Packers coach says he’ll stick with Joe Barry after the match …
Green Bay, Wisconsin If there was ever a time for Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur to reorganize his coaching staff before a season ended, this felt like the most likely time, considering how badly Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield destroyed the team’s defense on Sunday.
As a matter of fact, LaFleur said that Joe Barry, the defensive coordinator who has been under fire frequently, would stay in that role for the duration of the season.
“Yeah, that is the plan,” stated LaFleur, who has never changed his in-season coaching staff in his five years as head coach.
Less than twenty-four hours prior, following Sunday’s 34-20 loss to the Buccaneers—a game in which Mayfield passed for 381 yards and four touchdowns—LaFleur had expressed little desire to talk about potential adjustments.
LaFleur stated on Monday, “We’d make that decision if I thought that was the best solution today.” “What’s so disappointing to me is that there was poor communication when you’re supposed to be in a certain coverage or rotation and you’re having basic communication issues, so that’s what’s going on.”
And we are always the first to begin. I lead by example, and the same goes for everyone of our assistant coaches. Thus, it is evident that the coaching was subpar, and our on-field performance undoubtedly supported that as well.”
In light of this, LaFleur announced that he intended to work with the defense more this week before Sunday’s away game against the Carolina Panthers.
To maintain their prospects of making the playoffs, the Packers (6-8) will probably face a must-win scenario in each of the last three games.
While LaFleur attributed much of the problem to inadequate communication, he did not totally absolve Barry of responsibility for his playcalling and game-plan, particularly with regard to the amount of cushion the Packers afforded Tampa Bay’s receivers.
“I know there’s some [calls] that Joe would like to have back, in particular some of those third-and-3-to-4-yard plays where we’re playing soft zone and they can easily get a free completion, just like there were a couple of calls I’d like to have back in the red zone,” LaFleur, who calls the offensive plays, said. And that’s football; maybe, though, we can draw some
Early on Monday, it was clear that LaFleur would not alter his approach as Barry continued his daily meetings with the defense following the defeat.
Eric Stokes, the cornerback, stated, “We can’t play the blame game; that’s exactly what we just ended the meeting on.” “We must come up with answers. Playing the blame game is pointless and will not benefit us in any way. It’s on to Charlotte next week, so we need to figure something out. Yes, it is necessary for us to glance in the mirror. We are capable of anything. Simply align and begin playing ball.”