Packers HC Matt LaFleur Gives Damning Verdict on Awful Special Teams Playoff Performance Against 49ers: “That Can’t Happen. It’s Unacceptable. And, Again, That’s On Me”

Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur was not happy with his special teams’ performance during their crucial Divisional Round game. The game did witness a complete meltdown from the unit as they did defend the final 49ers field goal attempt with 10 men on the field. It was far from an ideal performance from a unit under a microscope since the start of the campaign.

While talking about the blunder mistake on the final Robbie Gould FG attempt, Fleur states, “That can’t happen. It’s unacceptable. And, again, that’s on me.” But the problems do trace back before their most important game of the playoffs. Lapse in concentration and execution has been a constant theme with their special teams in 2021. Both those nightmarish tendencies did rear their ugly heads once again yesterday.

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The Packers kicker Mason Crosby was in an ideal field goal kicking position just before halftime with a 7-0 lead as a cushion. The resulting attempt did get blocked following 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward. He ended up rushing off the left side, shooting a gap to step in front of Crosby’s kick, blocking the go-ahead attempt.

Matt LaFleur laments shortcomings

It was a huge moment in the game and did shift the momentum from the Packers to the 49ers who were looking for positives. The kick conversion could have seen Packers increase their lead to double digits at halftime. Since the Packers missed their opportunity, the 49ers kept themselves in striking distance. The Packers’ special teams unit did come up short as they weren’t able to convert their punt as the resulting block and interception led to a Niners TD.

The game was level following safety Talanoa Hufanga recovering the live ball and taking it into the end zone. It was a moment that did take the wind out of the Lambeau Field Stadium filled with Packers supporters. Coach LaFleur did point out that moment to be the killer blow and a play which did ultimately affect the result on the night.

The game did mark Green Bay’s premature exit from the playoffs despite being the No.1 seed in the NFC. The special teams’ effort for the 49ers did lead them to joy while the Packers only had the misery to accompany them back home.

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