For what reason is Packers coach Matt LaFleur giving Joe Barry the nod in the final seconds?
The defense gave up a game-winning drive to Tommy DeVito and the New York Giants in Week 14, and the team lost by 34 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday, just when things seemed to be looking up and the team was back in the mix for the NFC playoffs. Because of these two defeats, the Packers’ postseason ambitions have been dashed, and they now sit at 6-8. They will likely not play a football game until at least mid-January.
Once again, Green Bay is in the midst of a desperate season-ending push, much like last year. Since LaFleur has observed Barry and the present defensive staff carry out the gameplan as planned, he thinks a major coaching change is not necessary for this team at the moment.
“We would make that decision if I thought it was the best solution today,” LaFleur said, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. This is something I’ve seen us do before. Although I’ve saw us do it in earlier games or during the year, it’s too bad it occurred during such a crucial game this time of year.
Over the past few years, the Packers’ defense has consistently let them down.
On one side, we have Joe Barry, and on the other, we have the furious Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
Despite Matt LaFleur’s valid point that Green Bay’s defense had some strong performances early in the season, issues have remained throughout Joe Barry’s nearly three years as head coach. With the third-highest number of rushing yards allowed in the NFL, the Packers’ defense is clearly lacking. Even while they were previously very resilient against passing assaults, their defense is currently deteriorating at a worrying rate, and this is happening at the worst possible moment.
Despite the heavy load that injuries have placed on this defense, far too many basic errors are being made. On a crucial third down, the Buccaneers’ short pass to wide receiver David Moore cannot be converted into a 52-yard touchdown that secures a 34-20 victory. Under no circumstances should you attempt this in Week 15, when time is of the essence.
Immediately, LaFleur, Barry, and the rest of the Packers squad need to iron out the wrinkles. Their best chance of achieving that crucial goal will be on their Christmas Eve road game against the Carolina Panthers.
