Achord’s methodology is rooted in meticulous research. He famously spent two days charting thousands of punts to determine that a ball hitting the ground rolls an average of 14 yards, a statistic he uses to justify aggressive fielding decisions. His commitment to preparation extends to studying individual player performance, such as his deep dive into the six-year career of former New England Patriots standout Matthew Slater. By analyzing Slater’s success rate against double-teams, Achord has established a clear, data-backed standard for his current gunners to emulate.
A New Standard for Green Bay
The Packers have cycled through nine special teams coordinators since 1999, with many tenures ending abruptly due to high-profile failures in playoff games and crucial regular-season matchups. From the 2014 NFC Championship loss to the 2021 postseason defeat against the 49ers, special teams blunders have frequently derailed the team’s aspirations. Achord, who previously served as the Patriots' coordinator and spent two seasons with the New York Giants, is now tasked with reversing this trend.
Early results suggest a shift in momentum. Following a 20-17 overtime victory against the New York Jets, LaFleur awarded game balls to special-teamers
While the history of the position in Green Bay is fraught with turnover, those who have worked with Achord remain optimistic about his impact. Former players highlight his willingness to push himself to ensure his squad is ready for any scenario. Whether this high-octane, data-heavy philosophy will finally solve the Packers' long-standing special teams challenges remains to be seen, but the early buy-in from the roster suggests a renewed sense of purpose within the unit.
