The majority of the national media’s predictions for the 2023 Green Bay Packers were exceeded. Green Bay finished with a 9-8 record despite being picked by many to finish last in the NFC North. This was made possible by three straight victories to close off the regular season. They defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs after these victories not only gave them a winning record but also gave them momentum.
Jordan Love, in his first year as the starting quarterback, exceeded everyone’s expectations, which contributed significantly to their success in the regular season. Many predicted that the offense would regress after Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets. That was untrue.
The youthful bunch of pass catchers’ relationship with their quarterback eventually resulted in the kind of explosive plays fans have come to anticipate from LaFleur’s playbook, even if Love and the offense undoubtedly struggled at different moments during the season.
The Green Bay Packers Fired Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Packers made the decision to fire defensive coordinator Joe Barry this morning:
A change in Green Bay: Joe Barry will not return as the #Packers’ defensive coordinator, per sources. pic.twitter.com/XDPyrUC0wC
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 24, 2024
The defense was one aspect of the squad that fell short of expectations. While they did rank ninth in terms of points allowed, they also had one of the weakest run defenses in the NFL, allowing multiple drives that would have won games both during the regular season and in the postseason. With so many veterans and former first round picks, this was intended to be a unit that carried the club. Regretfully, that did not happen.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Releases a Statement Regarding the Firing of Joe Barry
Coach LaFleur released the following statement via the Packers’ website:
“We want to thank Joe for his commitment and contributions to our success the past three seasons. These decisions are extremely difficult and Joe is one of the best men I’ve had the opportunity to work with in this league.”
It is well-known across the NFL that Barry is one of the best human beings in the game. He is likeable and players love playing for him.