Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur believes the team gained an important lesson from their 27-2 preseason defeat to the Denver Broncos. After benching 31 players, including all starters, LaFleur addressed the media about his significant decision post-game.
“That was a tough night,” LaFleur told reporters, according to ESPN.com. “I expected our guys to show more effort, grit, and determination. We were humbled in practice recently, and having it happen again is not where we want to be. It was a valuable lesson for our team, highlighting that no matter who is on the field, if you don’t give your best effort every time, you’re at risk of outcomes like this.”
LaFleur’s disappointment is understandable. With the starters on the sidelines, few expected the Packers to outplay the Broncos’ first-stringers, but a stronger overall performance was anticipated.
Key moments included Keidron Smith’s 56-yard interception off Packers quarterback Sean Clifford and Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham’s 9-yard touchdown scramble in the first half, which gave Denver a 17-0 lead by halftime. The Broncos’ defense kept the Packers’ offense scoreless in the first half, while Denver’s offense secured two second-quarter touchdowns.
“We need to regroup, take a hard look in the mirror, and improve,” LaFleur said. “We need that urgency from everyone.”
During the week, Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love took his reps in joint practices with the Broncos, preparing backups Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt to play the entirety of Sunday’s game against the team they had been practicing with.