Matt LaFleur looking for balance on 1st and 2nd down
The first time head coach is looking to take pressure off his veteran quarterback.
By PackerAaron
Several times while meeting with the media on Wednesday, new Packers head coach Matt LaFleur indicated his desire to field a balanced attack on the offensive side of the ball, especially on 1st and 2nd down.
Obviously, every coach preaches balance while some are more successful at achieving it than others. LaFleur has consistently preached his desire to have his offensive attack flow off his team's zone running scheme.
Speaking at the NFL combine on Wednesday, LaFleur said "I think what we want to do is we really want to assemble our offense through the running game. I think it takes a lot of pressure off the quarterback, and if we can stay balanced on first and second down, I think that’s an advantage for the offense. So that’s what we want to do. We want to have plays that start out looking the same that are different. So that’s what we’ll try to accomplish here.”
The idea of "staying balanced on first and second down" is something LaFleur mentioned earlier in the day, via Rob Demovsky.
Matt LaFleur just now at the combine that he wants to be “as balanced as possible on first and second down because it makes the quarterback’s job easier and extends a quarterback’s career as long as possible.” LaFleur said he “builds his offense through the run game.” https://t.co/RJsNFXcZzy
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) February 27, 2019
LaFleur again mentioned wanting to "stay balanced" on first and second down when speaking to local television reporters after his podium appearance.
Obviously, this is a well rehearsed talking point that the new coach is using in several different settings, but it does speak to his desire to remain balanced and take pressure off his veteran quarterback.
One thing to remember is that "balance" doesn't necessarily have to mean "running on first down." In fact, this analysis from Warren Sharp illuminates how passing on first down can benefit an offense.
Time will tell exactly how LaFleur plans on achieving his stated desire for balance and how it might take some pressure off a quarterback that has been asked to carry the Packers offense for a long time.
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Comments (7)
Lare
February 27, 2019 at 05:08 pm
"Time will tell exactly how LaFleur plans on achieving his stated desire for balance and how it might take some pressure off a quarterback that has been asked to carry the Packers offense for a long time."
I think this last bit is something the Rodgers haters conveniently ignore. With a declining GM and a HC that refused to upgrade his offensive scheme, the main thing keeping the Packers competitive the last several years has been Rodgers.
The Packers can get back into playoff contention pretty quick if they concentrate on giving their MVP quarterback the tools he needs to make this team successful again.
CoachJV
February 27, 2019 at 09:08 pm
Agreed!
And I think AR KNOWS he needs those tools around him if he wants to play till 40. I think he will embrace this change easier than most people think he will.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 28, 2019 at 04:02 pm
Hallelujah!
ShooterMcGee
February 27, 2019 at 06:03 pm
With an emphasis on the running game I wonder about the ramifications for the draft. Does this mean a mawler such as guard Cody Ford is more in play at 30? Perhaps Hockensen is high on the Packers board for his blocking ability. In addition drafting a 3rd running back seems more likely than another wide receiver.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 28, 2019 at 03:51 pm
I think none of us should be surprised if Gute drafts RB, Josh Jacob in first round. He completely fits with LF's plan to run more to balance the offense. He also is a great receiver out of backfield. Could see Pack dropping back from #12 to late teens or early 20's for Jacob's, and picking up extra picks. They could still get their edge rusher and OL high.
Have to believe this could certainly be a strong consideration.
CoachJV
March 01, 2019 at 05:05 pm
No way we pick a RB in the 1st round. Their longevity isn't worth a 1st rd pick. There will be plenty of good RB's in the 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th rounds.
crayzpackfan
February 28, 2019 at 06:08 pm
If this truly is his philosophy, then GB needs to buck the trend of of TE’s not panning out in the first round and take the chance at 12 on Hockenson if he’s still there. Also grabbing a couple at OL and a RB in the first 3 rounds would be a must. Not saying I totally agree with this notion, it’s just the reality if they want running success versus an NFL record of 3 and outs. Either way, I’m high on Hockenson and haven’t been this curious about a Packer offseason in years. Let’s just hope whatever they do, they finally have more hits than misses.