Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who is looking for solutions, when his defense crumbles, says he will remain with Joe Barry.
But it wasn’t the case.
In fact, LaFleur stated that the frequently chastised defensive coordinator Joe Barry will remain as defensive coordinator and play caller for the rest of the season.ย “Yeah, that’s the plan,” said LaFleur, who has never made an in-season coaching change in his five seasons as head coach.
LaFleur of GB is looking for ‘solutions’ once the defense crumbles.
Less than 24 hours ago, LaFleur refused to discuss any possible changes following Sunday’s 34-20 loss to the Buccaneers, in which Mayfield threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns.
“If I thought that was the best solution today,” LaFleur said Monday, “we’d make that decision.” “But when you’re having basic communication issues and you’re supposed to be in a certain coverage or a certain rotation and we’re not getting that communication, that’s what’s so disappointing to me.”
“It always begins with us.” It starts with me and spreads to all of our assistant coaches. So, obviously, the coaching wasn’t up to par, and our performance on the field reflected that.”
To that end, LaFleur stated that coach intends to spend extra time with the defense this week in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.ย The Packers (6-8) will almost certainly be in must-win situations in each of their remaining three games in order to keep their postseason aspirations alive.
Although LaFleur blamed much of the problem on poor communication, he didn’t totally exonerate Barry of problems with his game-plan and play calling decisions, particularly how much cushion the Packers provided 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, the player who calls the offensive plays, said. “And that’s football, but hopefully we can learn from that and not make that same mistake twice.”
Because Barry held his customary day-after-game meetings with the defense, it was clear early on Monday that LaFleur would not make a change.
“We can’t play the blame game; that’s exactly what we just ended the meeting on,” said cornerback Eric Stokes. “We must find solutions.” There’s no reason to play the blame game since it won’t get us anywhere. We need to find solutions quickly because we’re leaving for Charlotte next week. So, absolutely, we have to look in the mirror. We are capable of accomplishing anything. Just get in line and play ball.”
Barry, who was hired in 2021 to replace Mike Pettine, was chastised last season for the Packers’ inability to stop the run. It’s also been an issue this season, with the Packers allowing more than 200 yards rushing in four games. Despite five sacks of Mayfield, it was virtually entirely on the pass defense on Sunday.
However, there were instances this season when LaFleur commended Barry’s unit for keeping the club in games, particularly when the offense faltered early in the season. Only two weeks ago, the Packers’ scoring defense ranked in the top ten. They are now ranked 17th in terms of points allowed per game.
“Because I’ve seen us execute this stuff before,” LaFleur explained when asked why he isn’t changing coaches. “It’s unfortunate that it happened at this time of year in such a crucial game.” But I’ve seen us do it before this year or in past games.”