Packers HC Matt LaFleur threatens to bench players despite win

The Green Bay Packers escaped Tampa Bay with a 17-14 win Sunday, but Matt LaFleur certainly didn't sound like a coach interested in celebrating.

After watching his offense repeatedly put the football on the ground, LaFleur offered a pretty simple solution. Players who can't protect it may soon find themselves watching instead of playing.

Matt LaFleur says 'a great teacher is the bench'

Green Bay had an opportunity to take control of the game in the fourth quarter when its ball security problems suddenly took over.

MarShawn Lloyd fumbled after making a 16-yard reception, although the ball rolled out of bounds. Three plays later, Kaleb Johnson wasn't nearly as lucky.

Johnson fumbled on first-and-goal from the Tampa Bay 3-yard line, and the Buccaneers recovered. Instead of potentially taking a two-score lead, Green Bay handed Tampa Bay life.

LaFleur was asked afterward how the Packers could fix their fumbling problem.

His answer wasn't complicated.

"I think a great teacher's the bench," LaFleur said. "If guys don't start holding onto the ball, they're going to be sitting on the bench."

That certainly gets the point across.

The warning is especially notable considering Green Bay's current situation at running back. Josh Jacobs is on the commissioner's exempt list, while Chris Brooks left Sunday's game with an ankle injury.

That doesn't appear to be enough for LaFleur to overlook turnovers.