How Can Robert Saleh Help Green Bay's Offense?

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh caught Green Bay Packers fans and media by surprise on Wednesday when he appeared at Green Bay's practice. Dressed in a black hoodie instead of Packers gear, observers could see Saleh holding a white sheet, which was likely the practice script.

"We've been close for a really long time," Matt LaFleur said about Saleh being at practice. “Thought it was a good idea to bring him here. He's helping us on the offensive side of the ball. I think it's always a good deal to have that defensive perspective.”

That isn't the first time LaFleur has brought in a defensive-minded coach midseason to assist the offense. In 2022, the Packers hired Aubrey Pleasant as an offensive consultant after the Detroit Lions fired him. Pleasant is now an assistant head coach and passing-game coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams.

LaFleur said that working with Saleh provides valuable insight into how other teams might view and defend the Packers. He also expressed confidence in his current coaching staff. “I think Jeff Hafley and our defensive staff have a great thing going right now,” he said. “I totally trust them... he's gotta go through it himself.”

The Packers have not made Saleh's signing official, which suggests he could be a part-time offensive consultant for Green Bay. The New York Jets will have to pay Saleh about $10 million to cover the last two years of his deal, so he may not be in a hurry to pursue a full-time role.

According to Pro Football Focus, Green Bay has the third-best rushing offense in the league but ranks just 28th in run-blocking grade. Their top-10 usage of motion is a crucial factor in their rushing success. However, the offensive line struggles with blocking when running traditional plays to Jacobs, whether from shotgun or under center.

Aside from Zach Tom, no other Packers lineman has a run-blocking grade above 60. Moreover, no Packers offensive lineman has a run-blocking grade above 65.8 on gap schemes. While Tom is the best run blocker in football on zone running schemes, no other player on the team has a grade higher than 61.3 in that area.

Saleh has produced three top-12 run defenses in San Francisco and New York. He can assist LaFleur and Adam Stenavich by analyzing how defenses neutralize Green Bay’s offensive line. Saleh can break down the angles and techniques defenses use to attack the gaps and help devise countermeasures for the Packers to improve their blocking schemes.

The New York Jets had a top-10 pass rush over the past two seasons. Green Bay faces Josh Hines-Allen this week. Still ahead on the schedule are Nick Bosa, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Greenard, and Carl Granderson, all inside the top ten for pressures.

While the Packers have allowed the 11th-fewest pressures and the seventh-fewest sacks on Jordan Love this year, they can never provide too much protection for their $220 million quarterback. Saleh can offer valuable insight into what makes those rushers so effective and what Green Bay can do to disrupt them, whether through pre-snap motion, chip blocks, or running the ball directly at them.

Jordan Love is tied with Patrick Mahomes for the most interceptions this year. Saleh and LaFleur can review the tape to analyze the different defensive looks Love is facing and find ways to create higher-percentage opportunities.

Saleh has 19 years of NFL experience and has seen nearly everything. Having spent three seasons under offensive mastermind Kyle Shanahan, he brings valuable insight to a Packers team sitting at 5-2 and battling for the division crown.