All things considered, the Green Bay Packers are doing an admirable job of keeping their boat afloat despite the injury suffered by quarterback Jordan Love.
The Packers are 2-1 so far and are 2-0 since Malik Willis became a placeholder for Love under center. Willis certainly deserves the praise he’s been getting for stepping up to the challenge. But Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur’s role can’t also be overlooked.
Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur ranked second among NFC North division coaches
According to one unnamed NFL general manager, LaFleur is the second-best coach in the NFC North division at the moment.
Via Mike Sando of The Athletic:
GM: “I would rank them by the head-coaching jobs. I think Kevin O’Connell has done the best job. Matt LaFleur is second. He has done great with Malik Willis, who I don’t think can play. Dan Campbell, pretty good win at Arizona, where I thought they might lose. I think Chicago is in trouble. That coach (Matt Eberflus) is embattled. I don’t blame the quarterback (Caleb Williams) at all. He is running for his life, just like he was at USC last year.”
There is a case to be made that LaFleur should be ranked as the top coach in the division after three weeks even though the Minnesota Vikings are undefeated thus far this season under Kevin O’Connell.
In any case, the Packers find themselves in a much more favorable position than what many thought they would after two weeks of playing without Love, thanks to LaFleur, who seemingly knows how to game plan around a quarterback like Willis. Over their last two weeks, the Packers have relied heavily on their rushing attack, as they have averaged 191.5 rushing yards in that span.
