Green Bay Packers Matt LaFleur Gets Honest About Performance Of QB Taylor Elgersma
Green Bay Packers rookie quarterback Taylor Elgersma took the field against the Indianapolis Colts in Saturday’s preseason game, competing for a role in the team’s quarterback depth chart. The Canadian college standout, battling for a practice squad spot, delivered a mixed bag of results, combining flashes of potential with clear areas for growth. Head coach Matt LaFleur provided honest postgame insights, reflecting both the promise and challenges of transitioning from Canadian football to the NFL.
Green Bay Packers Taylor Elgersma: Up And Down Performance
Elgersma’s stat line provided a snapshot of his night. He recorded a 96.4 passer rating, a mark that outshone fellow Packers quarterbacks Malik Willis (62.5) and Sean Clifford (39.5). The rookie led two scoring drives, demonstrating an ability to move the ball and capitalize when needed.
However, his performance wasn’t without flaws. Elgersma struggled within the pocket, at times creating his own pressure by unnecessarily leaving clean throwing lanes. One particularly concerning moment involved a risky pass into coverage that ended up negated by a Colts penalty, a near-miss that highlighted a need for better judgment and situational awareness.
“I thought there were a lot of good things that he did. Obviously, he led us on a couple of scoring drives,” said LaFleur after the game. “I do think there were a couple of times where he put the ball in jeopardy in some tough situations, and we got bailed out by a penalty on the defense. So, I think there’s a lot to like, but also a lot to learn from.”
Adapting to the NFL Game
Elgersma’s challenges go beyond typical rookie adjustments. His collegiate background in Canadian football, where the rules and field dimensions differ from the NFL, presents an additional learning curve. Canadian football’s twelve-player format and wider field demand a different skill set, which Elgersma is now adapting to with the Packers.
One area requiring improvement is his pocket awareness. On several plays, Elgersma’s lack of comfort staying in the pocket disrupted the offensive flow. Instead of relying on his offensive line or stepping into throws, he opted for premature escapes, inviting unnecessary pressure.
Despite these shortcomings, Elgersma’s physical attributes and arm strength remain evident. His quick release and ability to execute deep throws—when given time—are the qualities that led Green Bay to take a chance on him.
Competing for a Role
Jordan Love’s absence in this game due to a thumb injury gave backups extended time to prove themselves. With Love cemented as the starter and Malik Willis locked in as his immediate backup, Elgersma is directly competing with third-year quarterback Sean Clifford for a developmental spot.
Elgersma’s arm talent and size make him a high-upside project for the Packers, but Clifford’s experience gives him the edge if immediate readiness becomes the deciding factor. Should Elgersma secure a practice squad slot, he’ll have the opportunity to refine his game under the guidance of quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, whose extensive experience developing young signal-callers could be pivotal.
Next Steps for Elgersma
The rookie’s performance against the Colts offers both optimism and caution. With one preseason game left against the Seattle Seahawks, Elgersma must demonstrate improved pocket presence and decision-making to strengthen his case. Any flashes of production or growth in these areas will validate the team’s interest in keeping him as a long-term developmental prospect.
For Elgersma, the key lies in consistency. While his highs are promising, his lows show that the jump to the NFL is still a significant transition. Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers understand this and seem willing to invest in his development, provided he seizes the opportunity to grow from each snap.
Final Thoughts
Taylor Elgersma’s outing against the Colts revealed the natural highs and lows of a rookie navigating the NFL’s learning curve. While flaws in pocket awareness and decision-making are areas for improvement, his arm strength and scoring drives showcase potential worth nurturing.
With a final preseason opportunity on the horizon, Elgersma remains focused on maximizing his reps and proving he deserves a developmental role with the Packers. For now, the rookie’s performance embodies both the promise and patience required to succeed at the NFL level.
