By Tori Wittenbrock
Sports Editor
GREEN BAY – Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he was proud of his team for giving it their all in the first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, Aug. 10, to give everyone a taste of what the 2024 season will look like.
“I thought it was good to be back out there. I know our guys have been a little rough in practice – it was good to go up against someone new and I liked how our guys competed in all three phases,” LaFleur said.
“I thought what we expected in terms of effort, running game and finishing was on point, but I’m sure there are some things we can work on and get better at.”
According to LaFleur, the ability to see the entire team on the field in a competitive environment was extremely useful.
“Overall, it was great to see. We got everyone in the game. I think everyone contributed,” LaFleur said.
“Ultimately, we just wanted to get them into the new game practice a little bit and knock the rust off them. I think it’s always good to not only go out and play, but also mentally prepare for a game and then definitely work on their pre-game routine.”
Overall, LaFleur believes the team is moving in the right direction and that he has a better idea of what his lineup will look like in the future.
“I thought our guys ran hard. Most of the time I thought we got some movement up front,” LaFleur said.
Another big advantage of the first game is that the special teams have the opportunity to simulate the NFL’s new kickoff rules in a competition-like environment.
“I think all 32 teams in the league will have a lot to learn. It’s interesting when you look at other teams’ philosophies. I think every opportunity, whether it’s us or someone else, is a learning experience,” LaFleur said.
Although the Browns gave the Packers tough competition and the Packers won 23-10, LaFleur said his coaching staff was strategic about what the opening game wanted to demonstrate.
“(Jeff) Hafley had a very short roster and that was intentional. We just wanted to see the guys go out there and play fast and physical and run after the football,” LaFleur said.
After watching their performance in the first game, LaFleur said he expects to be more cautious with his starting lineup in the preseason.
“Right now, I don’t expect those guys to play against Denver, the majority of the starters. There might be a few, but I think we’ll use this as a game replay just because we have that competitive practice against the Broncos, and let the other guys play the majority of the second preseason game,” LaFleur said.
