The Sconi

With tensions openly rising among players in the locker room, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur insists he sees no reason for a change in direction, particularly on defense.

Following Green Bay's 27-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the team’s fourth straight defeat, LaFleur told reporters he has no plans of replacing defensive coordinator Joe Barry despite grumblings from players on the defense about game planning and play-calling.

“I think from a consistency standpoint, way too many explosive gains, some poor tackling,” LaFleur told ESPN.  “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 struggles have persisted despite the Packers' huge investment on defense, where the front office has invested heavily in recent years with seven first-round picks and several other high-profile free agent signings.   

"It's impossible to please everybody," LaFleur added. "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 team in January 2021 as a replacement for Mike Pettine, arriving with little experience as for the post he was assuming. 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.

"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."