Green Bay – In a candid press conference on Monday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the 22‑point defeat to the Minnesota Vikings and laid out the adjustments the team plans to make before facing the New York Jets this Sunday.
Pass protection and offensive line concerns
LaFleur said the offensive line struggled to keep the Vikings’ pass rush at bay, allowing too much pressure on quarterback Jordan Love. He praised the work the unit has put in since the last game but acknowledged that “we have to clean up some things we’ll most likely see again” when the Jets line comes at us.
When asked about the health of veteran tackle Aaron Banks, LaFleur confirmed the coaching staff is reviewing alternative line combinations should Banks be unavailable. He emphasized that the line must stay disciplined in the trenches to avoid penalties that have cost the team valuable yards.
Offensive production and red‑zone efficiency
LaFleur admitted the offense must produce more than the 22 points scored against Minnesota. “We weren’t productive enough in the red zone,” he said, noting that the team’s inability to finish drives has been a recurring issue.
He also defended a controversial decision from the Vikings game, explaining that he “slept on it” and still stands by the choice to forgo a field‑goal attempt and go for it on fourth‑and‑one, even though it resulted in a three‑point loss.
Defensive highlights
On the defensive side, LaFleur highlighted rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse, saying the young player “played well” and showed promise in covering the league’s top receivers.
Roster moves
General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced two roster changes on Monday. Wide receiver Bo Melton was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. Melton, who has appeared in 39 games since 2023, has recorded 29 receptions for 426 yards and two touchdowns, plus 110 rushing yards on 16 carries.
Conversely, long snapper Scott Daly was released from the practice squad, opening a spot for future depth on special teams.
Tight end extension
LaFleur also addressed the recent contract extension for tight end Tucker Kraft. He noted that Kraft played 45 snaps in the Vikings game, surpassing the 40‑snap target set for him, and praised his contribution to the passing game.
Looking ahead to the Jets
As the Packers prepare for Sunday’s clash with the New York Jets, LaFleur emphasized the need for disciplined play in the trenches, better red‑zone execution, and continued development of young talent. He remains confident that the adjustments discussed will put Green Bay back on a winning path.
Fans can expect a hard‑working, fundamentally sound performance from a team that is still fine‑tuning its pieces but remains committed to competing at the highest level.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
