Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is hoping the preparation he did earlier this month will help his team manage their busy schedule in the coming weeks.
The Packers’ 38-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday kicked off a 12-day stretch in which they will play three games. They will be back at Lambeau Field on Thursday night to face the Miami Dolphins, followed by a trip to play the Detroit Lions next Thursday.
LaFleur was ready for this. During the Packers’ bye week on Nov. 10, LaFleur spent extra time studying the Dolphins since he knew he wouldn’t have much time to prepare for them this week.
“I watched pretty much every snap of Miami knowing this was coming, so I made my notes and had kind of a preliminary plan for that,” LaFleur said.
The Packers (8-3) proved they could handle these quick turnarounds last year, winning a Thanksgiving Day game against Detroit just four days after beating the Los Angeles Chargers at home.
This time, however, the Packers will have to play another Thursday game a week after facing the Dolphins.
Playing three games in such a short time could take a physical toll, especially as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
They began this stretch with their highest point total since their season opener, when they won 38-20 at Chicago.
“I think collectively as a whole, especially on offense, I feel we’re getting back into a rhythm,” said quarterback Jordan Love.
The Packers know how important this stretch is, especially with the NFC North-leading Lions on the horizon.
Although Green Bay is in a good position for a playoff spot, they have little room for mistakes if they want to catch up to the Lions (10-1) or the Minnesota Vikings (9-2) in the NFC North race. The Packers have already lost to both teams at home and are 1-2 within the division.
“We know going down this stretch every game is going to be important, every practice is going to be important, every meeting, whatever the case may be is going to be important,” said safety Xavier McKinney. “So we’re looking forward to this challenge.”
