By Tori Wittenbrock
Associate Sports Editor
GREEN BAY – As the Green Bay Packers prepare to head into the offseason in deep preparation for the upcoming 2024 season in just a few months, Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur said that he has the utmost confidence in what his squad will bring to the table next season.
“I’ve got so much confidence in our offensive staff and Adam Stenavich,” said LaFleur.
“Whatever allows our team to go out there and be our best, I’m down for whatever.”
Although the team’s hopes of advancing in the postseason were squelched in the NFL Divisional round against the San Francisco 49ers, LaFleur said that he has seen a lot out of his team this year and is excited to see the work ethic they bring into the offseason.
“Like I told the team, ‘You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse. You’re never staying the same,’” said LaFleur.
Now that LaFleur has a better understanding of what this young team brings to the table, he said that he expects nothing short of excellence next year and knows that if everyone goes to work, the Packers have the potential for greatness.
“I think the expectations are going to be higher and I think the standards that we have developed over the course of the year through our process of how we practice and how we go out and compete, I would expect them to continue to improve,” said LaFleur.
“I’d be disappointed if we didn’t get better.”
After having one of the most unpredictable and chaotic seasons in their history, the Packers were able to turn things around and make it past the NFL Wild Card Round of the postseason, despite low expectations and skepticism about their ability.
“A lot of heartbreakers along the way. I do think — I’ve said this many times — I think that the Pittsburgh game was kind of a turning point for us, as tough as that was. That’s life in the National Football League,” said LaFleur, recapping their 2023 season.
“It’s never going to be smooth sailing. There are going to be some choppy waters along the way and you’ve just got to hang on for dear life and stay resilient and stick together.”
The tough loss to the 49ers will no doubt stick with the coaching staff and players as they navigate the transition from their 2023 season to their fresh start in 2024.
“That’s what’s so rewarding about this team. It’s tough right now and this still obviously stings, but I think, quite frankly, a lot of other teams would have faltered,” said LaFleur about this roster’s tenacity and motivation.