The quarterback position will understandably receive plenty of attention in 2023 for the Packers, but the team’s defense will be subject to considerable scrutiny as well. The coordinator leading the unit could be facing a make-or-break situation.
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has been in place for the past two seasons, overseeing a group littered with first-round picks. However, that hasn’t yielded the desired results in terms of on-field performance. Green Bay ranked 13th and 17th in points allowed in 2021 and ’22, respectively, a far cry from expectations given the pedigree of the team’s roster. That has led to increasing criticism of the 53-year-old, though he received an endorsement from head coach Matt LaFleur in January and again in April.
In spite of that, Barry should not be considered safe over the long term. A strong sentiment that 2023 will be his final opportunity to retain the DC role exists entering training camp, as noted by The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman. A step forward from Green Bay’s front seven, in particular, would go a long way in aiding Barry’s chances of remaining in place beyond the coming campaign.
The Packers allowed just under 140 rushing yards per game last season, which ranked 26th in the league. The ACL tear suffered by Rashan Gary also crippled the team’s pass rush, and the Packers finished the year in 27th in the NFL with 34 sacks. The secondary fared better by comparison, especially later in the campaign, but shortcomings on defense contributed in large part to Green Bay’s 8-9 record and the resultant failure to qualify for the postseason.
A healthy Gary (who, Schneidman adds, still does not have a firm recovery timeline), along with first-round rookie Lukas Van Ness, should give Green Bay upside in the edge rush department. As for the defensive interior, progression from recent draftees T.J. Slaton and Devonte Wyatt could give two-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark much-needed support. Expectations will likewise be high in Year 2 for former first-round linebacker Quay Walker.
Pressure will no doubt increase on Barry if the Packers struggle out of the gate defensively, something which could foreshadow a third straight season of underwhelming play. For now, he has the public backing of his head coach, but the extent to which that may change will be a key storyline at the onset of the regular season.
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