Matt LaFleur’s criticism of Packers as strong as his confidence

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LaFleur was just as direct and unwavering in his confidence the Packers will get back on track. His words of encouragement for Scott in particular, that “he’s proved it, he’s done it … he’s going to figure it out,” reflect how he feels about the entire team as well.


The most difficult part to understand for the rookie head coach is he believed his team, coming off its bye week, had a good week of practice before heading west. So where the disconnect lies between the preparation and performance may be as important to figure out as anything.


The Packers also have an injury issue to deal with at right tackle after veteran Bryan Bulaga exited Sunday night’s game early with a bum knee. LaFleur provided no update on Bulaga’s status, but he didn’t commit to his immediate replacement, Alex Light, taking over the starting job if Bulaga has to miss time.


That would suggest right guard Billy Turner could slide out to right tackle, with Lucas Patrick filling Turner’s spot at guard. That’ll be a development to watch as the week unfolds.


In any event, when the players return Wednesday, everything will be reviewed and the page will be turned to next Sunday’s road opponent, the Giants.


“Just like I say every week, you’ve got to hit the reset button,” LaFleur said. “I do like our group. I trust we’ve got the right mindset, the right mentality, and they’re a resilient group. I think we have the right leaders in that locker room and I think these guys will bounce back.”


They’ve done it twice before this season, but the aftermath of a high-stakes, measuring-stick type of game is different. This is the worst these Packers have felt after a loss, for a number of reasons.


Whether that makes the recovery any tougher or any easier, time will tell. The next game will be here soon enough.


“Everybody was hurting in that locker room. Everybody was disappointed. And I think these guys will battle,” LaFleur said.


“Anytime you get embarrassed like that, you find out what you’re made of. You find out a lot about people in times of adversity. I think this will be a good test for our football team. Hopefully, we’ll become better for it. Certainly, there’s a lot of work to be done. We’ve got to use every moment from today until we play the Giants to get it done.”