The Green Bay Packers are currently 6-8 after an ugly 34-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. While Jordan Love and the offense continued to demonstrate that they are laying the groundwork for a bright future in Green Bay, the defense with its eight first-round picks (sans Jaire Alexander) did not.
For the past three seasons, the Joe Barry-led defense has been the misery of Packers fans’ lives. Even when the Packers were winning 13 games a season, the defense always found a way to allow a huge play at the wrong time.
Unfortunately, the Packers’ defense has looked outmatched in the most of their recent games. Even the Packers’ win over the Los Angeles Chargers, the opening of a three-game winning streak, saw them get lucky with their opponents losing two sure-fire touchdown passes.
Many were asking for Barry to be stripped of his duties after the offense gave up 34 points and over 400 yards total offense against the Buccaneers on Sunday. But, according to head coach Matt LaFleur, that will not happen.
Matt LaFleur has signed a contract extension with Joe Barry for the remainder of the Green Bay Packers’ season.
During a press conference on Monday, LaFleur was asked if Barry would remain as defensive coordinator for the rest of the season. Many supporters were disappointed when the answer was affirmative:
While Barry may still have a job, LaFleur has announced that he will step in to help resolve any communication issues that Barry alleges exist between him and the players:
Furthermore, LaFleur added that if he considered firing Barry with three games left in the season was the right course of action, he would do so:
This is not something LaFleur should have to deal with as the team’s defensive coordinator in his third season. Furthermore, he should not have to do it with only three weeks left in the regular season.
The Packers, despite their 6-8 record, have a 93% chance of making the NFL Playoffs if they win their final three games. Barry and whatever he’s doing with his defense can’t keep doing what they’ve been doing if Green Bay wants to make the playoffs.
Barry is most likely in the final year of his deal with the Packers. Regardless of the outcome of the last three games, it is tough to see him returning as defensive coordinator.
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