Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur looks on during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Coach Matt LaFleur's Green Bay Packers headed to Detroit to take on Dan Campbell's Lions in a game with huge NFC North implications, and a botched Campbell fourth down gamble. Running back Josh Jacobs got good injury news before the game and played well, but many Packers backers were not happy with the performance of the officials.
LaFleur seemed to be one of them as he shared his thoughts afterward. The Packers coach refused to take the bait and criticize the refs even as fans bemoaned a questionable roughing the passer call and a questionable intentional grounding call on QB Jordan Love among others.
“Matt LaFleur says he could say what he really feels about the officiating this year but that wouldn't do any good,” Matt Schneidman of The Athletic wrote.
“I don't even want to comment on any of the penalties, it is what it is, you've gotta play above it…I thought that there were some tough calls, but it is what it is,” LaFleur added according to Ari Meirov, appearing to snicker loudly as he finished his thoughts.
LaFleur sounded like a politician on a podium after the game, looking to avoid a costly fine as the Packers licked their wounds following a tough, hard-fought loss. The Pack is now 4-3 on the season, looking up at the Lions, Packers and Vikings in the NFC North as the season nears its midway point.
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Jacobs had a big day catching the ball while Tucker Kraft showed up big at tight end and Love had a strong passing day, one huge mistake that was intercepted by Brian Branch notwithstanding.
The Packers knew they'd be in for a dogfight this season, and those premonitions are already coming true. Week 8 will include a home game against the Carolina Panthers as LaFleur's team will have a chance to get the bitter taste of Week 7 out of its mouth and move forward.