It’s still too early. The green bay packers lost 24-21 to the san francisco 49ers, and coach matt lafleur had to step to the microphone and explain why and how the team that led the game had to win the game.
The wrong direction. In the playoffs, off the scoreboard once more. But lafleur appears to be a fan of defensive coordinator joe barry’s work. Lafleur praised the defense, even though it didn’t go as planned. When asked about his defense, lafleur said, “i thought it was great.” “in the end, we like to get stops, it’s one of the league’s best offenses,” he said. This is one of the best football teams in the country.
We had a lot of opportunities in the first and second half, as i said before, but we didn’t take advantage of them. Smells bad.“after losing to the tampa bay buccaneers in the nfc championship game, former defensive coordinator mike pettine was fired. In 2021, matt lafleur hired joe barry, the one who would be the next to introduce a twist on the vic fangio/brandon staley defensive philosophy. The packers were ranked 24th in epa/game and 30th in turnover percentage during joe barry’s three seasons. Although the team has devoted the bulk of its time to defense, it still ranks 27th in dvoa in 2023. In dvoa, joe barry has never seen a defense that close to 20th, including stints with the detroit lions and washington chiefs.
This will be an interesting scenario. Barry’s deal with the packers is set to expire after this season unless the two teams agree to an undisclosed extension, which seems unlikely. So, not only did lafleur keep their defensive coordinator, but green bay also had to give him time.there is still time to make decisions.matt lafleur has yet to reveal his future plans as defensive coordinator.
Barry has been under attack throughout the season, and the manager said he wanted barry to return the team to form. But those were only short-term statements. After the game, lafleur shifted his attention to the game and the packers this season. We will take time to consider what happens next. “it’s impossible to take it all in right now,” lafleur said. “i’m proud of these kids,” he said. However, it is vital that we continue to compete and work together.
Our season had some rough patches. We had some tough matches, and this was one of them. I have utter confidence in the players in the dressing room and our staff, and we will work together.”employeeas for the players, the bulk of the unit is on loan for next season and is well equipped to improve the defense. In the meantime, cornerback eric stokes is expected to return after missing the majority of this season due to various ailments. Linebacker eric wilson (mostly special teams) and defensive backs keysian nixon, darnell savage, rudy ford, and jonathan owens are the only unrestricted free agents in the unit. safety is the most pressing issue, as every player except rookie anthony johnson jr. has been released.
Special teams include: Jeremy Clarke and Zane Anderson. After trading Rasul Douglas and two disappointing seasons with eric stokes, a cornerback may now be viewed as a necessity. the next question is how much the packers want to change and who will lead the defense in 2024.
