The Green Bay Packers have some tough decisions to make as the offseason gets underway. The team surprised a lot of people by making the playoffs in a transition season and soundly defeating the Cowboys in the Wild Card round. But the Packers have already decided to move on from defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
What the Numbers Say About Packers Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry
Statistically, the Packers defense was a mixed bag in 2023. They finished 10th in the NFL in points allowed, averaging 20.6-points per game.
The pass defense was statistically solid, ranking ninth in the league by allowing 206.8 yards per game. The run defense was a struggle, 128.3-yards per game and ranking 28th.
These numbers are not awful but are hardly spectacular. Based purely on statistics, these numbers are good enough for a strong offensive team to win with.
Looking Beyond the Numbers
But there are issues to look at beyond mere statistics. One question that has to be asked about all coaches is did they maximize the available talent on their roster? This was a big issue with Barry.
The Packers defense featured as many as eight former first round picks. They had former Pro Bowlers or All Pros along the defensive line, in the linebacking corps and in the secondary. Yet, the defense was far from dominant. His strategies didn’t seem to bring out the best in his players and weren’t suited to their talents. He often played a soft zone that gives receivers a cushion when his corners are better suited to press coverage designed to contest a receiver’s pattern early.
In addition, Barry struggled to adjust to what the opposition was doing during a game. If his initial plan wasn’t working, or if the offense changed their approach because it was working, he often struggled to make counter moves.
Barry’s defenses have also been too predictable at times. For a three-game stretch late in the season, the Packers made three quarterbacks who were far from elite look like future Hall of Famers. Tommy DeVito, Bryce Young, and Baker Mayfield easily picked apart Barry’s defenses like taking candy from a baby. Mayfield even had a perfect quarterback rating, the first ever for a visiting quarterback at Lambeau Field. The Packers lost two of those three games.
Things did improve down the stretch, but that only took place after head coach Matt LaFleur decided to dedicate more time to orchestrating the team’s defensive gameplans. LaFleur normally concentrates on the offensive game plan and play calling.
Another Issue the Packers Players Had with Joe Barry and His Approach
The way Barry designed his defense was usually passive. He played a bend but don’t break, defense that was designed to prevent the big play and relied on offenses making mistakes before they can make a long march down the field.
Most defensive players prefer to be more aggressive and to attack the offense and to dictate to them. Before the season, cornerback Jaire Alexander explained the attitude defensive players prefer.
“We got experienced players now. So we’re just gonna fly around to the ball,” Alexander said. “I think that’s what you mean by being more aggressive. I mean, we’re gonna get in your face, and we’re gonna, like, lock you up. That’s pretty much what we mean by being aggressive.”
But the Packers weren’t more aggressive during the season. One result was a lack of big plays. The Packers only intercepted seven passes all season which ranked 31st in the league. In total takeaways, only six teams had fewer than the Packers 18.
What Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Said About Joe Barry
In his season-ending press conference, LaFleur was non-committal when it came to Barry’s future. Last year, he defended his friend and defensive coordinator.
“I know there’s going to be a lot of long-term, big picture questions,” LaFleur told reporters. “I’m not there yet, fellas. We’re just, like I said, we’re just starting the process. I gave everybody off yesterday. I came in yesterday and watched the tape, all three phases, but we’re just getting into the evaluation portion right now. So, probably not going to have many answers for you guys, haven’t met with any of our coaches yet. That’ll start this afternoon.”
In the past, it took LaFleur about a week or two to decide the future of special teams coordinators Maurice Drayton and Shawn Mennenga. It took less time to make the decision to move on from Barry.
A report by Matt Schneidman of The Athletic indicated that Barry’s contract was not up at the end of this season. That means the Packers had to fire Barry and they did.
Ultimately, the team did the right thing by moving on from Barry. He did not seem to be bring out the best in his players with his schemes. Many of the players seemed to have lost confidence in him and his approach. While LaFleur was loyal to Barry who is a long-time colleague and friend, he made the right decision would be to let Barry go. That was in the best interests of the Packers if they want to take the next step towards winning another championship.
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