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I was planning on writing a blog Sunday after the 34-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but I needed some time to digest that game. I typically watch the replay of the game the night of the game, but I just needed some time to decompress from that loss.
My thoughts after re-watching the game on Wednesday night: Brutal. Just brutal all around.
This column is mainly about the defense because I thought the offense looked OK. JLove, as most first year starters do, had a bit of a roller coaster ride but JLove is that guy. He’ll be just fine, & yes you JLove haters can keep this as a receipt & I’ll gladly eat my words if I’m wrong, but at the end of the day, you need to give the guy a chance.
I’m glad LaFleur is giving JLove the keys to the car & throwing everything at him to let him sink or swim, because this is what JLove needs to grow.
I do think Rasheed Walker has played for the most part well these last few weeks after a brutal first 10 or so weeks to start the season.
To no surprise, Matt LaFleur confirmed during his Monday presser that Joe Barry is still employed by the Green Bay Packers as the DC.
I am not surprised LaFleur isn’t making a mid-season change with only three (regular season) games remaining, nor should you be surprised. I will, however, be absolutely shocked if Joe Barry is still the DC in 2024.
The defense had another flat out ugly game on Sunday.
During the second half of the game, I had an epic two-minute rant at the television, which when I ran into my neighbor on Tuesday, she said she was about to knock on my door to do a wellness check on me.
I just get so frustrated. During the week I can be calm & analytical & look at everything, but during the game I just get so absolutely frustrated by a defense that continues to let the Packers down again & again & again & again & again. It is beyond sickening.
Here’s an example:
Third Down & Four to go. Down seven. 8:48 left in the game.
The Packers defense is essentially playing 9 v 11 because the safties are in the Upper Peninsula.
This was a completion to Godwin with Quay Walker & De’Vondre Campbell in zone.
Situational tone deafness is a real problem.
We’ve seen the best of Joe Barry on certain games this year, but the best is just not good enough. Yes, they have limited scoring, but they are literally in the bottom third of every single defensive metric in the league & Sunday just laid bare of all of their problems on defense.
It’s got to be demoralizing for a unit that continuously gets the opponent behind the sticks & give up a first down. That happened again & again & again on Sunday. It’s an on going theme with this defense.
Joe Barry – you gotta let these guys compete! LET THEM COMPETE! When it’s Third-&-four & you have your guys lined up 10-yards off the line of scrimmage, that’s not letting your guys compete! You’re not doing anything to dictate to the opposing offense.
Tampa Bay had these situations on Sunday:
1st & 15
2nd & 29
3rd & 12
2nd & 18
Here were the results on the next play:
1st & 15 – 9 yard gain
2nd & 29 – 24 yard gain
3rd & 12 – 15 yard gain
2nd & 18 – 21 yard gain
SOFT!
Yes, Matt LaFleur is culpable. He is the one who, not only hired Joe Barry, but retained him this offseason hoping for some continuity on his staff & that continuity would hopefully breed better overall play on that side of the ball, but that just has not materialized.
This defense is just depressing to watch.
I don’t typically root for people to lose their jobs. You know what, I’m about to say it: I have officially announced my candidacy for Joe Barry to get fired. I am announcing my candidacy to be part of the mob that wants Joe Barry to get fired.
It’s long past time for Joe to get his walking papers, but I understand why Matt is keeping him around for the last three games.
You get what you emphasize – I have zero idea what the Packers coaching staff is emphasizing on defense other than “don’t get beat deep.” When it doubt, back pedal, that’s the mantra in Green Bay – you won’t win ANYTHING with that as your mindset.
When you’re getting cooked by The Onion, you know you’ve come to the end of the road. God bless The Onion, though, that was great.
For those of you Fantasy Football players, it might not be the worst idea to pick up Bryce Young as your Quarterback this week because Joe Barry will make him look like some Hall of Famer. It’s only funny because it’s true.
There are not great vibes around 1265 right now.
I do not doubt for a moment that there will be a lot of conversation inside 1265 Lombardi when it comes to what they’re going to do going forward when the offseason comes around. I have to think Brian Gutekunst needs to be in that conversation. But we’ll see, that’s at least three weeks away.
With three regular season games remaining, it’s mathematically possible for the Packers to get the second pick in the 2024 NFL draft or win the Super Bowl. Obviously, those two extremes likely won’t happen, but it’s crazy how much of a swing is theoretically still possible at this point of the season.
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.
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