Matt LaFleur Left Ruing Crucial Call as Packers Bow Out
January football rests on key decisions in key moments, and Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur will know that this morning.
Tampa Bay has gone on an incredible road run to earn a chance to win the Super Bowl at home. The Buccaneers’ 31 – 26 NFC Championship win over the Packers on Sunday was a franchise-record 8th straight road win.
They will be the first team ever to play a Super Bowl at home in their first appearance since the 2002 winning season.
However, Tom Brady and company had Matt La Fleur to thank for making the third quarter easier for them.
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With just over two minutes remaining, the Packers trailed 31 – 23. They had first and goal from the 8 yard line. After Aaron Rodgers threw three consecutive interceptions, Green Bay opted not to go for it.
LaFluer called on Mason Crosby for the 26 yard field goal and hoped the defense could force a punt. The decision looked worse and worse as Tampa Bay simply ran out the clock, and the Packers never got close again.
“Anytime it doesn’t work out you always regret it, right?†said Matt LaFleur.Â
“It was just the circumstances of having three shots and coming away with no yards, and not only needing the touchdown but the 2-point.”
Aaron Rodgers quickly distanced himself from the call. Although, he must know his three incompletions prior to it will have been a factor.
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“I didn’t have a decision on that one,” Rodgers said.
“That wasn’t my decision. I understand the thinking with above two minutes and having all our timeouts.”
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the final showpiece. The Chiefs have the chance to become the first back-to-back Super Bowl champions since Tom Brady’s Patriots in 2003 and 2004. Tom Brady has the chance to win his seventh ring in 10 appearances.
