GREEN BAY — Following the Green Bay Packers’ dramatic 20-19 victory on Sunday, which included a blocked potential game-winning field goal, Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus announced he would submit video to the league office to contest what he believes was a missed penalty on the final play. Eberflus claimed that the Packers made illegal contact with the long snapper.
“I’ve seen plenty of situations where I thought a penalty should have been called, but it wasn’t, so I’ll leave it at that,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday. “There were several moments in that game where things could’ve gone either way. That’s why I always stress not putting the outcome in the officials’ hands. You want to avoid those scenarios whenever possible.”
Here are additional highlights from LaFleur’s Monday press conference:
Matt LaFleur said Packers defense needs to be better
While the Packers have had solid defensive performances throughout the season, Sunday wasn’t one of their stronger outings.
Prior to Sunday’s matchup, the Bears had been held without a touchdown in their previous two games, with their last touchdown coming in Week 8’s 18-15 loss to the Washington Commanders. However, against the Packers, the Bears’ offense scored two touchdowns, totaled 391 yards, converted 9 of 16 third downs (56%), and successfully completed all three of their fourth-down attempts.
“After reviewing the tape with the team, I think we all agree on that,” LaFleur said, referencing the defense’s need for improvement. “There were chances to get off the field, but for one reason or another, we didn’t make the plays. Credit to them. They had a good game plan. I also thought Caleb (Williams) played one of his best games.”
Christian Watson is a big key to the offense
Packers wide receiver Christian Watson was hoping for a breakout performance this season, and he delivered on Sunday. He caught all four of his targets, including two contested grabs, and racked up a career-high 150 receiving yards, averaging an impressive 37.5 yards per catch. His previous season-high for receiving yards was 68, which came in Week 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
LaFleur highlighted Watson’s performance, emphasizing that his success is a key factor in the offense’s effectiveness.
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