As the 2023 NFL season draws to a close, the Green Bay Packers find themselves at [yet another] crossroads. They are now 6-8 after their humiliating 34-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. The good news is that they have a 93% probability of qualifying for the NFL Playoffs if they win their final three games.
The bad news is that this squad, particularly the defense, has proved that they can lose to just about anyone. Joe Barry, the defensive coordinator, came under fire once again as his defense allowed 14 big plays while largely playing a soft zone. Some speculated that the loss would mean the end of his tenure as Packers defensive coordinator.
However, head coach Matt LaFleur assured reporters on Monday that Barry would remain the Packers’ defensive coordinator and play caller for the rest of the season. He said that he would play a larger role in the defensive room in an effort to resolve any communication issues that may exist between Barry and his players.
After the Packers’ loss to the Buccaneers, Pat McAfee shreds Joe Barry.
The announcement, while not unexpected, elicited varied reactions from Packers supporters.
Green Bay Packers Fans React to Joe Barry’s Ability to Complete the Season as Defensive Coordinator
While it is obvious that the Packers should not keep Barry indefinitely, some supporters understood that keeping Barry for the rest of the season does not reflect well on the rest of the defensive coaching staff. If Barry were to be sacked, one of them would have to serve as an interim replacement. Obviously, LaFleur believes no one on his team can do better:
Other fans, on the other hand, are upset that Barry will be able to continue the season:
As previously said, the Packers’ postseason window is still open this year. Hopefully, this choice will not be the final nail in the coffin.
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