Victory Monday? A more positive vibe, but no day off for Packers after win

GREEN BAY — They call it “Victory Monday” in the NFL, and having been in the league for seven years now, Eric Wilson has enjoyed more than a few during his time as a pro.

What are these so-called “Victory Mondays,” you ask? They’re a bonus day off, a reward bestowed upon players by their coaches, who don’t require their guys to report to work until Wednesday of the week following said victory.

The Green Bay Packers didn’t have such a day on Monday. They had a back-to-work Monday.

And Wilson, who joined the Packers midway through last season and has spent time with five different organizations (Minnesota, Philadelphia, Houston, New Orleans and Green Bay), wasn’t the least bit surprised.

“It’s great having a ‘Victory Monday,’” said Wilson, who at 29 years old qualifies as one of the older-brother figures on the roster, with only four players on the team with more experience than him. “But it’s also great to continue to win.”

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Wilson emphasized the final three words of that sentence, and with good reason.

Because, as the Packers transitioned from the postgame glow of Sunday’s 20-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field — a triumph that snapped their four-game losing streak and improved their record to 3-5 on the year — and into Monday’s day-after film review and corresponding corrections, Wilson wholeheartedly believed that coach Matt LaFleur had made exactly the right call for a roster filled with young, inexperienced players.

“I think it’s important for where we’re at, to actually go over the game and see those areas where we can get even better,” said Wilson, who has suited up for 103 career games (including playoffs) and been on the winning side of 54 of those games. (He also took part in that weird 2018 Packers-Vikings tie.) “It totally makes sense.

“Even when you win, you still have to be self-critical enough to see those areas that could be a little bit better. Even if it’s a good play, how can you make it a great play? That’s where we’re at.”

Added center Josh Myers: “We talked about obviously how hard it is to win in this league and to enjoy it, but also, just because we won doesn’t mean we can’t continue to work the things that were wrong, continue to fix problems and take another step forward. That’s kind of where our minds are at, just try to piggyback off this win and keep the momentum going.”

LaFleur, now in his fifth season as the Packers’ head coach, has certainly given out his fair share of extra off days after victories, but invariably, those were with veteran-laden teams quarterbacked by future Pro Football Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. While there were young players on those rosters, the team dynamics were vastly different than this 2023 crew.

No wonder, when asked Monday what his criteria were for declaring a “Victory Monday” after a win, LaFleur smiled and replied, “Every year’s different.” Then, he asked if there was any bellyaching in the locker room about having to come to work.

No, there wasn’t, he was told.

“Yeah, I don’t think we’re in any position right now to take an extra day (off),” LaFleur said. “We’ve got a lot of players that need to come in.

“One of the things I talked to the team about, was just making sure that when you do have success, when you do win, how critical can you be of yourself? There’s always something you can do better. When you do have some success, that’s when you have to be the most critical. So, I challenged those guys in that regard, and I think those guys take that to heart.

“I just think that’s how we’re going to get the most out of this team.”

To be sure, the Packers did not play a perfect game against the Rams, who started inexperienced and ineffective backup Brett Rypien at quarterback with 15-year veteran Matthew Stafford sidelined with a thumb injury.

The offense turned the ball over twice on fumbles by rookie wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks and veteran running back Aaron Jones. Although the unit did finally score a first-half touchdown for the first time since Sept. 17, it still struggled early and squandered opportunities late.

“There was a lot of opportunity to put the game away much earlier,” LaFleur admitted. “I felt like we were in pretty much control throughout the course of the game, and it was a one-possession game (in the second half) and it was a 10-point game late in the fourth quarter.”

There were positives, too, of course. Quarterback Jordan Love, who’s endured plenty of ups and downs in his first year as the starter, was efficient (20 of 26 for 228 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for a 115.5 passer rating) and largely mistake-free. Jones (24 touches, 99 yards, one touchdown) was productive. And the defense got key contributions from a host of rookies (cornerback Carrington Valentine, safety Anthony Johnson, defensive linemen Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden) while taking care of business against the Rams overmatched offense.

All of which contributed to a very positive mood at 1265 Lombardi Avenue Monday — even if everyone still had to go to work.

“I think anytime when you work hard for something and you get the outcome you want, guys have reason to be happy about what they put out there,” LaFleur said. “It was far from the cleanest game, but nonetheless, we found a way. And like we’ve talked about so many times, you’re always going to celebrate your victories and then move on to the next day.”

Watson injury not significant

LaFleur said wide receiver Christian Watson, who was announced to have sustained chest and back injuries and was being evaluated for a concussion after hitting the ground at the end of his 37-yard fourth-quarter reception, did not suffer a significant injury. Although Watson is not in the concussion protocol, LaFleur said the team is “still following it closely just to make sure.”

Runyan not benched

LaFleur said right guard Jon Runyan came out of the game for an injury and was not benched following his offensive offsides flag wiped out a successful quarterback sneak. “He was getting looked at,” LaFleur said. Runyan was replaced by Sean Rhyan for a handful of plays but returned.

Running back swap

The Packers swapped out practice-squad running backs, releasing James Robinson and signing Ellis Merriweather, an undrafted free agent from the University of Massachusetts who was with the New Orleans Saints during training camp.

Photos: View the Packers’ win at home over Rams

Freddie Beyer of the Packers Tailgater Band plays the banjo before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, left, and head coach Matt LaFleur walk across the field before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs signs autographs before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) runs with the football as Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller (4) attempts to tackle during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (59) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Brett Rypien (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Brett Rypien (11) fumbles the football while hit by Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23), front left, during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) scores a 3-yard rushing touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Matt Ludtke

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates with head coach Matt LaFleur after scoring a 3-yard rushing touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (28) runs with the football during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) runs with the football after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talks with quarterback Jordan Love (10), left, and quarterback Sean Clifford (8), right, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Duke Shelley (26) recovers a fumble by Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (not pictured) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton (93) celebrates after a missed field goal attempt by the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (36) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Matt Ludtke

Green Bay Packers safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (36) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Matt Ludtke

Green Bay Packers safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (36), front center, celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Matt Ludtke

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) runs with the football during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Mike Roemer

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, and Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur shake hands after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 20-3. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Matt Ludtke

Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Jones tries to get past Los Angeles Rams’ Michael Hoecht during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers’ Keisean Nixon runs past Los Angeles Rams’ Jordan Fuller during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Morry Gash

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