Matt LaFleur explains how he built a special gameplan to win with Malik Willis at quarterback

It’s not easy to win NFL games, let alone when your starting quarterback is hurt. That’s what the Green Bay Packers achieved on Sunday, beating the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 without Jordan Love. It was a special week for head coach Matt LaFleur and Malik Willis, having to know themselves better three weeks after the trade that brought the quarterback to Green Bay, and design a specific gameplan for this game.

“There were definitely some wrinkles added,” LaFleur revealed after the game, mentioning that the coaching staff adjusted some plays, creating elements that were not a part of the original playbook.

The Packers finished the game with 53 total runs — 32 by Josh Jacobs, six by Malik Willis himself, six by rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd, five by Emanuel Wilson, and two each for wide receivers Jayden Reed and Bo Melton. The team had 261 rushing yards, most of them in the first half. Matt LaFleur explained how they ended up being successful even running so much.

“We have a variety of schemes. You have to give credit to (offensive coordinator) Adam Stenavich and all our coaches that came up with that run plan,” the coach said. “The ability to put guys in certain positions, using our receivers in the running game, our tight ends blocking their butts off.”

Offensive line performance

The Packers had a rough game in terms of run blocking last week against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. The Colts certainly don’t offer the same level of challenge, but LaFleur saw an internal upgrade in terms of attitude.

“I told the o-line, I challenged them the other day, we had a shaky day of practice, I think on Wednesday,” LaFleur recalled. “I went there and said ‘We’re winning this game through you guys’, and I thought they stepped up.”

At the end of the day, the Packers players made the plan come to fruition despite all the challenges.

“It’s one thing to make the plan, it’s another one to make it come to life,” LaFleur added. “They were able to do that. I was really proud of our efforts.”

The Packers are now 1-1 in the season, and they face the Tennessee Titans next week in Nashville. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jordan Love is eyeing a return in week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams, which would mean the quarterback missing the next two games — Titans and Minnesota Vikings. But Matt LaFleur told Packers Radio Network before the game that they expect the quarterback to return sooner than later.

Related: Matt LaFleur reveals hilarious detail from the Packers win over the Colts without Jordan Love