Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur knows when to give credit where it is due. And on Sunday after their convincing win against the Minnesota Vikings, the veteran tactician made sure to give defensive coordinator Joe Barry his flowers.
While Barry has been criticized all season long for the way the Packers’ defense has struggled, those issues were not prevalent against the Vikings. Green Bay got key stops when they needed, preventing both Minnesota QBs Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens from sustaining some rhythm that would get their offense going.
Hall, who started with a three-and-out on the opening drive, saw his second pass attempt of the game picked picked off. He failed to record a touchdown in his brief time on the field, ending up just 67 yards on 5-of-10 pass completion. Hall was sacked three times and fumbled the ball once–highlighting how much the Packers defense made it hard for him.
Mullens took over in the second half, but he wasn’t any better as he also had a hard time dealing with the Green Bay defense. In fact, while he was able to guide the Vikings to the red zone in his opening drive, he was eventually stopped by the Packers on fourth down.
The veteran QB did score a touchdown in the second half, but that’s all he could muster as the Packers’ went away with the 33-10 win.
After the game, Matt LaFleur heaped praise on the defensive performance that Joe Barry helped make happen. While LaFleur acknowledged it’s only one game, it’s deserves a ton of credit.
“I think you’ve got to give hats off to Joe Barry and our defensive staff for coming up with a great game plan and I know he’s taken a lot of heat lately, and again, it’s one game, but I was happy for him, our staff, our players,” the Green Bay Packers coach shared, per Matt Shcneidman of The Athletic.
For what it’s worth, Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark also doubled down on the compliments for Barry, telling reporters postgame that, “Joe B called some really good blitzes today.”
Sure enough, one great game won’t make fans forget the shortcomings of Barry for the most part of the season. Nonetheless, hopes are high that he will be able to sustain in Week 18 where they play the Chicago Bears in a must-win game.
Green Bay Packers’ Defensive Rating Under Joe Barry
There’s a reason why Joe Barry has taken a lot of heat this 2023 season. Under his guidance, the Green Bay Packers have posted one of the worst defenses in the league this season.
Heading to the Week 17 contest with the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers actually ranked 23rd on total defense, having given up 36 total touchdowns. They were also averaging 352.9 yards allowed per game, via FOX Sports.
It’s unlikely that one good game will change the narrative surrounding his performance. But hey, if the Packers make the postseason and his defense continues to do well, then things might be different.
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