How HC Matt LaFleur’s “All gas no brake” sideline comment turned into the 2019 Packers team mantra
It was late in the fourth quarter during last week’s game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field, LaFleur was on the sidelines right after Rodgers & co. had scored their 5th touchdown to go up 42-17, then LaFleur; who was mic’d up, made an impromptu comment: “All gas, no f*ckin brake.” That has resonated with Packer fans ever since that game, as it should. That phrase has, to me and many other Packer fans turned into the Packers’ 2019 team mantra — and yes, they’ve been living up to it thus far. Let me explain to you how.
Ever since losing to Philadelphia by a touchdown in the final minute in week 5, it’s been all gas and no brake for Green Bay. During the last three games (Dallas, Detroit, and Oakland), Green Bay has scored 33 PPG (5th best), and has averaged 316 PY/G. It’s pretty clear that even without his number one target on offense, Aaron Rodgers has taken control of & gotten comfortable within HC Matt LaFleur’s new system on offense. A very nice wrinkle that I have been seeing that’s been very effective is the use of running backs Aaron Jones/Jamaal Williams and fullback Danny Vitale in the passing game. They serve as not only another outlet/weapon for Rodgers to utilize within the passing game but also as great pass protection when plays break down past Rodgers’ first, second, and even third progressions on passing downs. LaFleur didn’t shy away from it when at Tennessee and he sure hasn’t so far in his tenure with Green Bay. Like the old saying goes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The newly revamped defense also hasn’t missed a beat. Since it’s disastrous game against Philadelphia in week 4 (gave up 186 rushing yards), they have given up a combined 220 yards on 49 total carries (4.4 YPC average), and one touchdowns in three games. Pretty impressive. What’s also equally impressive is Green Bay’s pass rush; specifically the Smith brothers, Za’Darius and Preston. They have both gotten to the quarterback a ton. Preston Smith is 6th in the NFL in sacks with 7, Za’Darius Smith is T-10th in the league with 6. They’ve combined to have 13 total; which is absolutely incredible for a tandem of their caliber, especially in their first years on a new team. It’s a testament to the cohesiveness they both share.
The other defensive unit that has taken a step up is the secondary. Overall, they’ve forced 8 total INTs (T-3rd), have a +/- of 5 (4th), and have forced a combined 13 total turnovers (T-4th). 2nd year CB Jaire Alexander is 1st in the league in pass-deflections (10), and also has an INT. Things will only go up from here for him. New safety Adrian Amos has also elevated the secondary with his play. Through 7 games, he has 1 interception and 39 combined tackles (30 solo, 9 assisted). LB Blake Martinez also leads the NFL in tackles with 76 (48 solo, 28 assisted). It’s definitely a welcomed return to form for the unit as a whole. Some credit definitely has to go to DC Mike Pettine. He certainly knows when and how to use his players on defense and it’s shown by their play on the field.
Lastly, when GM Brian Gutekunst had initially made the head coaching hire back in late December of last year, pundits and analysts alike were questioning it. Was it the right hire? Will he and Aaron Rodgers coexist? How will he handle the immense media presence? Well, I think LaFleur has answered those questions tenfold as his team is 6-1 through their first 7 games (first HC in franchise history to win six of their first seven), and is at the top of the division and is near the top in the NFC as well (currently the 3-seed as of this article). What I can’t say is that Green Bay fans had expected this from him; because they definitely didn’t, especially from the performances of last year as well as in 2017. What I can say is that LaFleur has exceeded the expectations for a rookie head coach thus far, and he is certainly living up to that impromptu comment made last week. Through the first seven games, it’s certainly been: “All gas, no f*ckin brake.” Let’s keep the pedal to the metal for the rest of the season.
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #ParkerMoes @ParkerMoes
