The Green Bay Packers defense was expected to be the team’s strongest suit heading into the 2023 NFL season. After all, throughout
Brian Gutekunst’s general manager tenure (apart from 2020, when he moved up to grab Jordan Love in the first round), it boasts
eight past first-round picks. It also made sense that the defense would be the better team on the field because the offense had a new
starting quarterback in Love, two rookie tight ends, and a room full of first- and second-year guys at wide out.
Fans of the Packers know that this past season, the defense was by no means the team’s strongest suit. The defense ended the year
with a lot of fresh talent mixed in with the veterans:
The youth and inexperience of the squad meant that some offensive troubles were to be expected, but the defensive struggles were
unacceptable. To put it simply, the team has invested too much financial and draft resources on the defense to be anything less than a
top-10 squad.
Sadly, under defensive coordinator Joe Barry—whose future with the organization is still up in the air—this has been the pattern.
Contrary to common assumption, Barry’s contract is still in place for the upcoming season, according to a story from yesterday. He
would have to fire Matt LaFleur if he wanted to move on, and he hasn’t indicated that he wants to. There are several Packers players
who would gladly welcome Barry back in 2024.
Barry is very well-liked among the players but incredibly hated with Packers supporters. There was never any substance to the rumors
that he had lost the locker room during the season.
Several Packers players expressed their support for Barry and their wish to see him return as defensive coordinator for the upcoming
season, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic:
“I gave the coach and everyone else all those stuff to manage. Love Joe B., love all of the work we’ve done,” defensive end Kenny Clark
stated. This year, as a squad, as a defense, whatever you want to call it, we have experienced a lot. I have nothing but admiration for
how we all managed to persevere through it and bring everything together.
When asked whether Barry was the best candidate for the position, safety Jonathan Owens responded, “Of course.” “He is an
intelligent man. He has a lengthy career in the NFL. He is the mastermind behind the plan. All that matters is that each person
perform their duties.
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