Cory's Corner: Can The Packers Still Be Aggressive?
The heartbeat of Green Bay's defense may not play.
As if things couldn't get any worse.
Now Rashan Gary is dealing with a toe injury.
He has accounted for five of the Packers 10 sacks this year and six of the team’s 25 hurries.
If the 24-year outside linebacker cannot go on Sunday, Zach Wilson’s job got a whole lot easier. With the comfort that defensive coordinator Joe Barry has been giving to opposing quarterbacks, Wilson may want to bring a comfortable chair and perhaps a good book — seeing as how he will not be touched.
This is awful news for the Packers because they are lost. They are finally coming home after seemingly not taking the London game seriously, and now they may not be able to play with their most dynamic defensive player.
“We’re not just going to go play bum-and-run, press man coverage every snap,” said Barry this week. “That’s not the system that we run. But we do have to pick our spots and we do have to be much more aggressive at times when we can be.”
I think everyone can agree that the Packers defense has to be a lot more aggressive. It has been softer than a case of Charmin this season. And even if Gary is able to play, how effective is he going to be at cutting and trying to speed rush around the edge of unassuming tackles?
This is Wilson’s second season. He will be making his 15th career start. The Jets have a decent team, but they are still, pardon the pun …very green. What I was looking forward to was seeing Gary breathe down Wilson’s neck all game long and by the fourth quarter rolled around he would be too busy craning his neck and trying to locate the player that is tied for seventh in sacks and is the main reason this defense still has a legitimate heartbeat.
And remember, these aren’t your dad’s Jets. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, but they are scoring the most fourth quarter points in the league. And what has been the Packers biggest wart? Closing out games.
“I’m excited to be part of this team and be part of this wideout group,” said Jets wide receiver Corey Davis, who leads the team with 299 receiving yards. “We’ve got some dogs.”
The Packers were supposed to have some dogs on defense, but it just seems like they’ve been leashed up all season. They have athletes that are quick and dynamic. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to be instinctual and just go out there and play like they’ve been doing their whole life.
I’m not going to say that Barry is coaching for his job just yet, but I will say that it is getting close. Remember that general manager Brian Gutekunst invested a lot on that side of the ball. Six of the last seven first round draft picks have been defensive players. (The lone offensive player from that stretch was none other than Jordan Love.)
The returns on that investment have to start showing up. We all expected the offense to have a bit of an early season hiccup as Aaron Rodgers gets used to everyone. But the defense hasn’t done anything that forces the issue and it has even had the benefit of playing against third stringer Bailey Zappe and a hobbled Daniel Jones.
The best way to start seeing those dividends is by turning up the heat. The Packers defense has been allowing opposing offenses to be too comfortable. Is that a risk by potentially giving up the big play? Sure. But at the same time, you cannot let a quarterback sit back in the pocket and throw darts all over the field.
And how is Barry going to do that if Gary doesn’t play?
I think Rashan Gary just played the best game of his career yesterday.
The Patriots had no chance of stopping him off the edge. pic.twitter.com/BdUZghwtKU
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) October 3, 2022
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (42)
Savage57
October 15, 2022 at 06:15 am
As a Packers legend of some regard once said...
"You can, if you will."
Play like your job depends on it, because if things keep going the way they have been, it just might.
NickPerry
October 15, 2022 at 07:05 am
“We’re not just going to go play bum-and-run, press man coverage every snap,” said Barry this week. “That’s not the system that we run."
LOL... Yes Mo Drayton, oops Joe Barry we know. Lining up 8 yards off on 3rd and 2 is MUCH, much better. I also absolutely LOVE the coverage you play when an opposing offense runs crossers...Just AWESOME!!
What a F'ng PUTZ!
jannesbjornson
October 15, 2022 at 11:15 am
So, this dude is playing an All-Pro CB, who the brain trust extended and paid beaucoup dollars, to play 12 yards off his guy on 3rd and long? Pink slip and do not look back...
LLCHESTY
October 15, 2022 at 11:56 am
The 49ers and Bills play man coverage almost 10% less than the Packers this year. They must really suck.
The putz just might be in your mirror.
NickPerry
October 15, 2022 at 03:44 pm
Well, that's rude. If you don't agree then don't agree but don't insult me. The 49ers and the Bills also don't have 3rd string QBs completing passes to WIDE OPEN WRs who aren't really that good. They also play SOLID defense across the board.
Stats don't mean SHIT if you are losing games or playing like the Packers are this season. The ONLY stat that matters is Wins and Losses. Matter of fact it's the ONLY stat that matters. I mean would you rather have Rodgers career passer rating title and 4 MVPS or 4 more SB titles?
I mean seriously, does playing off 10 yards on 3rd and 3 really make sense to you?
BTW...Douglas is an EXCELLENT Zone CB and I'm not opposed to playing zone defense. But NOT like Barry plays zone.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 16, 2022 at 06:55 am
The problem isnt playing zone. Its playing soft zone where you just give receivers a free release every play and dont challenge the offense in any way. Its possible to play zone aggressively. 49ers have been a cover 3 team for years. The Legion of Boom Seahawks were a cover 3 defense. Remember Lovie Smith's Cover 2 defense with the Bears that was dominant for years? The Patriots defense during their first run of winning 3 super bowls was a heavy cover 2 team as well. What those defenses all had in commom was they emphasized controlling the line of scrimmage and challenged receivers at the snap.
NickPerry
October 15, 2022 at 07:26 am
For the first time in probably 27 or 28 years (Unless I was working that day) I will be recording the Packers game and watch later that afternoon. Living in Los Angeles I HAVE to subscribe to Direct TV to be able to see EVERY Packers game, and for much of those 25 years it's been well worth it. I've seen 2 SB Champions, one team who lost, but a shit load of wins over those years. The common theme from most of those seasons is I always felt they had a chance.
Granted, 1999 under Ray Rhodes sucked a bit. 2005 was a nightmare, and 2017 and 2018 were pretty grim, but all in all life as a Packers fan has been pretty F'ng good. I've never felt as though the 70s and 80s were upon us. The first 5 weeks of the 2022 season have made me feel the 80s are much closer than I thought they were.
It's not that I don't care about DVOA or Next Gen Stats, but I'm "Old School. When I watch a Packers game my hope from week to week is they make adjustments when things don't work. Hell, halftime adjustments would be great too but that's a pipe dream.
Those teams under Holmgren with Fritz as his DC were AWESOME. You could always bank on Holmgren making an adjustment to get the offense going in the 2nd half, and you could bank on Fritz making an adjustment and SHUTTING OUT the opposing offense.
Just once I'd like to see that under the current staff. Halftime, weekly, monthly, ANYTHING, ANYTIME. Just PLEASE, make some adjustments!
jaxpackfan
October 15, 2022 at 08:49 am
Nick Perry - I agree with most of what you said. However, I will say that the halftime adjustments that Holmgren and Schurmur made in the 1998 Super Bowl were not that great.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 15, 2022 at 06:53 pm
Sometimes theres no adjustment for being outclassed. People still claim the Packers were better than that Broncos team. The truth is, they were not.
Tundraboy
October 16, 2022 at 12:18 am
I'll be working but peaking at game from time to time on the phone Will record and hope to have something worth watching later tomorrow night on the new oled. Fingers crossed that they show up, and God forbid play four quarters. In your honor of course!
NickPerry
October 16, 2022 at 06:54 am
Hey TB... I hope it's a game WORTH watching on your new Oled.
stockholder
October 15, 2022 at 07:42 am
This Defense just doesn't FIRE UP. While everyone calls for Brain Surgery. I'm still backing Barry. I get the Defense doesn't go above and Beyond. And in No way do they resemble Lombardi's greatest. But they do have a lot of pride. We know they can play. But the consistency isn't there. When a starter goes out. They struggle. And instead of attacking. The Soft play is obvious.
I get they need to rebound. But we need more. More from guys that have that veteran experience.
People got paid. Not to be a coach. But a player! It looks like they're too worried about whats going on around them.
Coldworld
October 15, 2022 at 09:53 am
He has made his statement. I agree with it. Let’s see how it manifests in the field. It seems Alexander is pleased with what’s been planned. On Sunday we will see it in action.
While words only get one so far, At least Barry has indicated some form of recognition. I’ve yet to see anything close to that from the O side.
jannesbjornson
October 15, 2022 at 11:24 am
His side of the ball cannot be pushed around for 15 minutes, displaying zero counter-attack. He made a proposition to save his job. Let's see some evidence of commitment on Sunday.
gpt999
October 15, 2022 at 11:13 am
No offense stockholder, but are u related to Joe Barry? I ask this because no matter what great talent a team assembles, bad coaching will make their talent useless on the field. Barry is being roasted by all fronts in the NFL and RIGHTLY SO! Always blaming players for lack of results due to poor coaching will only lead to dissention through out the team. "Good" coaches put their players in a position to succeed. When they don't, the coaches are to blame.
But, as per Mr Barry, the die is cast. You just can't fix stupid.
Tundraboy
October 16, 2022 at 12:27 am
Exactly. I am also a lifelong Yankees fan, and Aaron Boone , oh no not that name again, is absolutely the worst at managing, adjusting, making the right decisions under pressure and of course has that gift of getting the absolute least out of an abundance of talent.
croatpackfan
October 15, 2022 at 08:06 am
I hope that I will not claim that ST is the best unit Packers have now, again.
Sorry, but team does not look w/o fire. They look disjoint. Last week we saw Clark penalized for personal faul. He reacted vs Giants player very nervous. That talk how players are not united as one mind, one organism. Otherwise, another player, his pal will come and prevent his reaction. But, nobody cares.
Jaire was yelling to his pals to change the positions, but nobody cares.
There was many situations like that. That is the way disjoint team is playing.
I doubt that can be fixed easy. Locker room turmoil can be silent, but hard to solve, untill you solve the cause of the turmoil.
EnemyTerritory
October 15, 2022 at 08:59 am
This team is playing like a team that knows they are not good enough to win it all and that the end is near. There are going to be wholesale changes next year. Rodgers is playing like the reports from ESPN that he has only 12 regular season games left before he walks away into the sunset with tens of millions in guaranteed money for snaps never to be taken. The coaching is lackadaisical and both OC and DC and HC know that when the HOFer leaves that there will be a few years of grace where fans are conditioned to expect lousy play and losing records. The escalator to salary cap hell and status as the closest competitor to the Bears is in progress and the team knows it.
TarynsEyes
October 15, 2022 at 09:30 am
“The Packers were supposed to have some dogs on defense, but it just seems like they’ve been leashed up all season. They have athletes that are quick and dynamic. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to be instinctual and just go out there and play like they’ve been doing their whole life.”
Some dogs lose their bite after being given a bone.
Quick and dynamic can easily be made to look chaotic.
Individual, instinctive play still needs a rein to work as a group.
PackyCheese500
October 15, 2022 at 09:40 am
As long as Joe Barry is in Green Bay, the Packers’ defense will never live up to its full potential. Playing passive zone defense where every play is painfully obvious is not what puts these players in a position to succeed. Barry needs to go, and, I can’t believe I’m saying this as a Packers fan, but I want the Jets offense to humiliate the Packers’ defense on Sunday. Maybe then MLF will learn from the Drayton mistake and consider firing him. Doing so, I believe, would be for the good of the organization and help the Packers for the rest of the season.
13TimeChamps
October 15, 2022 at 11:42 am
"I can’t believe I’m saying this as a Packers fan, but I want the Jets offense to humiliate the Packers’ defense on Sunday."
Yet, you keep saying it. Over and over.
LLCHESTY
October 15, 2022 at 09:31 pm
Not as much as he likes saying Mike Zimmer.
LambeauPlain
October 15, 2022 at 11:43 am
"Hello, is this Wade Phillips? Matt LaFleur here! Say, can we talk about the Green Bay Packers?"
Since'61
October 15, 2022 at 09:45 am
Deleted
ricky
October 15, 2022 at 10:04 am
The problem with the defensive coaching is twofold. First, Barry apparently believes in his system, and is willing to die on that hill. But even if the Packers made a decision to fire him just before the bye week, who would take over (Jerry Gray?), and would they have time to install a new, more aggressive style in a short time? The second problem is one I've been harping on for a while. Until the Packers show some willingness to pay for top talent, they'll always be coached by second tier DC's. And if you've already spent a lot of draft picks and money on the defense, why on Earth are you not hiring top-notch talent to help them succeed?
gpt999
October 15, 2022 at 11:22 am
I don't believe that a team cannot change its defensive leadership mid-year. This is just an excuse given by lazy organizations that don't want to take on any risk. And given GBs corporate ownership which features a lack of bold or decisive action, their inaction fits them to a "T".
And yes, I do agree that not bringing in a top tier DC is being penny-wise and pound foolish.
jannesbjornson
October 15, 2022 at 11:40 am
Bisaccia proved your point in 2021.
Tundraboy
October 16, 2022 at 12:30 am
Bingo!
LambeauPlain
October 15, 2022 at 11:48 am
I did give Matt a lot of credit for aggressively pursuing Jim Leonard. ML almost got the Cadillac DC...so when the deal fell through decided plan B would be a Ford Fiesta.
Tundraboy
October 16, 2022 at 12:31 am
Chevy Vega?
Tundraboy
October 16, 2022 at 12:31 am
Yugo?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 15, 2022 at 06:45 pm
He developed a philosopny like someone who expects to have huge leads all the time and the opponents will be forced to push the ball down the field. This is what drives absolutely crazy about these egotistical NFL coaches. They do what they do regardless of results. No adjustments, no self reflection. Just pure stubborness and ego. Makes me want to puke.
JohnnyLogan
October 15, 2022 at 10:17 am
Capers, Pettine, Barry - Larry, Moe, and Curly only not as smart.
jannesbjornson
October 15, 2022 at 11:41 am
More four-man fronts are in order. Diversify or die.
LLCHESTY
October 15, 2022 at 12:05 pm
They play four man fronts a majority of the time. It's just called a 2-4 because Smith and Gary are OLBs. If you want consider them DEs and your problem is solved.
gpt999
October 15, 2022 at 11:04 am
"Bum and run"? Are u kidding me? So, Passive Joe criticizes a form of defensive coverage that is aggressive? How little self awareness this man possesses! The entire NFL world - from executives, to analysts, to fans - point to his stubborn leadership and lack of urgency as the reason this defense is falling apart.
The only "Bum" I see is Joe Barry. And if the GB management group had any cajonnes, he should have been on the "run" after the first 5 games of this season.
Tundraboy
October 16, 2022 at 12:32 am
Anyone know what the hell he means, bum?
LambeauPlain
October 15, 2022 at 11:59 am
This is not a dominant Defense. This is not the defense needed to finally help the Pack win games as the Offense sharpened up its WR group.
It is instead, by Barry's design, a soft, prevent defense. Even then, the talent of the players still has them making some plays and getting off the field for some of the time. But for the most part the talent is being underutilized by Barry...and his coaches.
Barry's comment "That's not the system we run", was cringeworthy. It foreshadows he will continue to force players to play HIS soft, passive system, even as HIS players are out of position and underutilized doing so.
Where the hell is ML in all this?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 15, 2022 at 06:38 pm
Lafleur and the rest of the coaches have lost this team. They have developed a philosophy based on fear instear of confidence and aggression. The whole thing needs to be blown up from Murphy on down. Replace the BOD too. Every last one of them. Time for new blood in Titletown.
Duneslick
October 15, 2022 at 04:19 pm
This was supposed to be a top defense and we believed the hype. It is not. Wyant cant get on the field (not good enough) . Rookies not making any impact this year. Hurt or just not that good. Over hype again
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 15, 2022 at 06:36 pm
Pretty hard for Wyatt to get on the field when theyre playing nickel (2 down linemen) 95% of the time and hes playing behind Clark, Lowry, Reed, and Slaton. Maybe if they played base once in a while...
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 15, 2022 at 06:34 pm
Joe Barry is insane. That is all.