
Packers Blitz Episode #134: Is Matt LaFleur on the Hot Seat? Packers Look to Bounce Back vs. Buccaneers
The Green Bay Packers are 1-2, and Packers fans are running out of patience. On Episode #134 of Packers Blitz, John and Andy break down the fallout from Green Bay's brutal 35-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field, question whether Matt LaFleur and his coaching staff can get this team back on track, examine the disastrous offensive line, and look ahead to a must-win matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And because Packers fans could use a laugh, John steps behind the podium for a very special "Matt LaFleur press conference." What would a typical Matt LaFleur press conference sound like after another ugly Packers loss? John takes his best shot at becoming LaFleur while Andy fires questions from some familiar—and increasingly frustrated—voices. Expect plenty of: 🏈 "We've got to look at the tape." 🏈 "We've got to fix our mistakes." 🏈 "We've got to get back to work." 🏈 And, of course, plenty of looking in the mirror. It's Packers therapy with a sense of humor. The guys turn serious and discuss whether LaFleur's biggest problem is his inability to get the Packers to consistently play up to—or beyond—their competition. After getting embarrassed by Atlanta, simply promising to "fix the mistakes" isn't enough anymore. John and Andy discuss whether Green Bay needs greater accountability from its players and coaches, whether changes need to be made on the coaching staff, and why LaFleur may eventually have to make some difficult decisions if the season continues going in the wrong direction. The numbers from Green Bay's start aren't pretty. The Packers surrendered 498 yards of offense against Atlanta, while their own running game has produced just 146 rushing yards through the first three games. Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson alone rushed for 194 yards, while Drake London added another 194 receiving yards. Meanwhile, protecting Jordan Love remains one of Green Bay's biggest problems. The Packers have responded by stockpiling offensive linemen, including veterans Kevin Zeitler, Laken Tomlinson and Mekhi Becton, as Green Bay desperately searches for a combination capable of protecting Love and creating a legitimate running game. There weren't many bright spots against Atlanta, but a couple of Packers earned recognition. Offense: Matthew Golden Golden recorded his first regular-season touchdown and reached 100 receiving yards. Special Teams: Daniel Whelan Whelan averaged 50 yards per punt and put four of his five punts inside the 20-yard line. Defense: Yeah... we're moving on. John and Andy also check in on the rest of the division as Green Bay suddenly finds itself looking up at its NFC North rivals. The guys discuss the Minnesota Vikings' hot start, Detroit finding a way to survive against the Jets, Chicago winning despite being without Caleb Williams, and what the early standings mean for a Packers team that can't afford to fall much further behind. Next up: Tampa Bay. Both teams enter the matchup with serious problems, particularly along their offensive lines. For Green Bay, however, this game feels especially important. After being embarrassed at home, how will the Packers respond? Can Green Bay finally establish the run? Can the offensive line keep Jordan Love upright? Can the defense bounce back after allowing nearly 500 yards to Atlanta? And can Matt LaFleur get his team to play inspired football as the pressure mounts? Andy gives three reasons why he believes Green Bay gets the job done and predicts: Green Bay Packers 27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13 It's time to find out what kind of football team the Packers really are. Join John and Andy for passionate Packers analysis, reactions, predictions, plenty of frustration, and the occasional therapy session for Green Bay fans. Go Pack Go! 🧀🏈