Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur’s refusal to fire DC sends the incorrect message to the players. Joe Barry
Incorrect message sent by Packers HC and fired DC and two Players…
The Green Bay Packers have faced two quarterbacks who are sure to be inducted into the Hall of Fame: Tommy Devito of the New York Giants and Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is evident from watching their last two games.
Devito led the Giants to victory on “Monday Night Football” by completing 17 of 21 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown with 71 rushing yards (and no sacks). The Green Bay defense was unable to stop him.
The Packers’ dismal defensive effort against Mayfield and the Bucs is comparable. With a passing rating of 158.3, he completed 22 of 28 passes for 381 yards and four touchdowns. At Lambeau Field, he’s the first visiting quarterback to ever receive a perfect passer rating.
As if things couldn’t get any worse, Green Bay’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs were practically ruined by these two losses. Granted, it wasn’t the plan going into the season, but the Packers, who were among the league’s hottest young teams two games ago, had a real shot at winning.
It’s been spoiled now by defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s unit.
Thus, isn’t this the ideal moment to let Barry go?
This season has been all about development, and one thing we know for sure is that Barry has failed to make the most of the abundance of quality general manager Brian Gutekunst has selected for his defense for the past two seasons.
Even though his team might not be able to make the playoffs this year, head coach Matt LaFleur can still leave a lasting impression on his young teammates: perform up to the expectations of playing in Green Bay, or risk losing your job.
However, it doesn’t seem like LaFleur is ready to take that step just yet.
When asked if he would consider changing coordinators during the season after the loss to Tampa, LaFleur replied, “Yeah, to be honest with you, now’s not the time for that.”
Why not?
Since this isn’t the right moment. I need to go back and watch the movie because I’m looking for answers,” LaFleur said.
It’s important to note that LaFleur does not have to fire Barry in order to choose a new defensive coordinator for 2024 because his contract expires after this season.
Having said that, LaFleur’s inaction in this case could tell his youthful, eager team a lot.
