If there is any fanbase that knows poor coaching, it is that of the Chicago Bears. After the Green Bay Packers lost a heartbreaker in London to the New York Giants, many of their fans took to social media to voice their displeasure of defensive coordinator Joe Barry. In the second half of the game, the Packers defense allowed 17 points. It was not just the points allowed, but the lack of in-game adjustments that had fans frustrated. Even fans of the archrival Bears were saying that the Packers would be better off without Joe Barry.
Bears Fans Agree Joe Barry Should Be Fired
You know it is brutal if even the fans that are supposed to hate your team with everything they have feel bad for the Packers. For example:
Packers defense should easily be top five honestly. Joe Barry should be fired before the bye if the Packers are smart. As a Bears fan, I hope they keep him forever though.
— Let’s go Bears (@letsgochibears) October 10, 2022
How often have Packers fans said something similar about Bears coaches? Chicago has been in some kind of purgatory for years. Much of that has been due to poor team management and coaching. Packers fans have continually said that a well-run organization would fire those people, but were glad the Bears held onto them for as long as they did.
Related: Three Obvious Changes the Packers Can Make to Turn the Season Around
What Is Wrong with the Packers Defense?
Remember, Joe Barry was not the Packers’ first choice as defensive coordinator. That was Jim Leonhard, who turned down the job to remain in the same role at the University of Wisconsin. The move worked out for him personally as he is now the interim head coach.
When the Packers hired Barry, it was reported that they loved his energy and that they were excited about how he could inspire his players. It seemed to work last year, and the Packers had their best defense in years. This year, however, Barry seems to be unwilling to make in-game adjustments and insists on playing his three star corners in primarily zone packages.
Why is this a bad thing? Well, for one: it doesn’t work. The Giants were able to dash the Packers defense with practice squad wide receivers in London. For another thing, Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, and Eric Stokes are best when they play man-to-man. The pass rush has been quite good led by Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. Kenny Clark has more help on the line than he has had his entire career. On paper, this Packers defense was believed to be one of the top five in the NFL.
But it isn’t. And that falls on Joe Barry.
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