Green Bay Packers Matt LaFleur Changes Tune On Rookie Anthony Belton’s Play Against Colts

Anthony Belton’s second preseason game for the Green Bay Packers was a trial by fire. Committing five penalties in the first half alone, the rookie offensive tackle found himself squarely in the spotlight—and not in the way he or the coaching staff had hoped. The poor performance drew sharp criticism from Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who didn’t mince words in his immediate reaction. However, just a day later, LaFleur softened his tone, offering constructive insights into Belton’s struggles and what lies ahead for the young player.

Green Bay Packers Anthony Belton: A Forgettable Performance

Belton, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, entered Saturday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with high expectations following a solid preseason debut. Unfortunately, the game quickly unraveled for the rookie. He was flagged five times in the first half, including penalties for illegal formation, false starts, unnecessary roughness, and even a face mask.

“I love the effort,” LaFleur said in his immediate postgame remarks. “It’s just that you got to be smarter than that in those situations.” His blunt response made it clear that Belton’s mistakes weren’t just technical but also situational—a frustrating mix for a team looking to refine its offensive line ahead of the season opener against the Detroit Lions.

LaFleur’s frustration boiled over as he voiced his displeasure during halftime, pulling no punches in addressing Belton’s performance directly.

A Cooler Head Prevails

Less than 24 hours later, LaFleur struck a more measured tone, showing that his initial criticism wasn’t purely reactionary. Speaking to reporters on the team’s recovery day, LaFleur emphasized that Belton’s struggles weren’t solely on his shoulders.

“I don’t want to put it all on him,” LaFleur said. “On some of those alignment things, the guard’s got to move up.” This acknowledgment of shared responsibility signaled a shift in approach, focusing more on solutions than assigning blame.

Offensive line coach Luke Butkus echoed this sentiment, taking accountability for helping Belton rebound. “He’s aggressive. He’s playing hard, but you also have to play smart,” Butkus admitted. “That starts with me … for him to come back and play a cleaner second half, he didn’t go down in the dumps.”

Learning From Mistakes

Belton’s first two preseason outings have been a mixed bag, but they also reflect the growing pains that come with being a rookie in Green Bay’s “draft-and-develop” system. While his debut garnered a respectable 65.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, his performance against the Colts earned a dismal 36.6 grade, largely due to five pressures allowed on just 27 pass-blocking snaps.

Given the Packers’ organizational philosophy, these ups and downs are expected. Players frequently face steep learning curves before carving out their roles on the team. What matters most is how Belton responds to adversity and grows from it.

LaFleur’s backed-off criticism and Butkus’s encouragement suggest a coaching staff that still believes in Belton’s potential despite the early struggles. Effort hasn’t been in question—in fact, it’s been one of Belton’s stronger attributes. Now the focus shifts to channeling that energy intelligently and consistently.

What It Means for Belton’s Role

Belton’s growth is crucial, not just for his career but for the Packers’ offensive depth. Green Bay’s starting offensive line, anchored by veterans like Elgton Jenkins, is solid. However, depth remains a concern, as underscored by Luke Butkus in recent comments about the unit’s vulnerabilities.

Anthony Belton has an opportunity to step up as a reliable backup, especially given the Packers’ recent struggles with offensive line injuries. To do so, he’ll need to tighten his technique and reduce errors before the preseason wraps up. His ability to improve quickly will not only determine his role on the team but also contribute to the overall stability of Green Bay’s offense.

Final Thoughts

Matt LaFleur’s shift from sharp criticism to constructive support marks a turning point for Anthony Belton. While the rookie’s performance against the Colts was a rough chapter, it’s far from the end of his story. Combining raw talent with guidance from a supportive coaching staff, Belton has the tools to rebound and make an impact.

For now, the pressure is on. Belton’s response to his early-season struggles will be critical not just for silencing critics but for securing a meaningful role in a Packers team aiming to compete in 2025.