The Green Bay Packers are set to face off against the Los Angeles Rams in highly anticipated matchup between an elite offense (Packers) and an elite defense (Rams). It will also be an opportunity for Packers coach Matt LaFleur to face off against his good friend in Rams coach Sean McVay.
Having had a shared history, these two have developed a friendship that goes beyond the football field. According to LaFleur, however, that friendship will be set aside when they face off on Sunday:
“He’s a great friend of mine,” LaFleur said, via Steve Megargee of AP News, “but the gloves will be off on Saturday.”
That’s exactly what you want to hear from a competitor such as LaFleur as he leads his team to a tough matchup against a feisty Rams side. We’re pretty sure the feeling is mutual for McVay.
When asked if he thought his friendship with McVay would have an effect on how the Packers will approach Sunday’s playoff battle, LaFleur had a straightforward response:
“It’s not something that even comes to my mind once throughout the game-planning process,” LaFleur said. “You’re focused on what you’re seeing on tape and trying to focus on some of the things you do well and maybe trying to implement some new things. The sole focus has always got to be on the opposition, 100% of your effort has got to be on the opposition and less about who you have personal relationships with.”
LaFleur served as the offensive coordinator for the Rams back in 2017, which was McVay’s first year at the helm. The pair also had a four-year stint in Washington as assistants to Mike Shanahan.
Needless to say, all that history won’t matter on Sunday. The Packers are the favorite in the NFC, and LaFleur’s squad will be looking to deliver a knockout blow to McVay’s Rams.
