Cheese Curds, 2/20: LaFleur will work on game management decisions during practice

When the Green Bay Packers show up for the start of their offseason program in early April, things will feel very different around Lambeau Field. The building won’t change, but the approach and energy level of the coaching staff should be very different from the methodical, seemingly monotonous vibe given off by Mike McCarthy and Joe Philbin.

In come Matt LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett, each providing a boost of youthful energy and enthusiasm. Interestingly, Monday’s press conferences gave some insight into the relationship between the two men, forged in the pressure-cooker of the NFL Scouting Combine before they ever worked together.

However, that pressure-laden situation will be nothing compared to what LaFleur will face on the sidelines when September rolls around. Unlike one of his former bosses, however, LaFleur won’t have a specific person in his ear helping him make decisions on gamedays. Instead, he plans to try to prepare as much as possible during practice, running through scenarios during the week.

UPDATE: As it turns out, LaFleur does plan to name a specific game-management advisor, he just has not done so yet.

Analytics will guide Packers' LaFleur on in-game decisions | Packersnews.com
Matt LaFleur kept the Packers’ analytics staff on from last season and plans to work through scenarios in practice each week, and that may make him more apt to take chances that go against conventional wisdom.

Nathaniel Hackett brings ‘infectious’ enthusiasm to Packers | Packers.com
Hackett and LaFleur began bonding at past NFL Combines, when they would talk to prospects together despite working for different teams. Now the two will probably do the same in Indy this year, just with the same team logo on their polo shirts.

New Packers QB coach thinks Aaron Rodgers wants to be coached | ESPN
Well, this agrees with Rodgers' public comments on the matter. Ignore the talking heads on TV - Rodgers will be at his best when he is challenged and being held accountable.

Packers putting emphasis on fixing broken special teams | Packers Wire
Having two assistants on special teams is an unusual structure, particularly in Green Bay. However, LaFleur felt it was important to get another set of eyes on those units given their struggles in the past several years.

Which NFL teams should trade for Antonio Brown & what could Steelers get? - SBNation.com
While the Steelers' asking price for Brown is one challenge to overcome, the other issue is the fact that Brown says he wants guaranteed money from his new team. So not only will a front office have to give up significant resources to get him, but there's no certainty that he'll show up without a newly-negotiated contract.

Jaguars hire Dom Capers as senior defensive assistant - NFL.com
After a year off from football, Capers is back in the NFL to help the Jaguars with their defense. This will be his second stint in Jacksonville, having spent two years there as defensive coordinator under Tom Coughlin.

Suspect thought dog was spying for police, charges in Jefferson County animal abuse case | stltoday.com
The man, who spotted the dog under his car when he was installing speakers in it, said that he thought the dog had a surveillance camera on him to track his movements. The good news is that the dog has been returned to his person and is recovering nicely.

Editor’s note: This article initially indicated that LaFleur would not be designating a game management assistant because none was identified in the team’s initial coaching staff announcements. During the day on Wednesday, new reports came to light that he will indeed be assigning in-game management duties to an assistant.