Packers HC Matt LaFleur Says Aaron Rodgers Has 'All the Freedom' to Change Plays at Line
By Michael Luciano
After clashing with former head coach Mike McCarthy over his paleolithic offense, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is allegedly going to have as much freedom over the offense as he ever had under Matt LaFleur.
LaFleur gave Rodgers the "green light" to change his plays at the line of scrimmage, a freedom afforded to almost every other top quarterback in the league.
After a summer of angst over whether Aaron Rodgers will be allowed to change plays at the line, Matt LaFleur said this two days before the season opener: "Yeah absolutely. We’ve given him all the freedom, so if he sees something, he’s got the green... https://t.co/xhlqveVWGq
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 2, 2019
Part of the frustration between Rodgers and McCarthy, other than the losing, was the fact that Rodgers felt constrained by an offense he felt was simultaneously restrictive and not creative.
It's worth noting, however, that LaFleur didn't clarify as to the depth in which Rodgers will be allowed to switch plays.
What LaFleur said about AR changing plays: "We’ve given him all the freedom. So if he sees something, he’s got the green light to do whatever he needs to do to get us into a good play. We’re not going to take that from him." He didn't say how many plays were available to Rodgers.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) September 2, 2019
Rather than watching arguably the best quarterback talent in the league throwing flat routes to a tight end all game, we'll get to see Rodgers uncork some more downfield throws in a more vertical offense.
The NFC North is no cakewalk, but the Packers have to be feeling good about their chances this year.