Matt LaFleur provides rationale behind Packers’ choice to retain DC Joe Barry, explaining their decision.
It appears that Green Bay Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur seriously contemplated dismissing defensive coordinator Joe Barry following a Week 15 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the aftermath of Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield’s exceptional performance, where he achieved a perfect 158.3 rating while amassing 381 passing yards with four touchdowns against Barry’s defense, LaFleur expressed support for Barry but also acknowledged issues within the team’s communication breakdowns.
LaFleur indicated that while firing Barry might seem like a solution, the problems with communication within the team, especially in coverage and rotation, are concerning. These issues, according to LaFleur, transcend mere personnel changes.
Despite consecutive losses to the New York Giants and Buccaneers, LaFleur mentioned the plan to retain Barry in his role for the remainder of the season. Barry had faced criticism after the Packers surrendered significant yardage in these losses.
LaFleur disclosed a shift in his involvement with the defense, intending to take a more hands-on approach in game-planning and play-calling.
Among the challenges faced by the Packers’ defense, LaFleur highlighted communication breakdowns among coaches and players, recognizing it as a significant factor in recent struggles.
Ranked at No. 18 in total defense after 14 weeks, the Packers have allowed an average of 328.7 yards and 21.4 points per game.
With a critical game against the 2-12 Carolina Panthers approaching, the Packers seek defensive improvement, aiming to revive their playoff prospects, which have dwindled due to defensive breakdowns in their recent losses.
Sitting at 11th place in the NFC after Week 15, the Packers are now a game behind the Minnesota Vikings for the last wild card spot. Despite winnable upcoming games against the Panthers and Bears, the Packers face an uphill battle to overtake the Vikings, especially considering the conference record tiebreaker, where the Vikings hold a better record and have already beaten the Packers this season.
