Green Bay Packers DC Joe Barry has been the source of fans’ frustrations throughout his tenure as defensive coordinator.
Barry was hired in 2021, and while he hasn’t taken the defense to new heights, he’s shown he’s willing to adapt his defenses based on the personnel.
But would it be smart for the Packers to extend Joe Barry through the next few seasons? Wendall Ferreira of A To Z Sports says don’t be surprised if Barry is the DC for the team beyond 2023.
Should the Green Bay Packers extend Joe Barry after this season?
Don't be surprised if the #Packers keep Joe Barry beyond 2023. https://t.co/zie9bbLVzQ
— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) November 8, 2023
Ferreira said that based on LaFleur’s comments earlier this season, it could warrant Barry to keep his job through the 2023 season.
“Our defense was getting better. It was progressing,” LaFleur told reporters. I thought Joe was doing a good job of communicating with our players. I thought our staff was doing a good job together, putting our guys in better situations, having just more clarity on what it is we wanted to be and our play style. I thought it got better. I felt it was in the best interest of us to bring all those coaches back.”
The defense hasn’t been the most glaring issue for the Green Bay Packers this season. At times, Green Bay has struggled to stop the run, but they were able to stop the run against Minnesota (62 yards rushing) and the LA Rams (68 yards rushing.)
Like last season, Green Bay’s defense had a strong finish to the year, which helped Joe Barry keep his job. Barry had momentum heading into the 2023 season. Brian Gutekunst drafted another pass rusher in Lukas Van Ness, and Barry made tweaks to his defense to include more press man-to-man coverage. He also moved up to the booth for the first time in his career.
In large part, those changes haven’t brought Green Bay more wins, but opposite Jaire Alexander, the team has a future stud in Carrington Valentine.
Packers16 9
Joe Barry hasn’t been the issue this season. The offense has struggled to put points on the board, especially in the first half of games. Green Bay’s offense struggled against the Raiders and Broncos, two teams that will be undergoing a lengthy rebuild. Matt LaFleur’s offensive genius only managed to score 13 points against the Raiders and 17 against the Broncos. That’s dreadful, and Jordan Love has shown flashes, but he’s away from being a good quarterback in this league.
This poor start isn’t all on Joe Barry, but if Barry hopes to keep his job, the defense will have to play lights out and help the team win some games down the stretch.
For More Wisconsin Sports Content.
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more content. To check out more top-tier Wisconsin Sports Content, click here!
