
Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans can't make the catch while being defended by Packers cornerback Kevin King during the second half of Tampa Bay's 31-26 victory over Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game Sunday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
GREEN BAY — To hear Matt LaFleur afterward, the defensive play-call was just as big of a mistake — if not a bigger one — than cornerback Kevin King’s failure in coverage.
As displeased as the Green Bay Packers head coach was after Sunday’s 31-26 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game about the Bucs’ 39-yard Tom Brady-to-Scotty Miller touchdown just before halftime, he didn’t lay the blame solely on King, who allowed Miller to run past him to reel in Brady’s pass.
LaFleur was just as perturbed, if not more so, with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s call on the play.
“It was man coverage. Definitely not the right call for the situation, and you can’t do stuff like that against a good football team and expect to win,” LaFleur said. “When you look at it, there was 120 some-odd plays on both sides of the ball plus all the special teams. There were a lot of plays in that game that could have been made, that could have changed the outcome of the game.
“But the ones that really hurt us the most were that play, and then to come out to start the second half, (Aaron Jones) had the fumble and they score to make it 28-10. That really was the big difference in the football game. You just can’t do that stuff.
“I blame us as coaches for putting our guys in that situation. That’s inexcusable. That should not have happened. So, we’ve got to take a look at it, do some self-reflection, and try to figure out ways on how that can’t happen again.”
LIVE: Head Coach Matt LaFleur meets with the media following #TBvsGB 🎥 https://t.co/xBdyEIo9On
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 25, 2021
King was part of another crucial play that came after another questionable coaching decision: LaFleur’s decision to kick a field goal with 2 minutes, 5 seconds left in the game. After Mason Crosby’s 26-yarder made it 31-26, the Packers defense got the Bucs to a third-and-4 from the Tampa Bay 37-yard line with 1:46 left. Brady threw wide across the middle to rookie receiver Tyler Johnson, with King trailing in coverage. In a game where only five other total penalties were called (for 23 total yards), King was flagged for a 15-yard pass-interference penalty, essentially dashing the Packers’ remaining hopes.
“I was pretty surprised, just based on how the game went,” LaFleur said of the penalty. “I felt like there was multiple plays throughout the course of the game that they were letting us play.”
LaFleur said he hadn’t seen the replay of the play, which did show King tugging at the back of Johnson’s jersey. King, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, was not among the players who did Zoom video calls with reporters after the game.
“From what I was told, there was a tug there. Whether the ball was catchable or not, I think that always goes into it,” LaFleur said. “But bottom line, the official made the call, and that’s what it is. And we have to live with that. There’s no use crying about it now or complaining about it now. What’s done is done. All you’ve got to do is you’ve got to move on.
“But they were letting both sides play all game. There was a lot of things in that game that got me very, very upset that … maybe they were right. I don’t know. I’ve got to go back and watch the tape.”
Added quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose interception earlier in the game came when it appeared wide receiver Allen Lazard had his jersey pulled by Bucs cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting: “I think it was a bad call. I think there were a few opportunities for some plays down the field for us (on offense) that weren't called. Just surprised that call, in that situation, was made.
“We get the ball back with probably 1:35 and a timeout with a chance to win the game, go to the Super Bowl. Didn't look like it was even catchable, so yeah, I think it was a bad call.”
LIVE: Aaron Rodgers meets with the media following #TBvsGB 🎥 https://t.co/J2r4owTYLt
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 24, 2021
Photos: Packers' Super Bowl hopes dashed as Bucs win NFC title

Green Bay Packers cornerback Kevin King (20) was called for pass interference on a pass to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Johnson (18) late in the 4th quarter. This gave the Buccaneers a first down with under two minutes to play. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) sides inbounds after picking up a first down late in the 4th quarter allowing the Buccaneers to run out the clock. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) signals for a 1st down after the Packers were called for Pass interference late in the 4th quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Kevin King (20) after being called for pass interference late in the 4th quarter that gave the Buccaneers a 1st down. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) signals for a 1st down after the Packers were called for Pass interference late in the 4th quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Kevin King (20) was called for pass interference on a pass to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Johnson (18) late in the 4th quarter. This gave the Buccaneers a first down with under two minutes to play. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers tight end Dominique Dafney (49) and Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) on the sidelines after the Buccaneers picked a a first down late in the 4th quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) celebrates picking up a 1st down late in the 4th quarter that allowed the Buccaneers to run out the clock. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) celebrates picking up a 1st down late in the 4th quarter that allowed the Buccaneers to run out the clock. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a first down that allowed the Buccaneers to run out the clock. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) walks off the field after losing to the Baccaneers 31-26. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) walks off the field after losing to the Buccaneers 31-26. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) fumbles after being hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Jordan Whitehead (33) in the 3rd quarter. The Buccaneers recovered. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) returns an interception of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) pass in the 4th quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) is hit by Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Kamal Martin (54) in the 4th quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams (30) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (24) in the 4th quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after being sacked in the 4th quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) in the 4th quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers free safety Darnell Savage (26) pressures Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the 4th quarter. Brady's pass was intercepted by Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) on the play. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83) with a 4th quarter catch while defended by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23). The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) after fumbling and being injured in the 3rd quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in the NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end William Gholston (92) before throwing an incomplete pass late in the 4th quarter. The Packers kicked a field goal on the next play. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in the NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Ndamukong Suh (93) late in the 4th quarter. Rodgers threw an incomplete pass. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in the NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after throwing an incomplete pass late in the 4th quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in the NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after catching a 3rd quarter touchdown while defended by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (24). The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers nose tackle Kenny Clark (97) after tackling Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones (27) in the 2nd quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) hauls in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) pass while defended by Green Bay Packers free safety Darnell Savage (26) in the 2nd quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) breaking away on a 2-yard touchdown run in the 2nd quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) celebrates a 3rd quarter touchdown with offensive guard Ali Marpet (74). The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan (85) catches a 3rd quarter touchdown pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers strong safety Adrian Amos (31) picks off a Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) pass in the 3d quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers strong safety Adrian Amos (31) celebrates a 3rd quarter interception with free safety Will Redmond (25). The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon (28) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (24) in the 3rd quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after catching a 3rd quarter touchdown while defended by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (24). The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83) hauls in a 50-yard touchdown pass while defended by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (24) in the 2nd quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83) hauls in a 50-yard touchdown pass while defended by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (24) in the 2nd quarter. The Green Bay Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan.24, 2021 in The NFC Championship at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.