Despite a 27-18 win over the Bengals, the Packers‘ head coach, Matt LaFleur, is far from satisfied with his team’s performance. Especially the way his defense played. The Packers’ HC did not shy away from accepting the disappointing play by his defense.

While addressing the media, he answered, ”Absolutely, ”when the reporters asked him about whether he was dissatisfied with the way his defense played the second half. His one-word response very easily conveyed the head coach’s feelings.

He then continued to add the missed opportunities to gain takeaways. Green Bay has only two takeaways so far this season, and this is something that LaFleur wanted to change. As he said, “It would be nice to get a takeaway.”

Initially, the Packers quite easily stopped the Bengals from scoring. At one point, they were leading 10-0 in the first quarter. However, as the game progressed, they failed to maintain that defensive control.

Matt continued, “There were a lot of critical situations where they were able to make a play and we didn’t, to keep them in the game.” Joe Flacco, playing his first-ever game for the Bengals, had a 78-yard touchdown that almost changed the game.

The Bengals had 16 points and gained over 200 yards during the second half, capitalizing on atrocious zone coverage and blown tackles. Flacco saw Ja’Marr Chase haul in a 19-yard fourth-down touchdown, a play that drew two Packers defenders between and somehow still delivered to six. However, LaFleur did not blame any player.

“At the end of the day, you’ve gotta find ways to answer the call,” LaFleur added. The play kept Cincinnati from getting the ball in a one-possession game and demonstrated the contrast between Green Bay’s offense-go that scores and sieve-like defense.

On top of all, Micah Parsons did not have a good outing. The former Cowboys star did not have any sacks in the game. As reported by Cameron Ezeir of WFRV sports, the head trainer was checking Micah’s right hand. There is no official confirmation about any injury yet.

While LaFleur complimented the grittiness, he went out of his way to set forth why counting on the offense to score the team out of trouble is not a recipe that will last. “You always catch a punch in the mouth in this league, and our guys just kept responding,” he explained. That anger, that at a defense corps being hyped as one of the best in the league, was among the emotions LaFleur carried with him upon leaving the field — one of concern and not triumph.

Offense helped the LaFleur’s sinking ship

The offense rescued the Packers. Jordan Love contributed 26 rushing yards. With a passer rating of 101.3, he also had 259 yards and a touchdown. Love had his vital pass on third down, a 31-yard attempt to Matthew Golden.”Just threw it up for him; he made a great play,” Love said post-game. Golden also contributed as he had 10 catches for 86 yards.

RB Josh Jacobs continues to dominate with 150 total yards, out of which 93 are rushing and 57 are receiving. Talking about Jacob, Love said, “He’s one of those guys, just hand the ball to him, let him go eat.” Despite being ill, his game play wasn’t affected a bit; his second touchdown brought some peace to the Packers locker room.

Special teams also jumped in to contribute to the win. Speaking about the kicking team, LaFleur said, “Those guys took it personal.” Lucas Havrisik, who stepped in after Brandon McManus got sidelined, showcased his best on field goal attempts.

With a hard-fought win, the Packers are now 3-3-1 and before they move to Arizona to play the Cardinals, head coach LaFleur must get his defense right.