by # Lessons Aaron Rodgers Learned from Matt LaFleur
While Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur have had a successful partnership leading the Green Bay Packers to the playoffs in each of LaFleur’s four seasons as head coach, their relationship hasn’t been without its challenges. LaFleur came in with a new offensive system and philosophy that required adjustments from Rodgers. However, over time Rodgers seems to have embraced LaFleur’s approach and the two have found more cohesion. Here are some of the key lessons Rodgers may have learned from his time working under LaFleur.
## Adaptability and Openness to New Ideas
One of the biggest adjustments for Rodgers was adapting to LaFleur’s offensive scheme which featured more pre-snap motion, varied personnel groupings, and an emphasis on outside zone runs and play action passes off of them. This was a shift from the pass-heavy West Coast style Rodgers had run for most of his career. LaFleur is known for his creativity in scheme design and willingness to adjust based on opponent tendencies and the skills and strengths of his personnel. This pushed Rodgers to be more adaptable in his approach.
Rodgers had to embrace new route concepts like dagger routes, mesh routes, and umbrella routes that he may not have run as frequently before. He also had to get more comfortable adjusting protections and hot routes at the line of scrimmage based on defensive looks. In previous years, Rodgers had a lot of freedom to audible but now he had to work within the confines of LaFleur’s system. By being open to these changes, Rodgers expanded his skillset and toolbox. In 2020 and 2021 especially, Rodgers seemed to hit his stride running LaFleur’s offense, showing his willingness to evolve his game.
## Importance of Collaboration and Communication
LaFleur emphasizes the importance of collaboration and open communication within the coaching staff and among players. This likely encouraged Rodgers to be a more active participant in the offensive game planning process. In past years, Rodgers’ input may have been more one-way where he gave suggestions, but now he had to collaborate with LaFleur and the offensive coaches in crafting weekly plans.
Rodgers also seemed to communicate more openly with his coaches and suggest adjustments in real time during games. This was evident when cameras caught Rodgers and LaFleur in animated discussions during timeouts. Their willingness to openly discuss what was and was not working fostered a better understanding and helped Rodgers to take ownership of the game plan. Collaboration and communication have continued to strengthen Rodgers’ relationship with LaFleur and other coaches.
## Embracing a Run-First Mentality
A major shift in philosophy for Rodgers was LaFleur installing a run-first approach, prioritizing the outside zone and power run schemes. In past years, the Packers were often pass-heavy teams that would abandon the run if they fell behind early. Now, Rodgers had to buy into the importance of establishing the run to set up play action and control tempo.
This required Rodgers to take fewer risks with the ball and trust that the running game would move the chains and wear down defenses. It meant being more efficient with his passes rather than trying to do too much. Rodgers seemed to struggle with this adjustment at first, still wanting to carry the offense, but over time he embraced the run-first identity and it paid off in balanced, methodical drives that ate up clock and kept defenses guessing.
## Importance of Trust and Delegation
A trait of LaFleur’s leadership style is his ability to delegate responsibilities and trust his assistants to execute. As a first time head coach, this approach allowed LaFleur to avoid being overwhelmed. Rodgers likely picked up on the importance of trusting the coaching staff and focusing more narrowly on his own performance and leadership of the offense.
Rather than trying to micromanage every aspect, Rodgers seemed to take more of a hands-off approach with the playcalling, trusting LaFleur and coordinators to make the right in-game decisions. He focused on getting teammates lined up correctly, making pre-snap adjustments, and executing when the ball was snapped. This mental shift allowed Rodgers to conserve energy and play with more clarity.
## Dealing with Adversity and Criticism
No coach faces more scrutiny than the Packers head coach due to the franchise’s rabid fanbase and spotlight of the market. LaFleur has received his fair share of criticism over playcalls, time management, and other in-game decisions. Rodgers likely observed how LaFleur handled this criticism and external noise.
Rather than getting rattled or lashing out, LaFleur maintained an even-keel demeanor and focused on his process. Rodgers seems to have adopted a similar resilient mindset, developing thicker skin against criticism over the past few years from moments like the vaccine controversy. He now seems to block out distractions and control what he can – his preparation and performance. This poise under pressure has served Rodgers and the team well during adversity.
## Importance of Team Culture and Camaraderie
A major emphasis of LaFleur’s from day one was building a positive team culture and strong camaraderie in the locker room. He prioritized activities to foster bonding and encouraged players to support one another. This likely influenced Rodgers to be a more inclusive leader who brings others together.
Rodgers opened up more in team meetings and seemed to make genuine efforts to connect with and encourage younger players. He invited rookies to his house and was more outwardly celebratory with teammates on the sidelines. Rather than keeping to himself, Rodgers embraced LaFleur’s vision of a cohesive unit working towards shared goals. The culture shift has paid off in team-first attitudes and chemistry, especially evident during playoff runs.
## Conclusion
While Rodgers was already an all-time great quarterback prior to LaFleur’s arrival, working under the new coaching staff exposed him to fresh perspectives and approaches. LaFleur’s emphasis on collaboration, communication, trusting the process, maintaining composure, and building team-first culture all seem to have resonated with Rodgers.
Over the past four seasons, Rodgers has noticeably evolved in his leadership, adaptability, and willingness to embrace new ideas within LaFleur’s system. Their relationship has strengthened through open dialogue and a shared drive for success. Though not without obstacles, Rodgers seems to have gained valuable lessons that have continued propelling his Hall of Fame career forward during this later stage. As long as they maintain their partnership, the sky remains the limit for Rodgers and LaFleur’s Packers.
