Packers' first meeting with Buccaneers 'really doesn't matter'

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"I think they definitely got to us, got us a little off rhythm," LaFleur said. "Certainly that is a damn good defense. They've got star-studded players across the board. They play a really fast, aggressive type scheme. They can bring multiple different pressures."


The crux of that defense, which finished the regular season first in the league against the run, sixth in total yards, and eighth in points allowed, is the inside linebacker duo of Devin White and Lavonte David. Tampa Bay also has designated defensive lineman Vita Vea to return from injured reserve. He didn't play in the first meeting, having broken an ankle against the Bears the week before.


After the October blowout, which ended Green Bay's unbeaten start to the season, White said the Packers "didn't deserve to be on the field with us," but LaFleur isn't getting caught up in whether his players will use that as bulletin-board material or not.


"We're talking about the NFC Championship Game with an opportunity to go to the Super Bowl," LaFleur said. "I think that's enough motivation right there. You know, hey, he was right. They whipped us. There's no sense in talking about it. The only thing you can do is you've got to prepare the best you can and then go prove it."


While the situation looks similar to a year ago, when the Packers were blown out at San Francisco in the regular season heading into an NFC title game rematch, there are distinct differences in the scenarios.


For one, last year's first 49ers game was six weeks later in the regular season, and the Packers hadn't changed much in the interim. They have this time, charging their way to the No. 1 scoring offense in the league despite the 10-point output at Tampa, and continually improving on defense, which was not necessarily the case in 2019.