Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur will have help from consultant Robert Saleh during preparations for the Chicago Bears this week. LaFleur told Matt Schneidman of The Athletic that Saleh will be in Green Bay for most of the week to help him break down the Bears defense ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Soldier Field.
“He is here this week. He’ll be here through Friday,” LaFleur said. “He’s a good resource to have around. Somebody that I can lean on in terms of a lot of different aspects…He helps me with special projects and always taking a dive into the opposition, the defense we’re getting ready to play, seeing if he can find some holes or some rules — some potential weaknesses in the scheme were about to go against.”
LaFleur confirmed Saleh’s role as a consultant remains “fluid.” He wasn’t around as the Packers prepared to play the Detroit Lions in Week 9, so it’s likely to be a week-to-week proposition. While a long-time defensive coach, Saleh is assisting the Packers offense — providing a defensive perspective as LaFleur puts together a game plan.
The Bears rank seventh in scoring defense, 17th in yards per play allowed, first in passing touchdowns allowed and tied for seventh in takeaways so far in 2024, so LaFleur could use the help from Saleh to unlock Chicago’s defense.
The Packers are 6-3 and coming out of the bye hunting their first division win. LaFleur’s team lost to the Lions and Minnesota Vikings at home during the first nine weeks and are 0-2 overall against the NFC North.
LaFleur also wants to extend his 10-game win streak over the Bears.
“You can definitely feel the intensity,” LaFleur said. “It means a lot because it’s an NFC North opponent. These games always mean a little more.”
