On Monday, LaFleur, the fifth-year coach of Green Bay, was questioned about if he would play a bigger part in the team’s much-maligned, failing defense.
Without a doubt, LaFleur replied.
In addition, LaFleur stated that he will not be dismissing defensive coordinator Joe Barry, as he had hinted following the Packers’ Sunday 34–20 loss to Tampa Bay.
Over the past two weeks, as the Packers fought for their playoff life, journeyman quarterback Baker Mayfield of Tampa Bay and undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito of the New York Giants tore apart Barry’s defense.
In the Giants’ 24-22 victory, DeVito completed 17 of 21 passes, had a passer rating of 113.9, and spearheaded a last-minute drive. The NFC’s Offensive Player of the Week was subsequently awarded to DeVito.
This week, after completing 22 of 28 passes for 381 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions, Mayfield is probably going to earn the same award. Because of that, Mayfield was able to record a perfect passer rating of 158.3, which has never been accomplished by a visiting quarterback at Lambeau Field.
DeVito led the Giants on a last-minute drive and completed 17 of 21 passes for a passer rating of 113.9 in the team’s 24-22 triumph. DeVito was then named the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Week.
Mayfield will most likely win the same prize this week after completing 22 of 28 throws for 381 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Mayfield was able to post a perfect passer rating of 158.3, something that has never been done at Lambeau Field by a visiting quarterback.
Washington finished 17th in points (23.7) and 28th in yards (380.6) in 2015. Next, in 2016, Washington ranked 19th in points allowed (23.9) and 28th in yards (377.9) once more.
Barry has been given an abundance of talent; the Green Bay defense, for instance, has eight first-round draft selections this year. However, his teams have been poor at best.
In 2015, Washington ranked 28th in yards (380.6) and 17th in points (23.7). Then, in 2016, Washington again finished in the top 28 in yards (377.9) and 19th in points allowed (23.9).
Barry has been blessed with a wealth of talent; the Green Bay defense, for example, has eight picks in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. But at best, his teams have been subpar.
When questioned about it, LaFleur didn’t exactly give Barry the warmest reception.
LaFleur responded, “Well, if I thought that was the best solution today, then we’d make that decision.” “But the thing that disappoints me the most 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, and we’re not getting that communication.”
When questioned about it, LaFleur didn’t exactly give Barry the warmest reception.
And we are always the first to begin. I set the example for all of our assistant coaches, and it continues with me. Thus, it is clear that the coaching was subpar, and our on-field performance undoubtedly supported that as well.
According to LaFleur, the main issue facing Green Bay’s defense at the moment is communication. And he intends to actively participate in the effort to resolve the issues facing these Packers.
Regarding Green Bay’s communication issues, LaFleur stated, “It happens by people not talking.” “I felt like I was viewing too many examples of that, and I was just as shocked as you are right now.
“I need to be more present with those guys to make sure we’re all on the same page because, you know, in football, it just takes one guy to throw everything off if the other 11 players aren’t on the same page. Naturally, this starts with our staff making sure all of our coaches are on the same page. You are then made vulnerable. Unfortunately, on Sunday, we were severely exposed.
In Green Bay, hiring Barry has never been a popular decision.
After the 2020 season, in which the Packers finished eighth in total defense (334.0) and 13th in points (23.1), LaFleur fired Mike Pettine as his defensive coordinator.
LaFleur turned to his friend Barry, whom he had coached with during their time with the Los Angeles Rams, after former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard rejected him. And it was a huge error to make that move.
In 2007–08 Barry was the defensive coordinator in Detroit; in 2015–16, he was in Washington, when things did not go well at all.
Barry oversaw the defense for the Lions for two seasons, during which time Detroit finished lowest in terms of yards and points.
Washington finished 17th in points (23.7) and 28th in yards (380.6) in 2015. Then, Washington placed in the top 28 in yards (377.9) and 19th in points allowed (23.9) in the 2016 season.
Barry is endowed with an abundance of talent; the Green Bay defense, for instance, has eight picks in the 2019 NFL Draft’s first round. But his teams have performed mediocrely at best.
