It appeared as though any quarterback could have found success against the Green Bay Packers defense. Unfortunately for the Green Bay Packers, they were up against a Baker Mayfield-led offense that looks to capitalize on big play possibilities through the air and will most certainly send Joe Barry a Christmas card this year.
Green Bay Packers Game Plan Against the Buccaneers
This Joe Barry-led defense looks to be content with giving up safe plays in exchange for not allowing a single big gain that leads to a score.
The Green Bay Packers were content to rush four or five players and drop the rest into coverage. The concept is sound: if the coverage can delay the initial open throws, the pass rush will be able to get to the quarterback. And a quick completion makes it easier to read and rally to the football.
Unfortunately for the Green Bay Packers, this has clearly resulted in a relaxed attitude. While set up to prevent the big play, the defenders are now providing not only a significant physical cushion, but also a mental layoff. Being willing to live with a short (contested) finish and playing again only to “not get beat” are two very different things.
Except for on screens, consider how many times Chris Godwin was able to move upfield in the first half before being touched. As a result, Godwin had 108 yards and seven catches in the first half alone. His first catch in the second quarter and last catch of the half were the two worst examples of this.
Some defenses choose to chip the slot receiver with a lineman off the line of scrimmage to throw off the timing; the Green Bay Packers did not. He is able to complete the pass with plenty of room in front of him after his free release and seven yards of cushion. Godwin is allowed to sprint 15 yards with the ball before being contacted by a defender because of how this was played.
Defense Prevents the Green Bay Packers
The end of the first half was the next example of how the Packers’ conservative attitude was killing them. In a second and 29, the defense’s goal should not have been to deny a first down, but to minimize gains as much as possible to make a field goal attempt more difficult. Instead, they used soft coverage again, and the 24 yard completion was sufficient for the ensuing make.
This is still a frustrating defensive to watch. For whatever reason, some defensive coordinators believe it is important to eliminate any potential big plays, play it safe, and tackle on contact. This may have worked against less gifted quarterbacks in the past, but nearly every quarterback now receives too much instruction and is too good to miss wide open throws. The mindset of “we’ll see if they can beat us from the pocket” is no longer viable in today’s NFL.
Would you bet against the worst quarterback in the world having a personal record field day if he had a chance to pass against this Joe Barry defense?
