Matt LaFleur Playing With Fire By Bringing Back Joe Barry
Matt LaFleur, barring a last-minute change of direction, is bringing back Joe Barry for a third season. Is that the right decision?
By rex.sheild
As I previously wrote for CHTV, head coach Matt LaFleur’s eye for coaching, or lack thereof in certain spots, has impeded the Packers from reaching their fullest potential. He whiffed on his first two special team coordinator hires and whiffed on his handling of defensive coordinator Mike Pettine by not cutting ties with Pettine earlier than he did. And so by bringing back defensive coordinator Joe Barry for a third season, LaFleur is playing with fire.
LaFleur said after the season that “although it wasn’t always pretty, I did think we started to improve as the year went on. I thought we saw more of an identity. I certainly thought we played well enough o win on the defensive side of the ball.” LaFleur is correct; the defense did play well down the stretch. During the team’s four-game win streak late in the season, before dropping the must-win season finale, Barry’s defense allowed an average of 17 points per game and forced 12 total turnovers, the latter of which was best in the NFL over that span. They also allowed -0.128 expected points added per play, which ranked fifth in the league over that span.
Keep in mind that those four games consisted of playing against Justin Fields, an inconsistent passer; Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered a concussion late in the first half but remained in the game; Baker Mayfield, who joined the Rams a week and a half prior; and Kirk Cousins (self-explanatory). In other words, the Packers did not face any world-beating quarterbacks during their four-game winning streak. Regardless, in taking a holistic look at the defensive performance of Barry’s squad, it was uninspiring and tabbed by NFL Media’s Cynthia Frelund as one of the most underperforming units in the NFL last season. Their preseason win-share ranking, according to Frelund, was fifth, but they ended the season with a win-share ranking of 22nd.
The defense finished 17th in points allowed per game (21.8), 16th in yards allowed per game (336.5), 25th in points allowed per play (0.374), and 28th in yards allowed per play (5.8). The unit, once again, struggled against the run, ranking 28th in yards allowed per rush (5.0), 26th in rush yards allowed per game (139.5), and 31st in Rush DVOA (10.7). The cherry on top was their performance against the Super Bowl-bound Eagles in Week 12. QB Jalen Hurts ran for 157 yards, an Eagles team record, and the team as a whole gained 363 yards on the ground, the second-best figure in team history.
The defense finished the season sixth in pass yards allowed per game (197.0) and eighth in Pass DVOA (-4.9%). However, they ranked 22nd in completion percentage (65.69%), 24th in net yards allowed per pass (6.5), and 28th in yards allowed per pass (7.0). The unit also could not cover simple crossing routes to save their life. As such, two passing performances that stood out to me (read: made me irrationally angry) came against Daniel Jones and the Giants in Week 5 and Ryan Tannehill and the Titans in Week 11.
Jones was a dink-and-dunk machine against the Packers’ defense when the teams squared off in London and seemingly completed easy pass after easy pass on crossing routes with lackluster receiving options on the outside. His 8.04 Adjusted Yards gained per pass attempt was his fourth-best performance of the season and was over a point better than his season-average Adjusted Yards gained per pass attempt of 6.9. He also completed 77.78% of his passes, also his fourth-best performance of the season.
Tannehill, meanwhile, carved up the Packers’ secondary as if he was manning the kitchen on Thanksgiving. He recorded a season-best in completion percentage (81.48%), yards (333), passer rating (127.3), and Adjusted Yards gained per pass attempt (12.15). His second- and third-best games in terms of Adjusted Yards gained per pass attempt were 9.27 (Week 1) and 8.85 (Week 3), both of which show how much his Week 11 performance was an outlier.
Trying to project how the defense will fare in 2023 is a dangerous game. They have holes to fill at both safety positions; it is unclear when star pass rusher Rashan Gary will return to the field after tearing his ACL in Week 9; and they need to get Kenny Clark more help along the interior defensive line. But we have enough of a body of work over the last two seasons that suggests the defense will be inconsistent under Barry. This begs the question: why is LaFleur bringing Barry back, especially given the number of high-quality defensive coordinators that were available to hire after the regular season?
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was not afraid to cut bait with his defensive coordinator after only one season, given how poorly that unit performed in 2022. He was set to interview former Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero this week before Evero reportedly agreed on Sunday to become the next defensive coordinator for the Panthers. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel also cut bait with his defensive coordinator after one year and turned to veteran DC Vic Fangio, a then-coaching free agent, to handle that side of the ball.
Jim Leonhard, who elevated Wisconsin's defense to national prominence during his time there and was LaFleur’s first choice two years ago before he decided to stay put with the Badgers, is a coaching free agent after getting passed over for the head coaching position with the Badgers. Finally, Brian Flores, who called the defensive plays for the Patriots during their Super-Bowl winning season in 2018-2019 and whose defense steadily improved while he was head coach with the Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, has been in the mix for several defensive coordinator positions since the regular season concluded.
LaFleur is sticking his neck out for Barry and thinks that the defense, under Barry’s tutelage, can be a bright spot for the team in 2023. That is a risky endeavor and LaFleur is playing with fire by doing so.
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Rex is a lifelong Packers fan but was sick of the cold, so he moved to the heart of Cowboys country. Follow him on Twitter (@Sheild92) and Instagram (@rex.sheild).
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Comments (61)
KenEllis
February 06, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Playing with fire?
Nope.
Matt signed an extension last offseason. So did Gutey. Murphy is on his retirement tour through the summer of 2025.
And once Murphy finally retires, the Pack will undoubtedly elevate one of the loyal subjects who have come up through the ranks at 1265 Lombardi to ensure the operation remains the same.
In Green Bay, we like our guys and we do what we do for as long as we can.
Thus, Joe Barry is the DC in 2023 and Matt (and Gute) are secure in their jobs for at least another 3 seasons.
PackyCheese500
February 06, 2023 at 12:54 pm
Just because someone signs a contract extension doesn’t mean they’re immune to firing. Kingsbury of the Cardinals signed a big extension in 2022, and in 2023 they fired him.
KenEllis
February 06, 2023 at 01:16 pm
This is Green Bay, not Arizona or anywhere else.
Ain't no way Matt feels like he is playing with fire when it comes to retaining Joe Barry.
In fact, with that lucrative new contract extension, he is actually playing with house $ not fire.
PackyCheese500
February 06, 2023 at 01:22 pm
Kingsbury was extended last season through 2027. He was fired in 2023. It can happen.
Coldworld
February 06, 2023 at 01:36 pm
It happens frequently. Since there are no cap implications, it’s kind of a cost of retaining and then moving on as circumstances change. People read too much into coaches contracts. Now Murphy not being willing to see the need is a possibility, but that’s not driven by contracts.
KenEllis
February 06, 2023 at 05:02 pm
Kingsbury's GM got whacked this season and they are starting all over in Arizona.
That ain't gonna happen in Green Bay with Murph retiring in 2 years. NOT A CHANCE.
In fact, there is about as much of a chance of Murph whacking his hand-picked boys Gutey & Matty before he retires to the Packer Hall of Fame in the summer of 2025 as there is of Green Bay getting to a second Super Bowl under Murphy's watch - slim to none and slim just walked out the door.
Packers2020
February 07, 2023 at 08:45 am
Again, it's Green Bay.
It's different.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 06, 2023 at 12:24 pm
Offense is a much bigger problem than the defense.
Heyward
February 06, 2023 at 12:48 pm
That's just not true. The offense was always going to struggle with such little talent at receiver (thanks Gutey), but the defense has seven No. 1 picks and a handful of highly-paid veterans. That side of the ball shoukd've been much better this season.
Leatherhead
February 06, 2023 at 01:38 pm
Heyward.....the defense was average. Average. A little above average in some areas, below in others. Overall....average. 17th in points. Only one team scored over 28. We held half our opponents to 21 or less.
Average. But in three division losses, we scored 7 at Minnesota, 9 at Detroit, and 16 at home against Detroit in a game that meant everything. The offense simply had too many drives that ended with nothing. When you score less than 17 points, you've given yourself very little chance to win.
The defense has a lot of #1 picks because the Packers have made the organizational decision to pick defensive players in the first round instead of offensive players (with the exception of QB).
We were mostly average on defense, and we had several games of below average play from the offense. That needs to be fixed. The best defense is the one that's on the sideline watching your offense hog the ball.
egbertsouse
February 07, 2023 at 07:19 am
Seven number ones and its average, a ringing endorsement of both Gute’s drafting and Barry’s coaching. An average defense isn’t going to get you to the Super Bowl unless you can get Mahomes. Start working on that trade, Gute.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 06, 2023 at 01:40 pm
Making excuses doesnt negate the fact that the offense is the bigger problem. The last 2 season ending losses, the defense has given up like 25 points combined and lost both games. Joe Barry or not, this team isnt going anywhere till the offense improves.
Coldworld
February 06, 2023 at 02:04 pm
The offense was not exactly wonderful in 2021.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 06, 2023 at 06:52 pm
In Gutey's defense in terms of WR position, he:
1. Tried his hardest to retain Adams (that didn't work out so well for Davante)
2. Was in on attempting to get just about every decent free agent WR, but the #s were so high
3. Brought in one former first round draft pick with a chance to revitalize his career
4. Drafted what appears to be 3 very talented wideouts
To me the glaring issue on the roster was at TE.
Coldworld
February 06, 2023 at 12:55 pm
This season was an abject lesson in what LaFleur is lacking, obscured by the extension of Rodgers and all the chaff that emerged from that. Yes, I think Barry is overmatched, but not as greatly as LaFleur, and his retention is but one symptom of that.
Even a great DC couldn’t make up for that offense, Rodgers and all. A good head coach could have overcome the D for longer.
bodei1newbie1
February 06, 2023 at 12:37 pm
in my opinion they should get rid of barry, and bring in the guy who was the DC for the badgers or somebody PLEASE
PackyCheese500
February 06, 2023 at 12:54 pm
Yes! Leonhard is the Man!
13TimeChamps
February 06, 2023 at 01:28 pm
Why exactly? He has never coached at the NFL level. Coaching 18-19 year olds is totally different than coaching NFL veterans. To my knowledge, and correct me if I'm wrong, but no other NFL teams have reached out to Leonhard for ANY coaching openings. Why is that if he's such a slam dunk choice to become GB's DC?
I'm not trying to knock the guy, and I realize he's local and all, but I think folks should pump the brakes a bit on his coronation as the next great NFL DC.
How about offering him Jerry Gray's open position first before giving him the keys to the entire defense?
PackyCheese500
February 06, 2023 at 01:43 pm
He is a former NFL player. He is not unfamiliar. His scheme is a very creative take on Rex Ryan’s scheme, which I like a lot,
LeotisHarris
February 06, 2023 at 04:00 pm
Jim Leonhard’s exit agreement requires Wisconsin to pay him $1 million from March 2023 through January 2024, according to BadgerExtra.com. He’s also owed personal leave and vacation time. He had been earning $1.5 million as the team’s DC. The agreement also contains offset language.
Generally speaking, offset clauses require a coach to actively seek employment in order to continue receiving buyout money. That’s not the case with Leonhard. The offset language leaves it to his “judgment regarding what is in the best interest of his family.” So, Leonhard has no requirement at all to pursue any job while he collects his exit agreement checks. He can relax with his family and wait for the job he wants to become available.
PackyCheese500
February 06, 2023 at 04:03 pm
Hopefully he wants to be the Packers' DC and comes here in 2024
Alberta_Packer
February 06, 2023 at 02:32 pm
When the Packers were looking for a DC - I had Barry ranked last of all the published candidates. I suspect that he was hired - not only because of his ties to MLF - but he may have also been the cheapest. I would certainly welcome another DC but do not trust the current brain trust as competent personnel evaluators - with the exception of Bisaccia whom they more than less had to hire.
Packer_Fan
February 06, 2023 at 12:40 pm
This is the biggest Packer issue this off season. Yeah we are going to hear about Rodgers until he gets traded or retires. But the defense is a big issue going forward. And it all revolves around Barry.
The Packers have spent a lot of draft capital and free agent money on the defense. There are many DC retreads in the NFL and Barry is one of them. My beef with Barry is his passive approach. My gosh, playing 8 yards off the WR on third and three. And not making adjustments soon enough in games. This article well points out the Giant game. And then against Minnesota they played aggressively. Couldn't we see that aggressiveness more often?
And I felt Barry lost the players during the season. And he certainly lost Jerry Gray.
And worst of all, is we will have to put up with Barry another year until Lafleur gets enough courage to dump him.
Bitternotsour
February 06, 2023 at 02:55 pm
It all lands on Matt LaFleur. He yoked his future to Barry. That's on MLF, not Barry.
Also, Jerry Gray sure didn't have his safeties playing at a high level, did he. Let's stop lionizing (yes, that was intentional) Jerry Gray.
The buck stops on LaFleur's desk. The offense was bad last year. The red zone offense was horrible.
baldski
February 06, 2023 at 10:19 pm
La Fleur does not have the balls to fire Barry. He will be here as long as LF.
PackyCheese500
February 06, 2023 at 12:55 pm
Hopefully Barry brings LaFleur down with him in 2023. I just do not see how we can win a championship under LaFleur
Heyward
February 06, 2023 at 01:06 pm
LaFleur has too many years left on his contract to be in any danger until at least 2025.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 06, 2023 at 02:06 pm
Id rather see them get it right and win. Wouldn't you? Lafleur is the same guy whos only a year removed from 3 straight 13 win seasons. Its not like were talking about Dick Jauron here. Hes a good coach.
croatpackfan
February 06, 2023 at 02:34 pm
No, he is not. He is unsecure in himself and he does not attack the problems. He just waiting the problems to solve by themselves. That kind of personality will never be able to mobilize the group of man to be winners. He is, as somebody already noticed early in the season, just chearleader. He might be above average OC, but he is not good at QB developing. The dramatic improvement we saw Jordan Love did this last season is result of work of Tom Clements, not MLF. That is the fact.
Alberta_Packer
February 06, 2023 at 03:25 pm
“The most serious failure of leadership is the failure to foresee.” - Robert K. Greenleaf
BAMABADGER
February 06, 2023 at 06:54 pm
CPF, agree with everything except, "he might a above average OC." He has only called plays for one team, the failed Titans. His track record is that of an indecisive Head Cheerleader. He is clueless in hiring/managing a quality coaching staff, making game adjustments and motivating his players.
croatpackfan
February 07, 2023 at 05:25 am
Bamabadger, I agree that we are not sure how good he is in play calling (put here ACR demands of different play calls as well) and that is why I wrote that he MIGHT BE above average OC, not that he is above average OC.
BirdDogUni
February 06, 2023 at 11:10 pm
FTFY
Aaron Rodgers is a great QB when his thumb isn't broken.
croatpackfan
February 07, 2023 at 05:39 am
BDU, when "his thumb isn't broken", what is a little bit controversial claim. I state that if his thumb hurts that much, he needed to be benched. I'm not putting in doubt that he was injured, but I do the definition of broken thumb!
splitpea1
February 06, 2023 at 12:59 pm
Does LaFleur think that the defense, under Barry's tutelage, can be a bright spot for the team?
Ancient astronaut theorists say, "YES!"
It's possible, but:
MLF has another big hiring test in finding a competent secondary coach (hopefully with an impressive track record) who needs to rehabilitate certain players and eliminate the confusion that was often present in passing situations. And then there's the tackling, which is seemingly in need of improvement almost every season.
K. Clark needs to be lined up away from the interior the majority of the time to maximize his effectiveness, something Barry needs to reconsider.
The predictable and passive tendencies need to be shelved unless it's garbage time for the opponent in the fourth quarter.
Unlike last season, the defense needs to come out of the gate strong; if not, don't wait around for half the season to find a replacement at DC. Actually, just about every coach on this staff should be on trial this season.
ricky
February 06, 2023 at 04:11 pm
The Packers will probably have to settle for a second rate (at best) DB coach. Why? Because anyone who wants to run press coverage, or simplify the system to make communication easier, will be told "NO!" by Barry. He ran Gray out of town, and any top tier coach will make a call to Gray and ask him what is going on in GB. And he'll get an earful. And decide to go elsewhere.
T7Steve
February 06, 2023 at 01:19 pm
Culture! Culture! Culture!
Thank you, Berry much.
stockholder
February 06, 2023 at 02:05 pm
I'd fire Barry. But as long as MLF wants
Him back. He should have him back.
Now let's see him get out of the mess he made.
GP1
February 06, 2023 at 04:22 pm
Does anyone think we are a really good team with a really good QB?
We are poorly drilled and soft.
Our had coach is indecisive and timid.
Our QB is old and slow; both in seeing the field and throwing and being accurate.
Our defence can't tackle. Our offence is predictable. Our special teams only serviceable because of Nixon.
We are about to waste another season whilst we wait and see.
Since'61
February 06, 2023 at 02:09 pm
The Packers had the 2nd highest defensive payroll in the league and they were ranked 17th in points allowed and 28th against the run. The pass defense numbers are a mirage because teams didn't need to pass to move the ball against the Packers. They just handed the ball off or in the case of the Eagles let their QB run wild all over the field. When teams did pass, like the Titans did, Tannerhill, really Tennerhill!!!??? and Daniel Jones ??? WTF?? Cut them to pieces throwing in front of the DBs who are playing 8-10 yards off the LOS.
Why exactly are we keeping Barry??? For that matter why are we keeping MLF??? To put it simply because it's easier than actually doing the work and the due diligence required to vet their replacements and because it's cheaper than paying legitimate NFL coaches to fill their roles. But we don't need to change anything because
"We're not idiots and we have a big slide at "Titletown" and our football team is a nice hobby to have on the side. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
February 06, 2023 at 02:35 pm
Why are we keeping the man who wants to keep Barry? Now that’s the question that unlocks more. Barry is the cart, LaFleur the horse and Murphy the driver.
Since'61
February 06, 2023 at 02:51 pm
Spot on Coldworld as usual. Thanks, Since '61
Tundraboy
February 06, 2023 at 03:37 pm
Sounds like the Three Stooges and not even the best version.
BAMABADGER
February 06, 2023 at 07:10 pm
"Mo, Larry, the cheese!"
Starrbrite
February 06, 2023 at 09:29 pm
Well said ‘61—thank you sir.
Alberta_Packer
February 06, 2023 at 02:18 pm
What I find troubling - amusing is how Packers management have whistled past the graveyard since the last game. Leadership has clearly closed ranks - while appearing to have taken a vow of silence. No doubt waiting for all the displeasure from the regular season to subside.
Of course MLF brought back Barry. To do otherwise would have been antithetical to Murphy's credo - "compliance above all else."
Tundraboy
February 06, 2023 at 03:33 pm
Deleted
Tundraboy
February 06, 2023 at 03:30 pm
I'm hoping Barry retires
GP1
February 06, 2023 at 04:24 pm
I'm hopping Murphy retires
Tundraboy
February 07, 2023 at 08:37 am
That too. But that's the big one we Just have to wait for.
Lphill
February 06, 2023 at 04:10 pm
When you use a 3 - 4 defense doesn’t that mean 3 down lineman?
PackyCheese500
February 06, 2023 at 06:05 pm
Most of the time I see us in 2-4-5, though
Tundraboy
February 13, 2023 at 02:20 pm
Most of the time I see us in disarray
BirdDogUni
February 06, 2023 at 08:11 pm
MaLF's mental acuity has to be in question if he's not smart enough to part ways with Barry. Loyalty is an admirable quality, unless it costs you your job too, which is probably going to happen if we actually had someone with intelligence in charge, which we don't.
Incompetence breeds incompetence and Mark Murphy is the poster boy for the incompetence at 1265. "We're not idiots..." Many of us would beg to differ.
Spanky65
February 06, 2023 at 09:44 pm
First of all you have to ask the question why did LaFleur hire
Barry in the first place, Does Lafleur even know how to read
a Resume.
Barry's two jobs as DC got him fired after only 2 seasons each time
first with the Detroit Lions when the Lions had the 32nd Ranked
Defense in 2007 and 2008 (The First 0-16 team in NFL History) Then he
followed his pathetic performance in 2015 and 2016 as the DC
for the Washington Redskins when Barry's Defense finished 28th
in the league in consecutive seasons but Lafleur still hired him.
Lafleur should call Kevin O'connell of the Vikings and ask him
how to hire a coaching staff as O'connell after firing Ed ( 4th and 26th) Donatell
he has hired Brian Flores as his new D,C,
It looks like the Vikings have more interest in winning Football
Games than to have a coach be loyal or favorable to certain
assistant coaches like LaFleur is to Barry
salsilv209
February 07, 2023 at 07:03 am
see my comment if you want to know why Matt hired Barry
MooPack
February 06, 2023 at 11:12 pm
Mediocre defense. Yeah, that is the ticket. If the Packers can just be average they can win the SB! Said no one ever that had an offense that wasn't top three. The Packers have neither by a long shot. Luck is then what you are shooting for.
salsilv209
February 07, 2023 at 07:02 am
the packers real problem is that they have one foot in the future and the other in the now. that has to be a major distraction ib the locker room that can cause I divide between Rodgers and Love. That's the same thing the packers did with 4 & 12. It can split the team and one example amongst the rumors of rodgers being traded because Love is ready... Amos on his instagram spoke out in defense of Rodgers saying he can't complete the job if he dont have the men to do it with.... Which he is very right about it. But that's how these things start. That is a big issue that needs to be killed. Its either Aaron is staying and Jordan will sit. Or Rodgers where do you want to be traded because we are ready to move forward with Jordan. Clean clear cut. If they wish to keep both. they need to be honest with the two QBs and say we need one more season Jordan and make it understood between both Qbs. That after this season no matter the situation, we will not bring up or relive the where is rodgers going... Its simply going to be Jordan is in, Aaron are you retiring or are we trading you. Simple. Than explain to Love in private that he needs to hold on one last year so Aaron can't these young players up to speed and it will serve him well when he takes over full time. Than when they say that it has to hold. and the packers bette, really go hard on offense mostly in the offseason. that means get the tight end Mayer in round 1. Get another tackle in round 2 and also get a new running back in round 3. because if this is really a rebuild beginning Aaron jones should be traded because not only is he going to be 30. He gets paid way touch and he has a fumbling problem. Dillon has only one year on his contract so the packers need to find a talented Back to team with Dillon. After that the offense willl need a young veteran to play along side of Watson and doubs.. The reason the offense should be addressed early in the draft is because the defense isn't in need of help as bad ly this offense needs it. The defense needs a coordinator that has a reputation like a fangio. If Matt brings back Barry and its this unit once more failing than matt should be fired. Matt has a ego problem and I think he is not confident in what he is teaching. He is afraid of a big personality playing on the other side of him and worried that coach may air him out one day in the future. So he will not take the proper steps to better his own football team because of it. He is more worried about his ego than giving the players, the organization and its fans the ultimate gift. another ring. a coach thinking like that has to go. Its part of the reason I said he was to young to have such a good job. this job and the history of this franchise is to big for him to be acting that way.
PackyCheese500
February 07, 2023 at 08:22 am
Exactly. We need to either commit to the future or commit to now in any moment. I think now is the time to rebuild
egbertsouse
February 07, 2023 at 07:43 am
Barry must be good. Look at all the requests for interviews they’ve received. There is….ummm….and there’s….hmmmm……well, there has to be something. I’ve heard that Door Dash wanted him for the night shift.
SinceLombardi
February 07, 2023 at 06:44 pm
It doesn’t matter if Barry stays or not. As long as Matt LaFluer is the HC, we will be that soft, mistake prone team that melts under pressure. Bringing in a top DC would only bring more frustration when the offense under preforms in 2023.
I think without even seeing the schedule we will be a six win team next year.