Over the past month, the Green Bay Packers have found themselves on a downward spiral, with their offense hitting an alarming low point in the loss against the Denver Broncos.
In their last four games, the Packers have scored a total of six first-half points, a span that includes an 18-point comeback against the New Orleans Saints. That stark lack of production has highlighted glaring issues in play calling and execution. Receivers seem lost while running their routes, and the offensive line struggles to provide protection for the ground game.
LaFleur’s apparent discomfort with Love in medium-to-long-distance situations is one glaring issue. The play calling has also been far from optimal. During these moments, zone runs and misdirection screens have become a familiar theme in Green Bay’s offensive playbook.
The Packers are seeking solutions to rejuvenate their offensive prowess, and LaFleur can optimize the offense by delegating play calling duties.
We should view this season through the lens of player development and roster evaluation. The Packers aren’t realistically contending for a championship or even a playoff spot. The coaching staff must focus on identifying which players will be integral to Green Bay’s long-term future. That extends to the quarterback position, where the Packers need to gain a comprehensive understanding of what they have in Jordan Love.
However, the prevailing conservatism in Matt LaFleur’s play calling hampers their ability to thoroughly assess their budding quarterback’s strengths and weaknesses. To build for the future, the Packers must be willing to take calculated risks, give their young talent ample opportunities to shine, and prioritize player development over short-term wins.
That approach also extends to evaluating Adam Stenavich in his role as the offensive coordinator. Can he steer the team’s offense in the right direction?
Having Stenavich calling plays from the booth, equipped with a live view of the all-22, could offer a substantial advantage to Green Bay’s offense. Stenavich would have a bird’s-eye view of the field, enabling him to analyze the game in real-time from a vantage point that captures the entire field. From the booth, he can more effectively diagnose defensive schemes, identify coverage rotations, and pinpoint mismatches. That vantage point can be invaluable in optimizing the Packers’ offensive strategies, allowing for more informed, precise play-calling decisions.
Stenavich designing and calling plays for Green Bay’s offense could introduce an element of unpredictability. He can leverage his perspective to craft innovative plays and formations opponents may not have encountered frequently on tape. That unpredictability can catch opposing defenses off guard, creating looks and schemes that demand rapid adjustments during a game.
Empowering Stenavich to take the reins as the play caller grants LaFleur the opportunity to take a step back, assess the bigger picture, and evaluate his strengths and weaknesses more holistically.
While relinquishing play-calling duties, LaFleur can focus on the broader aspects of the game, such as situational awareness, clock management, and game strategy. That shift would allow him to provide a valuable X’s and O’s perspective from the sidelines, making crucial decisions based on a wider context. Ultimately, even as he hypothetically hands over play-calling responsibilities, LaFleur’s presence remains vital in shaping Green Bay’s overall game plan, offering a fresh angle to enhance the team’s performance.
The Packers should remain receptive to a variety of offensive strategies. These possibilities range from incorporating extensive pre-snap motion, a trend that has proven highly effective in the innovative Miami Dolphins’ offense, to centering their approach around Run-Pass Options tailored to the specific strengths of their personnel. By embracing diversity, Green Bay can tap into the potential for increased offensive efficiency and adaptability.
To prioritize growth and long-term success, the Packers cannot afford to continue down the same road that led to their offensive struggles over the past month. They must remain open to change, experiment with diverse strategies, and empower those within their organization to excel in their respective roles. Evaluating and scouting should indeed be at the top of their priorities, and embracing change is the first step in that vital process.
