GREEN BAY, Wis. — Whatever Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur saw from his defense this past season, it was enough for coordinator Joe Barry to keep his job for a third year.
Barry’s status seemed to become increasingly tenuous as the Packers defense, a unit expected to be dominant when training camp opened, instead slumped through most of 2022. Its lowlight came in late November when the Packers allowed 40 points and 363 rushing yards in a loss at the Philadelphia Eagles, including more than 100 rushing yards from quarterback Jalen Hurts in the first quarter.
The defense surged after leaving Philly, inspiring the Packers’ four-game winning streak that gave them a playoff shot despite entering December with a 4-8 record.