Matt LaFleur wasn’t eager to pile on the officials after the Packers’ 20-17 Week 7 loss to the Lions, even with plenty of frustration swirling around Green Bay’s side.
The Packers dropped to 4-3 after a game that drew plenty of attention for the way it was called, but on Tuesday LaFleur kept his comments measured. Asked again about the officiating, the Green Bay coach made clear he understands how hard the job is for NFL referees while still saying what matters most from a coach’s perspective is consistency.
“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 decisions they have to make. So I don't think they have an easy job.
All you want as a coach is consistency.”
The Packers had several late-second-half penalties go against them in a stretch that helped the Lions close out the win. One of the most talked-about calls came in the third quarter, when roughing the passer was called on defensive end Brenton Cox.
That flag even drew a reaction from Tom Brady, who was working the game as an announcer. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, defensive tackle Karl Brooks and quarterback Jordan Love were also hit with penalties that left a lot of viewers wondering what they were seeing.
LaFleur’s restrained response also fits within the limits coaches and players face when it comes to criticizing officials, since that can lead to fines or suspensions. For now, Green Bay turns the page to Week 8 and a “Thursday Night Football” matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
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Cincinnati has been stacking up results behind an offense that stays dangerous and a defense that has taken a noticeable step forward. Joe Burrow has been efficient from the pocket, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase keep giving the Bengals a pair of high-end targets, and the overall profile is strong enough that Parsons saw a team capable of finishing among the leagues best on both sides of the ball. For a contender still trying to separate itself from the pack, that kind of outside belief only adds to the intrigue. [Read more 🡒]