Mon Nov 24 19:30:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Packers’ Conservative Play Calling Raises Eyebrows Despite Victory Over Vikings

GREEN BAY, WI – The Green Bay Packers secured a decisive victory over the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, but the win was overshadowed by questions surrounding head coach Matt LaFleur’s conservative offensive strategy. The Packers’ dominant defensive performance allowed LaFleur to implement a run-heavy game plan, ostensibly to control the clock and protect quarterback Jordan Love ahead of a short week leading to a Thanksgiving Day showdown against the Detroit Lions.

However, the cautious approach has been a recurring theme throughout the season, drawing criticism from analysts like Greg Olsen, who was on the FOX broadcast team for the game. Olsen specifically called out a 3rd-and-3 run in the red zone that resulted in a loss of yardage, forcing the Packers to settle for a field goal. “The whole drive was very conservative,” Olsen remarked. “You have a shot there to be aggressive. They didn’t throw the ball one time. Seven straight runs. You could’ve made it an 18-point game, three scores, with a touchdown.”

While the conservative approach was effective against the Vikings, whose offense, led by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, struggled to generate meaningful drives, concerns remain about its viability against tougher opponents. As Olsen pointed out, an aggressive offense early can force opponents into a one-dimensional game plan.

This isn’t the first time LaFleur’s play-calling has come under scrutiny. During a previous game against the Carolina Panthers, Olsen criticized a late-game decision to run the ball, a choice that ultimately contributed to a Packers’ loss.

The Packers are most effective when Love is given the freedom to attack early and establish a commanding lead, creating opportunities for the defense to pressure the opposing quarterback. While the conservative strategy worked against the Vikings, the Packers need to be willing to “hit the gas” against stronger teams. The Packers (5-6) prepare to face the Detroit Lions (8-2) on Thanksgiving.

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