Head coach Matt LaFleur gave a surprising statement about the Packers' special teams unit.
The Green Bay Packers suffered a devastating loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday. Green Bay lost quarterback Jordan Love to a concussion and blew a 16-3 fourth-quarter lead, as the Bears won 22-16 in overtime.
One of the major plays that led to the loss was wide receiver Romeo Doubs's failure to secure the ball on an onside kick, allowing Chicago to march down the field for a touchdown and send the game to overtime.
This isn't the first mistake that has plagued the Packers on special teams this season, but LaFleur remains behind special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia and his unit.
“I think our teams have done a pretty good job, especially if you look at our coverage units … we’re sound in what we do," LaFleur said.
This is a shocking message from LaFleur, as the special teams unit has hurt the Packers all season long. In their Week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns, they had a field goal attempt blocked in the final minute, allowing the Browns to kick a field goal to win the game.
In Week 4, an extra-point attempt was blocked, and the Dallas Cowboys returned it for two points, which proved crucial as the game ended in a tie.
In Green Bay's Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Brandon McManus missed a 43-yard field goal at the end of the first half. The Packers went on to lose that game 16-13/
McManus missed a 64-yard field goal attempt against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10 that would've sent the game to overtime; though that isn't as noteworthy as the other mistakes.
With Doubs' botched onside kick recovery now added to the list of special teams mishaps this season, LaFleur should not be defending Bisaccia and the special teams unit.
The Los Angeles Rams fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn after their loss to the Seattle Seahawks despite being a playoff team. The Packers should follow suit at least this offseason, but for now, it seems LaFleur is confident in Bisaccia and the special teams unit despite all of the major collapses.