The Green Bay Packers have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL this season.
They can defeat the best teams, only to lose to a lesser squad at home the next week.
That has led to plenty of criticism for head coach Matt LaFleur, whose play-calling has infuriated fans.
However, insider Wes Hodkiewicz said that’s not the issue and revealed another reason why the offense is struggling.
“LaFleur’s a good play-caller. I think the problem for everyone with a fingertip on the offense is the Packers are reliant on explosive plays right now. When those aren’t there, this team has struggled to adjust and take what the defense is giving them. Really, that was the difference in the game Sunday. The [Carolina] Panthers did little through the air but stuck to what was working on the ground,” Hodkiewicz wrote.
It’s hard to depend on explosive plays when you’re throwing the ball behind the line of scrimmage.
Quarterback Jordan Love is a gunslinger, and as such, he’s much better and efficient when he’s allowed to stand in the pocket and just let it fly.
LaFleur is determined to get the running game going, which makes sense, especially with a back of Josh Jacobs’ caliber.
Nevertheless, the Packers have failed to successfully block all season, and the head coach needs to make adjustments to take advantage of the personnel he has.
LaFleur is a bright offensive mind, but he tends to get too conservative when the Packers are big favorites.
They often struggle in games they should dominate, and they’re only aggressive when they’re playing as underdogs.
That approach has come back to haunt them too many times.
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