Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry has taken a lot of heat over the years. This season has looked more of the same as previous years when the defense struggled. However, the Packers are not giving up a lot of points despite playing the same style of defense. In the last two weeks, they have given up 22 and 19 points to the Lions and Chiefs respectively. When asked about the mediocre defensive stats, Barry had a sassy response.
Joe Barry: “The biggest stat is the frickin’ scoreboard when the clock hits zero.” pic.twitter.com/qZ4xgaEV0y
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 8, 2023
Green Bay Packers Joe Barry On Defensive Stats
The defense is slightly better than last year but in all advanced stats, they are a below-average defense. They are 18th in yards allowed, 22nd in EPA per play, 21st in success rate, 18th in DVOA, and 14th in points per possession. Despite all this, they are 9th in points per game allowed. Barry thinks that is the stat that matters most. “The biggest stat is the frickin’ scoreboard when the clock hits zero,” Barry said in his Friday press conference. He isn’t wrong that the score is the most important thing in a game. Stats don’t matter if you don’t have more points than the other team. However, it does lead to some frustrating defensive plays.
Fool’s Gold
The defense feels like fool’s gold at times. Winning is great but there are times when the defensive play call seems to not match up with the situation. The fact that the Packers are below-average in a lot of advanced metrics but top ten in scoring indicates that there has been some luck on the side of Green Bay. Once that luck runs out, the Packers could give up some points in future games.
Green Bay Packers fans should probably gear up for another year of Joe Barry. If Matt LaFleur didn’t fire him last season, it seems unlikely he will do it this season especially if the Packers make the playoffs.
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