Packers’ Matt LaFleur offers daunting Aaron Rodgers scouting report
If 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers has shown any sign of slowing down, or regressing, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur hasn’t seen it in his preparations for Sunday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
LaFleur, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and the Packers will need to limit Rodgers’ big-play ability in the passing game and create chaos in the pocket around him if Green Bay is going to fly home with a fifth victory in tow.
Packers’ Matt LaFleur remains impressed by Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers has made no secret his desire to get revenge on his former team, ahead of the Packers vs. Steelers showdown, and he has been a driving force behind Pittsburgh’s run to the top of the division standings.
The former Packers MVP-winning quarterback has passed for 1,270 yards with 14 touchdowns to just five interceptions, looking markedly improved over the version of himself that emerged from a disappointing tenure with the New York Jets.
“He looks like he can still do anything,” LaFLeur told reporters this week. “It’s surprising for such an old man he is still moving around pretty good, too.”
Creating pressure on Rodgers, and getting him moving–if not forced into mistakes might be most important for the Packers. However, LaFleur cautions his team against taking Rodgers likely, despite his age and that he’s well into the twilight of his career.
“It’s really, really, really difficult,” LaFleur said. “The best way to beat a quarterback is to get him on his back. I tell our guys all the time, it’s hard to throw when you’re on your back. So, our pass rush is going to have to be on point, we are going to have to do some things in our coverages and sometimes, you’ve got to hit in terms of what you’re calling vs. what they’re calling.”
Cole Caufield Eyes Olympic Spot: “I’m Focused on Scoring Goals and Helping the Team Win”
Cole Caufield is off to another scorching start to the 2025 season with the Montreal Canadiens. After just 9 games, he is tied for the league lead in goals with 7. As the season progresses, the question on everyone’s mind is: Does Caufield’s fast start make him a legitimate candidate for Team USA’s Olympic roster in February?
In Thursday's episode of The Sick Podcast, hosts Tony Marinaro and Pierre McGuire discussed whether Caufield is doing enough to earn a spot. McGuire was unequivocal, saying that if Caufield hasn’t proved himself worthy of a spot on the Olympic team yet, with his goal-scoring ability and hunger for the puck, he’s not sure what it will take.
The Case for Caufield’s Olympic Bid
Entering the season, Caufield was on the outside looking in, with his chances of making Team USA pegged at under 50%. However, his recent offensive surge has placed him squarely back into the conversation. With his knack for scoring in clutch moments, especially in 3-on-3 overtime, Caufield has demonstrated that he’s capable of stepping up when it matters most. He has also shown that he is one of the best pure goal-scorers in the game, with a versatile shooting ability that makes him a fit in various power-play roles.
Another area of growth for Caufield is his playmaking ability. While his primary skill remains scoring, the young forward has shown he can set up his teammates for prime scoring chances. His ability to be a dual threat has made him an even more dangerous player in the offensive zone. However, while his assist totals are improving, they might not be enough to vault him higher on Team USA's radar for an Olympic spot.
Additionally, Caufield’s two-way play has seen improvement. Once considered a liability in his own zone, he is now a more responsible player, using his good speed to intercept passes and contribute defensively. This newfound defensive maturity could give him an edge when competing for a spot on the Olympic roster.
The Challenges of Caufield’s Olympic Dreams
Despite Caufield’s improvements, there are still significant obstacles in his path to making Team USA. The most obvious is his size. At just 5'7", Caufield is smaller than many of the forwards he’s competing against for a spot. Players like Chris Kreider, Brock Nelson, and Matt Boldy are all bigger and more physical, making it difficult for Caufield to secure a role in the bottom six of Team USA’s lineup, even if he possesses more skill than most of those players.
Another challenge is that Caufield is limited to playing as a winger, while many centers are often shifted to the wing in international play to stack up lines. With top players like Brady Tkachuk and Kyle Connor likely securing their spots, Caufield’s potential role is further restricted. While he may still have a shot at being a depth player or a 13th forward, it will be a tough road ahead.
Despite these challenges, there is a possible path for Caufield to make Team USA. He could potentially fill a third-line role if Team USA decides to go with a top nine and a fourth line format. Alternatively, he could serve as a 13th forward who comes in for offensive situations like power plays.
Conclusion
Caufield’s start to the 2025 season has been electric, and he is doing everything in his power to earn a spot on Team USA. While the obstacles are significant, including his size and positional limitations, his goal-scoring prowess and improved all-around play make him a viable candidate for a depth role. If his hot start continues over the next month, there’s a chance that Caufield could find himself as a 13th forward, dressing for offensive situations, or even securing a place in the bottom six.
