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Can Packers Overcome Penalty Concerns Before Week 1?

Originally posted on The Lead | By Kevin Ray | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 12:41 PM ET

Holy penalties.

The Green Bay Packers turned in another sloppy performance in their most recent preseason game against the Colts. Despite committing an atrocious 11 first-half penalties, the Packers managed to sneak out of Indianapolis with a 23-19 win.

So far this preseason, the Packers’ offense has signaled a complete lack of discipline.

Belton Struggles

Rookie tackle Anthony Belton has been responsible for enough penalties to qualify for misdemeanor charges in most states. Belton was flagged once for holding and a second time for improper alignment against the Jets. The rookie continued to struggle against the Colts with five call-outs from the officials. Coach LaFleur couldn’t run to him fast enough to chew him out.

WR Julian Hicks had a pair of very good catches for significant gains … wiped out by penalties.

QB Taylor Elgersma had a couple big-time throws … wiped out by penalties.

TE Ben Sims had a 20-yard touchdown … you get the idea.#Packers coach Matt LaFleur … not thrilled. pic.twitter.com/tSY0zVDYzP

— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) August 16, 2025

LaFleur’s Message

Preseason penalties are not uncommon, but they must not be excused either. Penalties can quickly kill the momentum of an offensive possession and stall drives. LaFleur is no stranger to this concept, and has communicated that Packers’ practices must be “officiated tighter”.

The seventh-year head coach has placed an emphasis on maintaining focus and ensuring players do “the little things the right way”. Packers fans have every reason to place their trust in LaFleur, who has posted the second most wins by a coach in their first six seasons.

Packers HC Matt LaFleur on OL Anthony Belton’s penalties and effort in Green Bay’s win over Indianapolis

“I love the effort. It’s just that you got to be smart in those situations.” pic.twitter.com/fFqnibvPbS

— 97.3 The Game (@TheGameMKE) August 16, 2025

Trust the Process

Packers’ fans should slow down and trust the process. Several veterans and established players sat out of these exhibition contests. Young players make mistakes — that is what they do. The Packers proved they can be effective in managing this exact situation just a year ago. The 2024 Packers had the youngest roster in the NFL, but ranked only 11th in total penalties.

Green Bay will need to sustain drives to keep pace with the high-powered Lions and Vikings offenses this year. Both units finished within the top 10 in total scoring last season and appear poised to do the same this year. Strong coaching, re-integration of veteran players, and a commitment to discipline will allow them to do so.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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