I hated the play calling at the end of first half. As a fan, I’m greedy when things appear to be going well. Thankfully, Matt La Fleur oversaw the game plan and not me or other fans.
Masterpiece
There’s no such thing as a perfect game plan. La Fleur’s plan versus the Colts is as close as it gets. He started a QB with little game experience, after only 3-weeks in Green Bay. The multiple formations, motions, run-fits and myriad ball carriers kept the Colts on their heels for most of the game. When MLF did call for passes, he picked throws he knew Willis could execute. Players play, but the Coach earned this win.
The game wasn’t as close as the final score. If not for a missed field goal and a Josh Jacobs fumble on the goal line, it would have been a blowout. By midway through the 3rd quarter, LaFleur knew the clock was their real opponent. The run game effectiveness wasn’t the same, but they kept running, both the ball and the clock.
Looking back, I see the conservative “run out the clock” at the end of the first half was the less exciting, higher percentage way to get the win. It’s a great reminder that coaches are smarter than fans.
Post game nuggets:
• Carrington Valentine out-snapping Eric Stokes? With no injury, that makes me wonder.
• Devonte Wyatt out-snapping T.J. Slayton despite an opponent with a strong run game is curious.
• Winning time of possession 2:1, and turnovers, almost always leads to—winning.
• Here’s to a game without a missed field goal. I still look forward to that.
• Malik Willis played great, but they can’t run 52 times effectively against most teams.
• When’s the last time players vomiting made such a storyline post-game?
• I expected a deep shot to Watson or Wicks, but it’s good to win with what works.