The Green Bay Packers have changed the feel of their season in three weeks, capped by Sunday night’s 23-13 win over Dallas. Locked On Packers host Peter Bukowski credited the turnaround to a 4-2 record less to a single personnel fix than to the coaching staff’s willingness to alter its approach.
Bukowski argued that head coach Matt LaFleur adjusted after an uneven opening stretch, using quick-game concepts against Tampa Bay, play-action shots against the Chicago Bears and a more aggressive dropback attack against Dallas. The point was not that each plan was flawless. It was that the Packers found different ways to keep the offense moving while working through inconsistent protection and a struggling rushing attack.
That adaptability is the clearest takeaway from Bukowski’s assessment. LaFleur’s offense had looked disjointed in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but the Packers have since leaned into solutions that fit the opponent and the personnel available. Bukowski also contended that LaFleur has regained some of the confidence that was missing early in the year.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love has been central to that shift. Bukowski pointed to Love’s work at the line of scrimmage, willingness to push the ball downfield and ability to make throws under pressure as signs that the quarterback has taken firmer control of the offense. Love has 1,684 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions through six games.
Bukowski’s larger argument is that Love does not need a perfect pocket to make the Packers dangerous. That matters with Detroit next. The Lions can pressure offenses with scheme and extra rushers, so Green Bay’s ability to identify coverages, protect the quarterback and retain its aggressive mindset will be tested again.
The defense has also given LaFleur more room to operate. Bukowski praised Green Bay defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon for a more connected unit that has rallied to the ball, mixed coverages and created takeaways. Gannon joined the Packers as defensive coordinator in February after three seasons as Arizona Cardinals head coach.
Whether the Packers have truly solved their early problems will be decided over a tougher stretch of the schedule, beginning in Detroit. But the recent tape gives LaFleur’s staff a credible case that it has steadied a team that was in danger of letting one bad loss snowball into a larger issue.
Green Bay now gets a division test against the Detroit Lions, where the staff’s ability to build another opponent-specific plan will matter as much as the momentum from the last three games.
Packers News and Notes
– Running back Josh Jacobs came off the commissioner’s exempt list on Monday. LaFleur said Jacobs will practice Wednesday and receive a full week of work, but his status for Sunday’s game in Detroit remains to be determined.
– Edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee) will not practice this week as he continues his recovery from ACL and meniscus surgery. He remains on the physically unable to perform list, leaving the Packers to continue managing their pass rush without him for now.
Green Bay Packers Essentials
- Best Quarterbacks in Green Bay Packers History
- Best Running Backs in Green Bay Packers History
- Best Wide Receivers in Green Bay Packers History
- 9 Best Draft Picks in Packers History
- 10 Worst Draft Picks in Packers History
- Bart Starr’s Ranking Among Best-Ever NFL Draft Steals
Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
