Green Bay Packers defenders agree with the fanbase that things on their side of the ball need to improve. The defense reportedly met with Matt LaFleur on Monday to find ways to keep points at a premium as the Packers strive to stay in the NFC wild card race.
Following his choice to keep defensive coordinator Joe Barry on for the rest of the season, LaFleur faced harsh criticism online. This season, Barry’s defenses have made incredible gaffes, particularly during the Packers’ current two-game losing skid.
Joe Barry’s defense might cost the Packers a trip in the World Series.
Barry’s defense allowed more than 200 yards rushing against the Giants, something the Packers have done several times this season. But it was his two-minute defense against backup quarterback Tommy DeVito and the New York Gaints that made heads roll when the Packers lost a game they should have won in December.
In a double-digit loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Packers’ defense followed up their Monday Night Football humiliation by enabling Baker Mayfield to tie Aaron Rodgers’ record for having a perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field.
The loss infuriated fans, and even Packers beat reporters grilled LaFleur after the game about why the fifth-year head coach kept Barry as the playcaller despite multiple key failures in the latter half of the season.
Players were also dissatisfied.
Green Bay Packers players request that the defense be streamlined.
According to Tom Silverstein of Packers News, LaFleur met with defensive players on Monday to discuss options for the team’s future this season. According to the report, athletes “dodged” queries on whether the defensive coaching staff put players in excellent positions to perform on the field.
However, defensive tackle Kenny Clark stated that players discussed communication issues with LaFleur. Evidently, Packers defenders are frequently confused about where to play due to the defense’s complexity:
Kenny Clark, a veteran nose tackle, said he didn’t take part in the conversation with LaFleur but was aware it took place and was informed players were honest with him about how to best move ahead. He mentioned that reducing some of what Barry has attempted could allow everyone to participate more freely.
“I’m sure he (LaFleur) wanted to hear from different position groups and guys based off where communication was lacking,” Clark went on to say. “It was just business as usual, figuring out what we could do better and making sure we were helping teammates.”
He’s always terrific at asking us what’s going on and what we need in order to play quickly. So simplify some of it so that guys can play fast and just go. The more you get guys thinking about different topics, the more difficult it is.”
Packers defenders have raised concerns about the defensive coaching staff. There is no way to read Silverstein’s report and believe the players trust Barry as a communicator or playcaller.
When players refuse to go on the record saying Barry and his staff placed them in situations to succeed on the field, there is a serious problem in the locker room.
Any relief after Monday’s meeting feels fleeting.
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