GREEN BAY, Wis.: New Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry can only hope his players display the same spirit on the field that he brings to meetings and practices.
The word energy comes up constantly when players talk about Barry. Cornerback Jaire Alexander tells a story that exemplifies Barrys approach.
Barry, 51, was discussing tackling techniques during a meeting when he gave an impromptu demonstration by hitting the ground and essentially tackling the air.
It was amazing to see, Alexander said. He got right back up. His glasses were still on the shirt. It was cool, man.
Even if it didnt turn out quite the way Barry had planned.
In the moment, I just flailed on the ground and rolled, Barry said. I actually hit my fricking elbow on the damn ground and that hurt. But the guys loved it.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur hired Barry to replace Mike Pettine after a 31-26 NFC championship game loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barry spent the last four seasons as a linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Rams and worked alongside LaFleur there in 2017.
I firmly believe, lets be consistent and lets bring energy, Barry said. And hopefully that translates, from a player standpoint, to great effort.
Barry can hope it will translate to better results than his defenses produced in his two previous stints as a coordinator with Detroit from 2007-08 and Washington from 2015-16.
The Lions ranked last in the NFL teams in total defense and scoring defense in both of Barry’s seasons and in 2008, Detroit didn’t win a single game.
Washington was near the bottom of the league in both yards allowed per play and per game in both of Barry’s seasons.
Barry said earlier this year he has scars from those previous stops and noted how adversity can lead to growth. Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith played on Barrys Washington defenses.
Regardless of his past as a coordinator, I dont keep up with statistics, Smith said. I just keep up with what youre doing now. Right now, I like what he has going on. I like what we have going on. I like the energy he brings. I like the system.
Barry is working with much more firepower in Green Bay than he had in Detroit or Washington.
Alexander earned second-team honors in last years All-Pro balloting. Outside linebacker ZaDarius Smith has earned Pro Bowl honors each of the last two seasons and has 26 sacks during that stretch. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark was a 2019 Pro Bowl selection. Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage provide a strong safety tandem.
Theyre all into ball, Barry said. They love football. Theyre passionate about it. They want to succeed. They want to have success. They want to win. They want to play great team defense. They dont care who gets the credit. I dont want to say its been easy, but theyve been a great group to work with so far.
The feeling has been mutual.
He loves life, defensive back Chandon Sullivan said. He loves football. Hes energetic. He brings that passion every day. He just challenges guys to be great every day and never get complacent. Cool dude.
Outside linebacker Rashan Gary says he likes the freedom that Barrys scheme gives to players. Gary also noted that Barrys high-energy style makes it easier for players to push themselves.
If we dont have the juice one day, hes bringing it, so were always working and always pushing to be consistent, Gary said.
Barry says thats always been his style. He was brought up to coach that way.
When he was asked to name what coaches had influenced his approach, he mentioned eight different names in a detailed answer and started with his father (former college and NFL assistant Mike Barry) and his high school coach ( Colorado Sports Hall of Fame inductee Sam Pagano ).
I try to approach every day exactly the same way, Barry said. I think Im fairly passionate and energetic just by nature in my personality. The way I coach, the way I come to work every day, its not a conscious thing. Its just me being me.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Read all the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News here