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2. The search for a new defensive coordinator by the Packers is underway
The Packers will have a pair of new coordinators in 2021 after LaFleur announced Friday that Shawn Mennenga has been fired and Mike Pettine will not return after his contract expires.
LaFleur said he had previously named assistant coach Maurice Drayton to replace Mennenga, believing Drayton’s energy and excellent communication skills will spur the turnaround the Packers seek in special teams.
On the defensive side, LaFleur plans to conduct extensive research to find the right fit to elevate total defense to ninth in the league.
“I think if you look at the big defenses around the league there is a certain (aggressive) mentality that comes with that,” said LaFleur. “And it’s not necessarily what you call it, but how you play on every call. I think there are areas where we can continue to educate our players and be great in those situations, so if that It’s a third down and short, which you don’t play very far. You don’t want to give up freebies. You want people to earn every inch on the grass. “
It should be an attractive job. The Packers have a good balance between established Pro Bowlers (Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander) and emerging talent (Darnell Savage, Rashan Gary and Kingsley Keke).
“I think we have gradually improved,” said Gutekunst. “We’re not there yet. I don’t think we’re where we want to be completely, but I have a lot of faith in a lot of players who are on this side of the ball and who are able to accomplish what it had to be done.… I think we are going in the right direction. “;
3. LaFleur maintains his decision to throw the basket
While a lot has been done about the Packers’ choice to throw a late basket against Tampa Bay, LaFleur stands by the decision and everything that happened in it.
LaFleur said he spoke with one of his analysts in the press box when the Packers were down 31-23 and faced a fourth and eighth, and thought this was a situation you could go either way.
Knowing that the Buccaneers would still have a chance to play for the win even if Green Bay tied the game at 31, LaFleur sent in Mason Crosby because he felt “it was the best thing to do to give us the best opportunity. to win the game. “
“Let’s say you score and get the two-point conversion, you still have to stop them anyway,” said LaFleur. “No matter how you cut it, you had to stop defensively. I felt our defense was playing at a very high level at that point.”
The defense nearly pulled that save, too, before back judge Perry Paganelli signaled cornerback Kevin King for his defensive outfit over third and fourth Tyler Johnson with 1:46 left to give Tampa Bay another run of the game. downs.
“I’m not sitting here apologizing. It didn’t work. I’m going to own it,” LaFleur said. “But if I had to do it again, if it’s the fourth goal from the 8-yard line, we kick the basket. If it’s the fourth and goal of the 5, I think we have a different discussion. .. You have to play the percentages. “
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