LaFleur and Packers refuse to overlook 49ers despite disappointing season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
It’s not wise to overlook an opponent in the NFL — and Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur recognizes that.
Despite the 49ers disappointing season So far, LaFleur and Co. recognize the challenge of facing a proven San Francisco team at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
“Yeah, I feel like we’re playing one of the best teams in the National Football League,” LaFleur told reporters Wednesday. “I know their record is definitely not where they want to be right now.
“But I think they’ve earned the respect of this league in terms of what they’ve been able to do and what they’re capable of doing. I think they are as good as any team in the league.
LaFleur and the Packers are 7-3 while the 49ers struggle at 5-5, following San Francisco’s late-game collapse. 20-17 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite the high expectations Heading into the 2024 NFL season, the 49ers have faltered, including blowing late leads against three division opponents.
San Francisco is now in a three-way tie for second place in the NFC West – one game behind the division-leading Arizona Cardinals – and, as a result, complicates their NFL playoff hopes.
Yet, echoing Nick Bosa and George Kittle feelingsPackers safety Xavier McKinney sees a star-studded 49ers team being much better than its record shows.
“Sure,” McKinney said when asked if the 49ers are better than their record shows. “Obviously, this is a team that has played some big games.
“They have a lot of big-name players in their team and they know how to play ball. Obviously, there are always a lot of different factors that come into play in seasons, different things that can happen during the season.
“They’re still a very good football team. This is still a very dangerous football team. Not only do we know it. I think everyone in the league knows that.
