Packers have 'more room out there' on offense

[Cheesehead]

The restful weekend following last Thursday's win at San Francisco was to "recharge that battery" with no more breaks between now and the end of the season. Should the Packers make the playoffs, they'll need the No. 1 seed in the NFC to get a bye, otherwise they'd be playing again right after the regular season concludes.


"We need everybody fresh and energized," LaFleur said, adding that the goal of Monday's workout was to get through any sluggishness in order to start sharp in Wednesday's prep on Jacksonville.


"I can't stress enough the importance of having positive energy for everybody involved in this thing as we hit the second half of this season. We're sitting in a pretty good spot right now at 6-2."


Energy was the buzzword for LaFleur on Monday, as he applied it specifically to the defense as well, which sits in the middle of the league statistically (11th in yards allowed, 17th in points) but has struggled to maintain the level it desires.


Perhaps two turnovers against the undermanned 49ers last week, which brought the season total to just six, will provide the spark the defense is looking for. The unit's inconsistent tackling has mirrored the up-and-down play overall.


Health-wise among front-line players, cornerback Kevin King (quad) plus linebackers Christian Kirksey (pectoral, IR) and Kamal Martin (COVID list) are back at practice, but corner Jaire Alexander (concussion) is currently sidelined.


"I think it always starts and ends with our energy and effort," LaFleur said of the defensive side of the ball. "I think when our guys are out there flying around, having fun, bringing great energy, straining for one another, when they're swarming ball carriers, I think that leads to a lot of positive plays.