Despite what the national sports media will try to convince you the sky is not falling in Green Bay. A week of divisive tweets and dramatic conversations hasn’t changed the way the Packers handle their business.
And It hasn’t changed Jaire Alexander’s belief in Green Bays ability to rebound.
“I think with this gameplan we’ve got here, it’s pretty flawless. It’s time to execute now on our end.”
These word came as music to Packers fans ears.
In the wake of the disappointing loss criticisms of Joe Barry’s scheme and decision making have come squarely into the spotlight. Fans and media alike have sharpened their collective arrows and pointed them directly at the underwhelming defensive coordinator.
Alexander and his cohorts have been the main topic of discussion. And they should be. The extremely talented and incredibly well paid secondary have been relegated to a soft cushion playing group. Per Wendell Ferreria “When the Packers prioritize using their basic coverage structure on first and second downs, the team is 21st in dropback EPA allowed and 22nd in dropback success rate allowed. But there is a transformation when the Packers’ defense tends to get more aggressive and play stickier coverage on third and fourth downs. They are seventh in dropback EPA allowed and second in dropback success rate allowed.”
When they are aggressive they are good when they are passive they are bad. But they have been constantly passive all season long. But according to Barry that will all change Sunday against the Jets.
And according to Alexander everyone is on the same page. “There’s a level of respect that we have for each other — players to coaches, coaches to coaches and player to player. So, when you have that level of respect, you should be able to speak how you feel and have a conversation about it, which there was. And moving forward, I think the game plan is really good.”
Rasul Douglas couldn’t be more on board. “I think we’ve got the secondary to do it.” Douglas said, while also emphasizing the importance keeping the offense guessing. “You have to be able to mix and match both of them. I know sometimes I like pressing but sometimes I like being off, seeing the quarterback, seeing the receiver. It’s whatever you feel for the game or how the game’s going and what routes you’re seeing.”
The proof, however will be in the pudding. And the pastry chef is still Joe Barry. This week we’ve heard the correct words from Barry and his players but now we are going to have to see the correct execution.
The New York Jets are the perfect opportunity to get right from an aggression standpoint. Zach Wilson currently ranks last in the league in terms of passer rating against blitz. Not only does Barry need to bring the pressure but he needs to have his cornerbacks up on the line of scrimmage to take advantage of that pressure. They can’t allow Wilson to use quick and easy hot routes all day or this weeks post game comments from Jaire will make last weeks look like a Hallmark card.
