The Packers’ coaching staff should look different next year
The Green Bay Packers are still in the playoff hunt. But their losing record before their Week 15 matchup leaves little margin for error the next four weeks. By all accounts, it’s been a disappointing season for the preseason Super Bowl favorite. The Packers are expected to make changes next season to make them more competitive. One NFL insider appears to see changes to the coaching staff this offseason.
The offense has been less than perfect. But they have had a steep learning curve with their rookie pass catchers. Injuries hampered their early-season efforts. With Christian Watson showing his explosive skillset recently, the unit should improve by next September.
The unit that needs more than improved talent in the Packers’ defense. Frankly, the Packers’ defense has underperformed under defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Some players who are supposed to be great on paper are playing worse under Barry than they have in the Packers’ previous defensive regime.
NFL insider improves the Packers
NFL insider for ESPN, Mina Kimes, was recently a guest on the podcast Intercepted. Kimes was asked how she’d fix the Packers for 2023. Kimes seemed to suggest the Packers were ready to move on Barry and his conservative scheme:
“First, you gotta hire a new defensive coach hoping that can turn around some of these issues on defense. There’s enough talent on that side of the ball where you think it can’t be this bad,” Kimes said. “Then be very targeted in signings on that side of the ball to try to shore up some of the issues.”
The Packers will have plenty of options to replace Barry this offseason. Most fans would prefer a defensive coordinator who is more aggressive and lets his secondary play man-to-man. One thing that could help the next defensive coordinator, draft a pass rusher that can take some pressure off the secondary.
2 Comments
It’s not about a pass rusher. It’s about scheme. Gb never blizes. We expect our 4 to get by their 5 every time. The numbers don’t work. It’s amazing we get any pressures or sacks. That’s how good Rashan Gary is. Force the ball out quicker and qbs make mistakes.
Jim Leonhard gets my vote for defensive coordinator!