur initially planned to send kicker Lucas Havrisik out for a 46-yard field goal to even the score. After calling a timeout, he noticed Jordan Love’s frustration and chose to trust his quarterback instead. Love’s belief in the offense convinced LaFleur to go for it, and the decision proved to be the right one.
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur looks on during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“When our quarterback’s coming off and I can see the disdain on his face, I looked up at the clock, saw how much time was left,” the Packers head coach remarked. “It wasn’t by any means a chip shot, although Lucas has come in and done a hell of a job.”
“So, one of those deals where I was like, no matter what we call, this guy’s going to make it work. And that’s exactly what happened.”
Matt LaFleur’s gamble with the Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) in congratulated by head coach Matt LaFleur after throwing a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of their game Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers beat the Washington Commanders 27-18
LaFleur had called a play designed for man coverage, giving Love the option to switch if the Cardinals lined up in zone. Love came through in the clutch, connecting with tight end Tucker Kraft for a 15-yard gain on fourth down to keep the drive alive before Josh Jacobs scored the go-ahead touchdown two plays later.
The victory represented a shift for LaFleur, who has often faced criticism for playing it safe in pressure situations. This time, he took a bold approach and backed his quarterback’s confidence, later summing up his mindset with a smile, saying, “Scared money don’t make money.”
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers players go for a jump ball on the final play of the game during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The call showed a change in attitude from both LaFleur and Love. Earlier in the game, the Packers had already displayed a fearless approach, converting a fourth down on their first drive and watching Havrisik drill a franchise-record 61-yard field goal before halftime.
Facing a three-point deficit late in the fourth quarter on the road, the Packers needed a spark, and LaFleur’s aggressive play-calling delivered. The offense rose to the moment, and the defense sealed the win soon after.
Just like two weeks earlier, one decision could have flipped the result, leaving Green Bay at 3-2-1. Instead, that fearless approach pushed them to 4-1-1 and back on top of the NFC North.