Tag: Joe Barry

Matt LaFleur did not consider firing Joe Barry after losing to Eagles

LaFleur: “If I thought there was an issue there, then I would make the change, but we work as a staff, and collectively, we’re in this sucker together.”

Following Sunday night’s 40-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, in which the defense allowed an unprecedented 363 rushing yards, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur did not consider firing defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

According to LaFleur, the Packers missed over 20 tackles. However, he doesn’t think the scheme is to blame for most of those.

“It was by far our worst tackling performance that I’ve seen here,” said LaFleur.

Green Bay’s head coach then went on to say that there was a long conversation on Monday related to the scheme, including different structures they are presenting to the offense and implementing different run mechanisms to try to make it more challenging to run the football. The Packers have to do something different, with their next opponent being the number one rushing offense in the Chicago Bears.

When asked if he would consider changing from Barry as the defensive play caller, LaFleur immediately shut down the notion.

“We’re not going to go down that road,” he said. “Again, if I thought there was an issue there, then I would make the change, but we work as a staff, and collectively, we’re in this sucker together.”

LaFleur hired Barry in 2021 to replace Mike Pettine, who was a carryover from the previous regime. In his first season, Barry’s defense finished ninth overall in total defense and 14th scoring defense. This season, Green Bay has fallen to 16th in total defense and 22nd in scoring defense.

These numbers look even worse when compared to the talent Barry has to work with. On paper, the Packers would appear to have the personnel of a top-10 defense. However, the combination of poor execution from the players and a scheme failing to put players in the best position to succeed has resulted in a disastrous defensive unit.

LaFleur did not rule out the possibility of firing a coach midseason, stating that you are always going to do what is in the best interest of the team. However, despite their 4-8 record, LaFleur is not ready to make any drastic changes to his staff.

“It’s never just one person. It starts with myself, and then it goes to our assistant coaches and then our players. We’re all in this together. If I felt confident it was one person, then I’d pinpoint it.”

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Why Lincoln Riley and USC need to pay very close attention to the Green Bay Packers

Why should Lincoln Riley care about what the #Packers do? What kind of question is that? It’s not nearly as weird as you think. #USC #Badgers

First things first: When we say that Lincoln Riley needs to pay close attention to the Green Bay Packers, we’re not referring to this week. Riley has a 13th game to coach this season, the Pac-12 Championship Game against Utah.

Once that Utah game ends, however, USC will need to focus on recruiting, its bowl preparations, the transfer portal, and the composition of its 2023 coaching staff.

How do the Green Bay Packers fit into this larger picture? If you follow the football coaching industry, and if you know why the Packers are a central figure in a new coaching drama created by breaking news over the weekend, you will immediately understand.

Let’s explain why Lincoln Riley needs to pay attention to the Packers — and be ready to potentially make a move — after the Utah game ends:

Report: Packers players growing frustrated with defensive coordinator Joe Barry

Is confidence waning in Joe Barry’s ability to lead the Packers defense?

The underachievement of the Green Bay Packers defense has led to frustration and “declining confidence” within the personnel about the scheme and playcalling of defensive coordinator Joe Barry, per reporting from Rob Demovsky of ESPN.

Through eight games, the Packers defense ranks 16th in points allowed and 27th in takeaways.

Talent wouldn’t appear to be the major issue. There are seven first-round picks and numerous veterans playing on lucrative contracts, but the dominant defense first seen during training camp practices hasn’t shown up consistently during the regular season.

The Packers have given up at least 23 points in five straight games and have only two games with multiple takeaways. On Sunday in Buffalo, the Packers allowed five straight scoring drives as the Bills took commanding leads of 14-0, 24-7 and 27-10.

Barry’s group is giving up explosive plays, missing tackles and consistently struggling to stop the run.

Would a change make a difference? Secondary coach Jerry Gray is a coach on staff with playcalling experience.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Monday he was not entertaining a move at defensive coordinator, so Barry’s job is safe for now.

The fourth-year head coach said the Packers haven’t been physical enough on defense this season.

“I think from a consistency standpoint, way too many explosive gains, some poor tackling. I think we need to be more physical,” LaFleur said. “I think you look at the teams that are toughest to deal with in this league, especially from a defensive standpoint and physicality, it jumps out to you. There were moments where we’re not always getting that.”

LaFleur hired Barry before last season. He replaced Mike Pettine. The Packers finished 13th in points allowed and ninth in yards allowed in 2021.

Losers of four straight games, the Packers will head to Detroit to play the Lions in Week 9. Dan Campbell’s team is ninth in scoring and fourth in total yards this season.

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Packers defensive coordinator: We will be more aggressive moving forward

Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry discussed what could be ahead for his defense during an 18-minute presser on Thursday.

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry spoke with the media for almost 20 minutes on Thursday. He was asked about a variety of topics, including the play of his secondary, the aggressiveness of his pass defense, who should play in the slot and the play of Eric Stokes.

Some things to know from Barry’s press conference on Thursday:

– Called the secondary an “elite” and “special” group.

– In terms of consistency, he said it should help to have Jaire Alexander and Adrian Amos both healthy.

– Needs to mix coverage better against “over” routes (or crossing routes). Teams are going to keep running them until the Packers prove they can “squash” that issue.

– Said Alexander’s injury has somewhat forced the team to use Rasul Douglas in the slot, but he thinks several players can play in the slot.

– Might start moving Darnell Savage around to other positions with Rudy Ford’s ability to play safety behind him. “He’s getting more and more comfortable.”

– Expecting takeaways to come in bunches. Packers only have four in five games.

– On playing more aggressive in the secondary: “We have the guys to do it.” Thinks the cornerbacks can challenge people at the line and play more aggressively. “Allow our guys to be aggressive and get in people’s face…we will do that moving forward.”

– On recent struggles: “We had a bad fourth quarter against New England and a bad fourth quarter last week.” Confident in the talent and resiliency of his group.

– On Eric Stokes, who is going through some ups and downs in Year 2: “He’s a young player…he’s a second-year player. He’s still learning the NFL game. Getting better and better every single day. Eric Stokes is going to be an elite player in this league for a long time, just can’t forget, he’s a second-year pro.”

– Hit on Saquon Barkley along the sideline proved Alexander can play anywhere in the secondary. Has the speed, change of direction and physicality to do everything. Not worried about the injury from tackling Najee Harris last year.

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The worst coaching decisions in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season

Several NFL coaches made decisions on Sunday that they’d like back. Here are the worst examples of strategic malfeasance in Week 1 of the NFL season.

NFL coaches are brilliant people who have devoted most of their lives to the beautiful game. Even the biggest alleged hacks in the business know more about football than we ever will.

That does not, however, inoculate them from the occasional situational flub. And in the first Sunday of the 2022 NFL season, there were all kinds of situations in which coaches had the opportunity to do the smart thing, and did the other thing instead.

Such brainfarts do not discriminate. In our inaugural edition of the article detailing the worst coaching decisions of the week, we have veterans with multiple playoff wins, Super Bowl coaches, and new guys on the block.

We did a poll for readers asking their opinions of the worst coaching decision of the week so far, and while the entrants were pretty well-balanced, our faithful followers also added a few examples worth discussing.

Here, for your perusal, are the worst coaching decisions of Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season.

Packers’ Joe Barry eager to work with first-round picks Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has a spring in his step after the Packers used both first-round picks on defensive players Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt.

No one is more excited to have Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt as new members of the Green Bay Packers than defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

“I spring out of bed every single day and sprint to the office knowing they’re gonna be here,” Barry said Tuesday. “This time is invaluable to everybody but specifically young guys like Quay and D-Wyatt who are coming in as rookies and learning a brand-new way of language, a brand-new playbook.”

Barry spent a couple of days getting to know his two first-round picks following the draft but recently saw them in action during rookie minicamp May 6-7. Walker made a strong first impression, flashing his versatility as an off-ball linebacker. Meanwhile, Wyatt displayed impressive strength and speed despite no padded practices.

“It’s great to have all the guys back, but those two specifically, they’re great players that are football guys,” Barry said. “The program they come from, you have to love football to play at the University of Georgia, and you can feel that in them instantly.”

Walker is expected to form an effective tandem alongside De’Vondre Campbell. Together, they will be one of the most athletic inside linebacker duos in the NFL. The Packers were immediately reminded of Campbell when watching Walker in college.

“You watch any Georgia football game last year; it’s hard not to see No. 7 flying around making plays,” Barry said.

While Walker will be learning from an All-Pro in Campbell, Wyatt will be learning from Kenny Clark, whose is a Pro Bowler in his right.

“I’ve told you guys about Kenny Clark and how much I respect him from a consistency level,” Barry said. “He walks in the building every single day, and you know what you’re going to get from Kenny Clark.”

Green Bay will hold Wyatt and Walker to a high standard. That’s the territory that comes with being a first-round pick coming from one of the most dominant college defenses in recent memory. With OTAs just around the corner and training camp set to begin later this summer, Barry is looking forward to working his new pieces into what was already a successful unit last season.

“They look good in green and gold. I’m excited they’re here.”

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Packers finally have a championship-caliber defense

Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry has created the kind of championship-caliber defense that Mike Pettine could not in Green bay.

Do the Green Bay Packers finally have a championship-caliber defense?

Two years ago, the Packers opened their season and the Matt LaFleur era with a 10-3 win over the Chicago Bears. Following a busy offseason that saw the team add three key players on defense, quarterback Aaron Rodgers couldn’t help but notice a difference.

“We got a defense,” said a smiling Rodgers as he walked off the field.

For years, the defense had let this team down on the biggest of stages. Look no further than the 2016 NFC Championship, a game in which the Packers surrendered 44 points and nearly 500 yards of offense to the Atlanta Falcons. Or the 2012 divisional round, which saw Colin Kaepernick rack up 444 by himself to eventually lead the San Francisco 49ers to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994.

There are other examples that Packers fans are probably well aware of.

When Rodgers praised his defense a little over two years ago, little did he know it would be that same group serving as the main culprit in another NFC Championship downfall. We’re talking about the 37-20 loss to the 49ers when Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns to almost single-handedly lift his team past Green Bay.

That year, the Packers’ defense finished 18th in total defense.

Even after his monstrosity for a run defense let the team down, Mike Pettine was granted another year as the team’s defensive coordinator. His unit performed better in 2020 as they ranked in the top 10 in total defense for the first time in a decade. However, a second straight loss in the NFC Championship prompted Matt LaFleur to find his own defensive mind instead of continuing on with a carryover from the Mike McCarthy era.

After countless hours of interviews, LaFleur chose a familiar face in Joe Barry to whip the defense into shape. A lot of people had doubts about the decision to bring in Barry, and rightfully so. His previous two stints as a coordinator in Detroit and Washington were nothing to be proud of.

To some, there were more attractive options. University of Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonard was a prime candidate but decided to stay in college. There was also Ejiro Evero, the safeties coach for the Los Angeles Rams, who was deemed a finalist.

However, LaFleur went with Barry, a guy who made a lasting impression on him when the two worked together on the Rams coaching staff in 2017.

Now 10 weeks into the 2021 NFL season, there is no doubt LaFleur made the right choice. Barry’s scheme places an emphasis on playing fast. Guys are consistently in the right spots and are unafraid of making mistakes. There is a noticeable trust factor that was lacking under Pettine.

Currently, the Packers defense is ranked third in yards and points allowed. Meanwhile, the offense is well behind, ranking 20th in total offense and 19th in points per game.

Rodgers isn’t ready to call Green Bay a defensive team just yet. But having passed the halfway point of the season, that is exactly what they are. What makes it even more impressive is who they have done it against, especially the opposing quarterbacks over the last three weeks.

The Packers have gone through a gauntlet of Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, and Russell Wilson in consecutive weeks. According to Field Yates of ESPN, their combined stats are 62-110 (56.3 completion percentage), 601 yards, one total touchdown, and four interceptions. Three MVP-caliber quarterbacks completely shut down.

It hasn’t just been the last three weeks, either. Seemingly, every quarterback has struggled against this Green Bay defense.

If that’s not a championship-level defense, I’m not sure what is.

Right now, the Packers have an 8-2 record despite missing key players on both sides of the ball. Yes, even the defense has been without two All-Pro caliber players in Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith for most of the year. If and when they return, this already stellar defense could be even better.

Finally, the Packers have a defense.

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Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry tests positive for COVID-19, likely to miss game vs. Cardinals

The Packers won’t have their defensive coordinator for Thursday night in Arizona. Joe Barry tested positive for COVID-19.

Three days before facing MVP candidate Kyler Murray, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry has tested positive for COVID-19 and is expected to miss Thursday night’s showdown with the Arizona Cardinals, according to Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Barry, the team’s first-year coordinator, was on the sidelines for the Packers’ win over the Washington Football Team on Sunday.

Garafolo reports Barry will be part of the pre-game planning for the Packers as the defense preps for Murray and an explosive Cardinals offense.

It’s unclear who will call plays for the Packers defense in Arizona, but pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Jerry Gray is a top candidate.

Barry and the rest of the Packers coaching staff is fully vaccinated.

The Cardinals are fourth in the NFL in points scored per game this season at 32.1. The Packers defense is now seventh in points allowed after giving up only 10 on Sunday against Washington.

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Fans react on Twitter during Washington vs. Packers in Week 7

The best Twitter reactions from Washington’s 24-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.

The Washington Football Team fell to the Green Bay Packers, 24-10, in Week 7 to drop to 2-5 on the season.

It was a game in which Washington’s offense outgained Green Bay’s offense by 126 yards. Washington finished the game with 430 total yards yet only scored 10 points due to multiple failures in the red zone.

Just like any afternoon during a Washington game, Twitter had plenty of truthful — and hilarious — reactions to WFT’s performance. The Packers came into Sunday’s game, allowing every opponent who reached the red zone to score. Opponents were 15/15 in the red zone against Joe Barry’s defense.

Leave it to Washington to make Barry look like a competent defensive coordinator — which he’s not.

Washington fans and those covering the team had plenty to say about the WFT’s latest losing performance, from Antonio Gibson’s issues to Taylor Heinicke’s Lambeau Leap to Barry.

Here are the top Twitter reactions from Washington’s 24-10 loss to the Packers.

 

 

 

10 biggest questions for Green Bay Packers defense entering training camp

The Packers will have a new defensive coordinator leading a talent-rich group in 2021. Can Green Bay’s defense take the next step? That and more question marks.

A talent-rich Green Bay Packers defense that jumped into the top 10 in yards allowed (ninth) but regressed in points allowed (19.6 to 23.1) will welcome a new coordinator to an important leadership role in 2021.

Gone is Mike Pettine, who led the Packers defense for three seasons, and arriving is Joe Barry, who didn’t produce top-level defenses during his previous two stints as a defensive coordinator but now inherits the most talented group he’s ever coached.

The change at coordinator is the biggest question mark for the Packers defense entering training camp. What adjustments will Barry make in scheme and player usage? How will his scheme and plan of attack differ from Pettine’s? Is he capable of pushing the group to the next level? Whether or not Barry can hit the ground running during his first season as the Packers defensive coordinator might be a deciding factor for the team’s Super Bowl aspirations in 2021.

Here are the rest of the biggest question marks facing Barry’s group entering camp: