Green Bay Reporter

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is standing firm amid all the chaos.

Following their 27-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the team’s fourth straight defeat, LaFleur told reporters he has no plans to switch out defensive coordinator Joe Barry despite complaints about game planning and play-calling.

“I think from a consistency standpoint, way too many explosive gains, some poor tackling,” LaFleur told ESPN Monday. “I think we need to be more physical. I think you look at the teams that are toughest to deal with in this league, especially from a defensive standpoint and physicality, it jumps out to you. There were moments where we're not always getting that.”

The defense’s struggles have mounted despite the Packers' huge investment on that side of the ball, including seven first-round picks on defense and several high-profile free agent signings.  

"It's impossible to please everybody," LaFleur said. "Everybody has their own opinions, their own ideas. It's like anything else in life. You have to get the staff on the same page, first and foremost, in making sure that everybody is confident in the plan and then you teach it to the players."

Barry joined the organization in early 2021 as a replacement for Mike Pettine. Other elements contributing to the team’s struggles are the subpar play of safety Darnell Savage and what MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers cites as the inconsistency of the offensive line, resulting in more pressure on the defense, according to ESPN.

"I think we'd be foolish not to listen to our players at certain times," LaFleur said. "Ultimately, we have to make the best decision for our football team in terms of how do you go about winning the game. There were some great moments and then there were some not-so-great moments. It was great that we were able to get a couple turnovers."