The Green Bay Packers played one of their most complete games on Sunday in a win against the Chargers. Matt LaFleur had to offense running smoothly in the fourth quarter. LaFleur, however, wanted to give defensive coordinator Joe Barry his flowers after the game. The head coach praised the defensive gameplan of Barry after the game.
LaFleur on late-game defense: “I’ve got to give Joe a ton of credit. He was playing some single-safety there, which I don’t think a lot of people would, but that’s the style of QB you’re going against … if you have a lot of softness in your coverage, he’s going to make you pay.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) November 20, 2023
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Praises Joe Barry
LaFleur thought it was gutsy to play a lot of single-high safety in the late game.
“I’ve got to give Joe a ton of credit. He was playing some single-safety there, which I don’t think a lot of people would, but that’s the style of QB you’re going against … if you have a lot of softness in your coverage, he’s going to make you pay.”
Overall, the Packers had another masterclass in pass defense. Despite being down Jaire Alexander again, the team held Justin Herbert to a pedestrian 21/36 and 260 yards passing. In total, the team has given up less than 2,000 passing yards on the season. They struggled a little bit against the run with Herbert gashing them in the first half but Barry made an adjustment to have Quay Walker spy in the second half which helped.
Expect More Of Joe Barry In 2024
The defense is fringe top ten in total defense. They are strong against the pass and have been able to limit the scoring of teams as well. The run defense has been suspect but Barry has been adamant that it is because of poor play which isn’t out of left field. De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker have been injured and the defensive line has been inconsistent. Even if the team can get to a more middle-of-the-road in run defense it would help drastically.
I am not a fan of Barry’s scheme but it is hard to deny the numbers. Unless the defense absolutely tanks in the back half of the season, Barry will likely be the defensive coordinator in 2024.
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