Matt LaFleur’s “Coach Speak” and the Green Bay Packers’ Week 18 Loss to the Vikings: What We Really Learned

When it comes to NFL coaches, particularly those like Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers, there’s something of an art to “coach speak.” This term refers to the often vague, diplomatic, or non-committal answers coaches give during interviews, especially when asked about difficult topics. LaFleur, like many of his peers, is known for sidestepping tough questions with answers that sound substantial but are, in reality, more about avoiding controversy than offering true insight.

It’s not necessarily LaFleur’s fault — it’s just how NFL coaches operate. They protect their team’s internal strategies and don’t want to make headlines for the wrong reasons. However, when you analyze his post-game comments following the Packers’ 16-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18, a few things stand out. The Packers’ playoff spot is secured, but the way they’re entering the postseason leaves much to be desired.

Packers’ Roller Coaster Season: A Glimpse of Promise, but Full of Inconsistencies

The Green Bay Packers finished the regular season with a 9-7-1 record. It was a season full of ups and downs, with moments that made it look like they could make a deep playoff run. Early on, when key players like Tucker Kraft and Micah Parsons were healthy, the team displayed flashes of Super Bowl potential. But the flip side was just as evident — there were also games, like the Week 18 matchup against the Vikings, where they couldn’t respond to adversity, particularly during a four-game losing streak.

The loss to the Vikings was a bitter one, especially given that the Packers were already in the playoffs. But LaFleur’s comments after the game left much to be analyzed, as they reveal a lot about his mindset — and potentially, the mentality of his team.

Quote #1: Trevon Diggs Can Help in the Playoffs

After picking up former All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs from the Dallas Cowboys, LaFleur expressed optimism about his potential contribution to the team in the postseason. Diggs, who had fallen out of favor with Dallas due to a lack of production and internal issues, made his debut with the Packers in the Week 18 loss. In his first game after just a few practices, Diggs registered two tackles, including a solid stop on a screen play.

While LaFleur’s words about Diggs were positive, the subtext here tells a different story. LaFleur insists that Diggs will help in the playoffs, but the reality is that the Packers’ cornerback situation is far from ideal. With options like Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine on the roster, Diggs may be one of the better choices. But that’s a low bar to set for a team heading into the playoffs, especially given the defensive struggles that have plagued Green Bay all season. LaFleur’s praise of Diggs is more of a reflection of the lack of depth and the fact that any upgrade at cornerback, no matter how small, is seen as beneficial.

Quote #2: LaFleur Admits Losing Christian Watson Last Year Affected His Approach

In a statement that shed light on his decision-making process, LaFleur admitted that losing wide receiver Christian Watson to a torn ACL last season played a role in how he approached the game against the Vikings. Watson’s injury happened in a similar scenario — a Week 18 contest against a divisional rival with no playoff implications. In that game, LaFleur played it safe, a decision that carried over into his strategy for the Vikings matchup.

LaFleur acknowledged that if quarterback Jordan Love had to enter the game as the sole available quarterback, he wouldn’t have called a single passing play. This admission is revealing, as it shows that LaFleur was coaching with fear rather than confidence. It’s understandable to want to avoid injury to key players, but this reactionary approach raises questions about leadership. It signals a lack of faith in his team to compete, even in a game that didn’t technically matter for playoff seeding.

Compare this to Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions, who has been lauded for instilling a winning culture and a mentality of fearlessness in his team. Even in meaningless games, Campbell’s Lions would try to win and compete with full intensity. LaFleur’s mindset, on the other hand, came off as cautious, even defeatist, as he seemingly set his team up for failure with the mentality that their only goal was to avoid injury.

Quote #3: LaFleur Says the Packers Are “Excited” for the Playoffs

The most concerning part of LaFleur’s comments came when he said that the Packers were “excited” for the playoffs. Excitement, while an emotion people often feel heading into a big moment, doesn’t quite capture the level of intensity and focus needed to succeed in the postseason. The Packers, despite securing a playoff spot, are heading into the postseason on a four-game losing streak. LaFleur’s words about excitement seem to downplay the urgency and seriousness that playoff football demands.

To win a Super Bowl, two things are crucial: health and momentum. Unfortunately for the Packers, they have neither. Their momentum was completely stalled by the four-game skid, and the team’s health has been inconsistent throughout the season. With LaFleur’s passive coaching in Week 18, he ensured that any chance to regain momentum or knock off rust heading into the playoffs was completely squandered.

“Excited” is a word more suited for a team that has been steadily building confidence and has momentum on their side. The Packers, unfortunately, are in a situation where excitement should take a backseat to a more focused, determined mindset. What they need is to be locked in, not just excited. LaFleur’s lack of urgency in his comments raises doubts about whether the team is mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.

Conclusion: LaFleur’s Reactionary Leadership and the Packers’ Playoff Outlook

After the Packers’ loss to the Vikings, it’s clear that the team’s head coach is playing it safe, but at what cost? LaFleur’s tendency to “coach scared” and avoid risk in moments of adversity is a concerning trait as the team prepares for the playoffs. His comments about Diggs, the loss of Watson, and the team’s excitement heading into the postseason all point to a lack of focus and leadership that could prove detrimental in the high-stakes environment of playoff football.

The Packers may be in the playoffs, but they are limping in with little momentum and even less confidence. If LaFleur doesn’t shift his approach and instill a stronger sense of urgency, the Packers could find themselves quickly exiting the postseason — once again falling short of their Super Bowl aspirations.