Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Robert Saleh – who works as a consultant for LaFleur and the Packers – provided a useful “nugget” that became an significant element in Sunday’s victory over the Chicago Bears.
According to LaFleur, Saleh suggested the concept after reviewing the Bears’ defense on tape, and the Packers included the play in the plan, then executed it and completed it with a 25-yard TD to Christian Watson in the third quarter of Sunday’s 20-19 victory at Soldier’s Field.
“It was one play where he wanted a general idea, so we implemented it and it turned out to be quite successful,” LaFleur said.
An explosive play gave the Packers a decisive advantage against running back Josh Jacobs. On the play, Watson faked a block on a defender and then took off on a delayed fadeout, and Bears defender Jaylon Johnson, who was covering Romeo Doubs in the deep post, didn’t have enough time to get into position to defend Jordan Love’s shot. Watson caught the ball in the 10th minute and Jacobs scored on the next play to give the Packers a 14-13 lead.
It’s clear that Saleh saw something in the Bears’ coverage that made him confident that Johnson would hold the deep post and create a chance to take a deep shot into the open space.
LaFleur said Salih – who consults during the work week through Friday – is still only handling the misdemeanor case.
“He does a great job. He always gives us something to eat,” LaFleur said. “He was a great asset.”
The New York Jets fired Saleh – a close friend of LaFleur – on October 8. He has been helping out in Green Bay on and off for most of the past month.
