Red zone woes for the Green Bay Packers offense cost the team a win in Detroit. The Lions picked off two Aaron Rodgers in the red zone as they held the Packers to nine points in Week 9.
This is the third time the Packers have been held to 10 points or fewer in a game this season. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was not happy with how the team threw the ball against the Lions.
LaFleur started off his press conference by highlighting where he thought the Packers went wrong against the Lions.
“Just too many mistakes,” LaFleur said. “Turnovers. Obviously, not scoring the first two times in the red zone.”
LaFleur was asked by reporters in his press conference following the game why the Packers didn’t run the ball more in crucial red zone situations.
LaFleur defended the decision not to run the ball. He said the Lions were bringing a defensive package with six linemen, and when the Packers attempted to run against the front, they had little success. (The plays before Rodgers’ last two interceptions were one-yard runs by A.J. Dillon.)
LaFleur then made comments that appeared to be a shot at Rodgers.
“Credit to Detroit,” LaFleur said. I mean, they dared us to throw the football. Like I can’t tell you how many times, you know, you’re looking, and particularly, when we’re under center and everybody’s mugged up on the line of scrimmage. So, we’ve got to do something different, obviously, because we’re not throwing and catching to the level that is conducive to winning football.”
Rodgers made comments after the game that it was tough to lose to “that team,” meaning the lowly Lions.
But that team seemed content to make Rodgers earn the win by throwing the football. Rodgers responded by throwing three interceptions, two of which came in the red zone.
That’s the first time Rodgers has ever had a game with multiple interceptions in the red zone.
He and LaFleur will need to get on the same page for the rest of the season. LaFleur seemed unhappy with the decisions his quarterback made in the loss.
Fox cameras showed LaFleur’s frustration after an early Rodgers interception.
But it appears LaFleur is coming to the sober realization that even weak NFL opponents no longer fear the back-to-back MVP.
He made clear comments that Rodgers is not throwing the ball at a level that can win games in the NFL.
What LaFleur chooses to do with his next moves could be interesting in Green Bay. The fifth straight Packers loss could be one that causes a divide in this locker room.
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