Like most who are plugged into the Green Bay Packers have noted, the major offseason signing this year wasn’t re-signing Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones or bringing in veteran linebacker De'Vondre Campbell. Rather, it was the hiring of defensive coordinator Joe Barry. The Packers have been searching for that top tier defense since the height of the Dom Capers days, and while presumably it feels like they have all the pieces to do it, they were never able to put it together under DC Mike Pettine. With Aaron Rodgers back under center, the biggest question going into the 2021 season is simply, “Is Joe Barry the answer?” Is he the final puzzle piece for a defense with so much potential? And can he do what Pettine couldn’t, turning this group into a consistently dominant force?
Setting aside a shaky track record as a defensive coordinator, there is a lot to like about Barry’s style. So far through training camp and two preseason games, it’s looking like he is going to somewhat mirror what Brandon Staley did with the Rams in his tenure as DC. Under Pettine, the Packers were last in the league in their use of nickel personnel (5 defensive backs), opting to use it on 27% of their snaps. Pettine preferred to use dime personnel (6 defensive backs), rolling with that grouping on 50%+ of their snaps. We’re likely to see a major shift in those numbers, as Barry’s base defense is nickel personnel and his defenses haven’t traditionally used a lot of dime. If Barry’s past is any indication, we’re likely to see a major increase of nickel personnel and a major decrease in dime. The secondary, more notably the safety group, is going to have to get involved more in the run game, which means tackling expectations are going to be higher. No more hitting an offensive skill position player with your shoulder and hoping he goes down. With safety depth behind starters Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage still being sorted out, this is an excellent way for those in the mix to differentiate themselves from the rest of the group. Will Redmond being put on season ending injured reserve has opened up a tremendous opportunity for an additional player. He had been sidelined all of camp with the injury, which allowed Vernon Scott, Henry Black, and Innis Gaines to take those snaps and show that not only can they cover, but they can tackle as well. Both Black and Gaines are undrafted players with a steeper hill to climb but led the defense in tackling in the second preseason game against the Jets with 13, and have had an immediate impact on the game when they’re subbed in.
If a solid third or fourth safety emerges, this not only adds another layer of solidification to the back end of the defense, but also gives Barry more flexibility in how he uses his starters. Savage’s name has been linked to the STAR position (the fifth defensive back in a nickel defense) since Barry got to town, primarily due to his history playing slot corner at a high level in college and his immense athletic ability. However, from the looks they’ve been showing in practice, this role is currently solely owned by Chandon Sullivan. If a third safety can drop back at deep safety though, it should not be surprising if the STAR becomes a rotation of Sullivan, Savage, or even Jaire Alexander, depending on the offensive matchup and scheme the Packers defense is facing. Adrian Amos, who is one of the highest graded safeties in the league in the box since coming to Green Bay, would be the number one candidate to drop down to cover post-snap, but this can only happen if players like Scott, Black, or Gaines can be trusted to play deep. The Packers 3-safety looks have the ability to be a dominant force if Joe Barry is able to play to his two starter’s unique strengths. Versatility and maximizing elite talent across the secondary is going to be huge for the success of this defense.
The Weight Safeties Carry With Joe Barry
Love this Perri!! Big fan, great article! Really looking forward to what the season holds for this defense and the team in general
Great job Perri. If this defense can develop into a top 10 Defense, the Pack will be a tough out in the playoffs.