Besides rest and recovery, Packers focused on key…

In a season of ups, downs and progress, the Packers’ punt and kickoff coverage teams are proving to be the strengths of the unit, the return games have the furthest to go, and the field-goal operation is getting smoothed out.

Forcing a fumble on a punt return and downing a 61-yard Corey Bojorquez punt at the 1-yard line were the highlights vs. the Rams as indiviuals such as Equanimeous St. Brown and others have “made their mark” on special teams, according to LaFleur.

Special teams coordinator Maurice Drayton noted the Lambeau Field winds were “horrific” and “tricky” on Sunday, which prompted the coaches to substitute Randall Cobb for rookie Amari Rodgers on punt return, but then Cobb muffed one anyway.

Also, the much-maligned PAT/FG unit turned in a near-perfect day, as clean snaps, holds and protection led to seven straight made kicks (four PATs, three FGs) without incident before kicker Mason Crosby clanked the upright on his final field-goal attempt.

Both LaFleur and Drayton used the word “encouraged” to describe where things are headed.

“Is it perfect? Absolutely not, and we’ll continue to work on the things that aren’t perfect,” LaFleur said. “I think these guys have really taken special teams to heart. I think there’s a great energy with the guys that are out there playing.”