Packers’ Matt LaFleur Breaks Silence About Referee Controversy

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the difficulties of NFL officiating on Tuesday after his team fell to the Detroit Lions 20-17 on Sunday at Ford Field.

LaFleur kept his remarks measured following a loss that included several disputed calls. The Packers finished with eight penalties for 81 yards. Detroit had five for 50 yards.

“I don’t think officiating in this league is very easy,” LaFleur said. “I really don’t. I think things happen quickly and there’s some bang-bang, split-second decisions you’ve got to make. So, I don’t think they have an easy job. But, you know, all you want as a coach is consistency across the board. As best as it can be. And sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t.”

The defeat snapped a three-game winning streak for Green Bay. The Packers dropped to 4-3. The Lions improved to 4-2.

Jake Bates kicked a 22-yard field goal as time expired to give Detroit the win. Jordan Love completed 27 of 45 passes for 274 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Jared Goff went 22 of 32 for 303 yards and two scores. Both of Goff’s touchdowns went to Jameson Williams.

Green Bay’s defense has drawn eight roughing-the-passer penalties this season. That is the highest total in the league. Opponents have not been flagged for the foul once.

Two of those calls came in the second half against the Lions. One involved defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. after he was blocked into Goff. Another was on defensive tackle Karl Brooks during Detroit’s final drive.

Packers players voiced frustration after the game. Safety Xavier McKinney said he would rather be fined than stay silent. Edge rusher Micah Parsons, still on the physically unable to perform list, posted on social media questioning the standard.

The Packers entered the game averaging 9.3 penalties per contest. That ranked among the league leaders in frequency. Their 78 penalty yards per game ranked second.

LaFleur noted after the game that he did not receive many explanations from officials on the field. He said the team must play above the calls and correct its own mistakes.

Green Bay converted just 1 of 4 red-zone trips. Rookie kicker Trey Smack missed two field goals, including a 35-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter that was tipped.

Josh Jacobs returned from the commissioner’s exempt list and rushed for 36 yards on 11 carries. He also caught five passes for 55 yards and a touchdown.

Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs ran 29 times for 116 yards. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught nine passes for 153 yards.

The NFC North remains tight. Minnesota leads at 6-0. Chicago is 5-2. All four teams hold winning records.

Green Bay hosts the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. The short week offers little time to review the film or prepare.

League-wide, officials have called roughing the passer 49 times through the first seven weeks. The average sits near 1.5 per team. Green Bay’s total stands far above that mark.

LaFleur’s comments on Tuesday marked a measured response after visible frustration on the sideline Sunday. Coaches face potential fines for publicly criticizing officials.

The Packers rank 24th in the NFL in points per game at 20.6. Their defense has held opponents to 20.7 points per contest, ranking 11th.