Green Bay, Wisconsin Though the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, who is frequently criticised, admitted on Thursday that he might be coaching for his job during the final three weeks of the regular season, Joe Barry stated he was more concerned with fixing the problems that befell his unit in Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers than he was with his job status.
Before Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, the Packers (6-8) are still in the running for the playoffs despite Baker Mayfield completely ruining Barry’s defence with 381 yards passing, 4 touchdowns, and a highest quarterback rating of 158.3.
Barry will continue to serve as the defensive playcaller and coordinator for the remainder of the season, according to a statement made by Packers coach Matt LaFleur on Monday.
Barry is aware, however, that his future may hinge on how the group—and particularly his defense—ends the campaign.
“Oh yeah,” on Thursday, said Barry. “I’ve read your writing. I’ve heard you guys speak. However, I believe that this is just another fantastic aspect of our league. That is the National Football League’s greatest feature. It is the greatest of the best, the top of the best, and in my opinion, that is something that happens every week in addition to once a year.
“You and I both understand what we’re getting into when we sign up for this. I adore this league because of that. That’s what I adore most about the sport, and yes, there is intense rivalry for every position at every level.”
In terms of yards allowed per game and tied for 17th place in terms of points allowed per game, Barry’s defence is ranked 23rd overall. Even though the Packers’ pass defence was awful against Tampa Bay, it is still among the top half of the league (12th) of defences. With Barry ranked No. 30 overall, his run defence has proven to be his biggest weakness.
LaFleur attributed part of the misfortune versus Tampa Bay to a breakdown in communication.
“There’s so many subtle nuances that have to take place on every single play with all 11 players,” Barry stated. However, getting everything coordinated is a part of my job description as the coordinator. And I’m responsible for finishing it off when something doesn’t go as planned.
It was one of the more depressing interviews Barry had with reporters in his three years in Green Bay.
Barry responded, “It was hard on me, hard on my family,” when asked how this week had gone.
“You handle it,” he continued. “The game wasn’t good for us. I always put the pressure on myself to be the best I can be for our boys. I’m responsible if we don’t perform well at any point.
