Packers coach Matt LaFleur seeks ‘solutions’ after defense ‘shredded’ in loss

seasons as the coach of the Green Bay Packers. Even after his defense was “shredded” and “outcoached” by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, LaFleur will need more time to consider if Joe Barry will be No. 4.

After Baker Mayfield produced one of the best visiting quarterback performances ever at Lambeau Field, LaFleur was deluged with inquiries concerning Barry’s status and the defensive effort in the 34-20 loss.

LaFleur responded, “Uh yeah, now’s not the time for that, to be honest with you,” when asked if he would think about switching coordinators.

He reiterated, “Because it’s not the right time,” in response to the question. While looking for answers, I had to travel back and

But it’s also possible that LaFleur meant he wouldn’t consider taking action until after the season. It wasn’t until after past seasons when he moved on from defensive coordinator Mike Pettine (after the 2020 season) and special teams coordinators Shawn Mennenga (after 2020) and Maurice Drayton (after 2021).

Barry’s hire in 2021 was panned in large part because of his previous stints as a defensive coordinator in Washington and Detroit. His defenses finished ranked between 28th and 32nd (last) in the NFL.

In Green Bay, however, Barry was supposed to have better talent than in his previous stops. The Packers have had as many as eight first-round picks playing on that side of the ball at various times during his tenure.

Typically during Barry’s tenure, the defensive problems have been more with stopping the run. The Packers ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards allowed coming into Sunday but were a respectable eighth against the pass despite playing most of the season without All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, who has been healthy enough to practice despite a shoulder injury but was inactive for the sixth straight game Sunday.