One of the greatest disappointments of the season has been the Packers’ defense. The front office has invested heavily in the defense with multiple first-round picks. The unit has simply not lived up to expectations. It seems that some players are starting to question the playcalling of Joe Barry. Packers players are growing frustrated with the defensive playcalling.
Packers Players Growing Frustrated With Defensive Playcalling
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According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, sources close to the team are seeing a growing frustration amongst the defensive players on the playcalling. One source went so far as to say there is “a declining confidence in the defensive scheme and what’s being called, and it’s led to overall frustration with the defense.” It is one thing to have talent. It is another to call the correct plays to put the players in the best place to succeed. That doesn’t seem to be happening right now and players are showing frustration.
It Makes Sense That Players Are Frustrated
The Packers spent the offseason touting this defense. There have been bright spots but overall the defense has struggled. To me, this signals a deficiency in playcalling. Let’s take the most obvious example. Jaire Alexander is not following the opponent’s best receiver. The third option is shut down while the top wide receiver runs wild. Barry says it is all about the scheme but at some point, you have to match up your best player with theirs. Overall, Barry simply does not seem to be putting his players in the best position to succeed and the players are becoming frustrated.
Matt LaFleur has built a culture of listening to players. He wants player input on what the team should be doing. Hopefully, this causes Joe Barry to listen to what his players are saying and change up the defensive playcalling. There have been some good adjustments over the past couple of weeks but they all have been minor. If the Packers are going to go on a run, this defense has to be dominant in the back half of the season.
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1 Comment
Players still need to make plays. Can’t blame missed tackles and missed assignments on the coach. Savage fills the hole to hold the running back to no gain, misses the tackle and instead it’s a 10 yard run. It’s not all on Barry.