Joe Barry Almost Ruined Christmas

In the early stages of the Week 16 contest between the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers, defensive coordinator Joe Barry appeared to steer away from his patented zone coverage and instead employed more man coverage, while also dialing up pressure on rookie quarterback Bryce Young. And to no surprise, the shift paid dividends. A Christmas miracle of sorts. The dividends were temporarily enjoyed.

Barry, for whatever reason, returned to more zone coverage in the second half and allowed Young to pick apart the defense left and right, particularly in the fourth quarter. He completed 13-of-16 passes in the final quarter of play for 177 yards and two touchdowns. That was no fluke,…