3 Packers offseason decisions in 2023 that already look like a disaster

Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next

1. Retaining Joe Barry

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

While hindsight shows the Packers probably should've added another running back in the offseason, that wasn't so obvious at the time. Green Bay expected a lot more from AJ Dillon. However, it's a completely different story with Matt LaFleur's decision to retain defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

Barry replaced Mike Pettine in the job two years ago, and his defenses have done nothing but disappoint ever since. Opposing offenses just need to get into third-and-short scenarios, and Barry will give them a first down for free.

Expectations were high for Green Bay's defense in 2022. A unit filled with first-round picks, All-Pros, and Pro Bowlers was destined for a big season. However, under Barry, they rarely reached their potential. The Packers ranked 17th in total defense and gave up the seventh-most rushing yards in the league.

Despite all of the Packers' defensive struggles, LaFleur stuck with Barry. The decision is on him. So far this season, it doesn't look like a good one. As LaFleur put it himself, the Packers were "shredded" by the Falcons' ground game on Sunday to the tune of 211 yards and a touchdown.

Green Bay desperately needed to make a change at defensive coordinator in the offseason. It seems everyone outside of 1265 Lombardi Ave knew that. Retaining Barry is a decision LaFleur may live to regret.

More Packers news and analysis

manual