Packers left tackle battle heats up between Morgan and Walker 1 Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur reacts to a call during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Matt LaFleur doesn’t hold back on what Packers must do to take next step

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 12:02 PM ET

The Packers’ offseason has been built around the tenets of improving Jordan Love’s supporting cast, and easing pressure on the young quarterback by adding a game-altering defensive force, by trading for Micah Parsons.

There are some inside the league who believe Parsons’ presence, alone, elevates the Packers into the relm of legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Head coach Matt LaFleur, though, isn’t ready to rest on any laurels built around last season or the new additions to the roster in 2025.

Packers’ Matt LaFleur’s strong message to his players

If Green Bay is going to take a step towards hoisting the Lombardi, after being stopped in its tracks in Philadelphia against the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles, back in January, LaFleur has a clear mission statement for the season ahead.

“I think for us, when you have opportunities, you’ve got to make the plays, make the calls, and put the guys in the right spot,” LaFleur recently told reporters. “Unfortunately, last year in that game, it’s 16-10 in the fourth quarter. We needed a stop, we didn’t get it, then we turned the ball over, and there you have it.”

The Packers could benefit from Love being fully healthy, and Parsons’ presence closing the gap, along with Edgerrin Cooper and Xavier McKinney continuing to ascend.

However, even increased talent can’t make up for poor execution, and that’s a goal LaFleur is steadfast on improving going into this season.

“In those moments, because most playoff games come down to a handful of plays, one possession, you’ve got to make the play,” LaFleur added. “Bottom line. How we do that, I don’t know yet, but we’ve got to figure it out. It’s on all of us, coaches and players. Somebody’s got to do something to get us over the top.”

Matt LaFleur doesn't hold back on what Packers must do to take next step 2 Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur reacts to a penalty call against his team during the second half against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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