Green Bay Packers head coach sent a strong message to defensive coordinator Joe Barry following the team’s Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions. Barry received criticism from a former Packers quarterback during the game. The Packers wound up losing the game 34-17 at Lambeau Field.
LaFleur was visibly frustrated throughout the game. After a slow start in the first half, he “laid into” the Packers’ offense. LaFleur was seen having a serious conversation with Quay Walker after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty resulted in a Lions touchdown that ultimately sealed the Packers’ defeat.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur was upset Thursday night
LaFleur’s mood didn’t improve for his postgame press conference. LaFleur called a reporter’s question “BS” regarding why the team started slowly.
LaFleur – “You saw it Pete, we got our ass kicked. If I knew, it wouldn’t of happened. That’s a BS question.” @packers @Lions #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/EW9XcUSWox
— Jonathan Cisowski (@cisow77) September 29, 2023
LaFleur sent a message to Joe Barry
LaFleur was critical of all aspects of the Packers’ performance Thursday night, including players, himself, and the coaching staff. LaFleur made a statement about the Packers’ run defense. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, LaFleur said the Packers need to change up their scheme:
“We’re gonna have to do something different. It’s insane to do the same things over and over again and expect a different result.”
LaFleur on the run defense: “We’re gonna have to do something different. It’s insane to do the same things over and over again and expect a different result.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 29, 2023
LaFleur said the reason why the Packers lost to the Lions was because of the running game. The Packers were held to 27 yards rushing, while the Lions ran for 211 yards.
LaFleur’s message about it being “insane to do the same things” should put Barry on notice heading in Week 5. Barry will have to come up with a better game plan and make in-game adjustments.
Barry’s scheme isn’t working. And if the Packers continue to lose, LaFleur’s agitation will only grow with his defensive coordinator.
After a disappointing Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur voiced his concerns, particularly about the team’s run defense. For more insights and updates on the Packers, explore our Green Bay Packers News section.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What team did Joe Barry come from?
Joe Barry came from the University of Michigan and later transferred to USC to play linebacker. At Michigan, he played from 1989-90, and at USC, he played from 1992-93. Joe's father, Mike, had a successful coaching career at various levels, including the Detroit Lions from 2006-08.
Why won't the Packers fire Joe Barry?
The Packers opted to retain Joe Barry as their defensive coordinator, ostensibly to avoid another coaching change. After parting ways with Dom Capers in 2019 and Mike Pettine in 2021, they wanted to maintain stability and avoid the challenge of finding a new coordinator in the market.
