The Green Bay Packers made some fairly significant changes on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. While they kept more of their core players, there were some pretty notable departures. Among players, this included former All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell, who has since signed with the San Francisco 49ers. It also included their entire safety room of Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford, and Jonathan Owens.
Perhaps the most notable departure, however, was not a player, but a coach. Soon after the Packers lost to the 49ers in the NFL Playoffs, head coach Matt LaFleur made the decision to [finally] fire defensive coordinator Joe Barry. In the three seasons that Barry led Green Bay’s defense, they woefully underperformed and were one of the worst run defenses in the entire NFL.
Related: Green Bay Packers Pass Rusher Rashan Gary Breaks Silence on New Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley
Of course, there were many other reasons why Barry was often criticized by fans and the media during his time with the Packers.
Former Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry Misused Preston Smith
Preston Smith signed with the Packers as a free agent prior to the 2019 NFL season. In his five seasons with Green Bay, he has accumulated 41.5 sacks, which ranks 12th in franchise history. An underrated pass rusher, Smith now finds himself the elder statesman on a defense that sees him as the only player over the age of 30.
Under Barry, Smith had seasons of 9.0, 8.5, and 8.0 sacks, which are respectable numbers, but not as good as what he is capable of putting up. This is because Barry often put Smith in situations like this:
Is that Preston Smith at CB for the #Packers on the bottom right?! pic.twitter.com/9Xpf30GDmh
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) November 2, 2020
As fans often pointed out, Smith was sometimes lined up as a cornerback during games. This practice infuriated fans, though it did work out at times:
Preston Smith CB#1
…Making plays IN SPITE OF Joe Barry’s 💩scheme pic.twitter.com/5ZT4N2resG
— Soren Sodergren🧀🏈 (@Soren_Sodergren) October 30, 2023
Still, Smith has no business covering wide receivers or tight ends in the passing game. His strength is rushing the passer and that is where he should be used exclusively.
And that is exactly what new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is doing.
Green Bay Packers Pass Rusher Preston Smith Throws Subtle Shade at Joe Barry
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Since being hired to replace Barry, new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has revealed that he is switching the Packers’ defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3. Now, instead of lining up as an outside linebacker, Smith will be on the defensive line rushing the passer and attempting to disrupt the backfield.
He talked about how refreshing that is for him to the media at the end of mandatory minicamp:
Preston Smith on if Jeff Hafley is using him differently: “Yeah, man. Finally, I’m out here rushing more and I get to get after the quarterback a whole lot more. I just love the system.”
There’s a big smile and smirk here, too, and keep in mind Preston and Joe Barry go way back. pic.twitter.com/cOcjGX8vBw
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) June 12, 2024
As Matt Schneidman notes in his post, Smith and Barry go way back. Barry was the defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders for a while during Smith’s tenure with them.
Smith also was one of the few defensive players who was outspoken last season about his support for Barry in the midst of heavy criticism.
Still, one can tell that he is thrilled to be doing the thing he is best at doing: rushing the passer.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
