Player input is key in Joe Barry’s Packers defense
Green Bay is a democracy in defense. While the plan may be different from week-to-week, it is a cooperative effort between players and coaches that has been in place since the Minnesota Vikings’ season opening loss.
But even in a democracy, a decision must be reached even if everyone doesn’t agree. Jaire Alexander would have preferred to be one-on-one on every play with Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
“If it was my way, you know what I would be doing,” Alexander said after Jefferson exploded with nine catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns.
It became even more collaborative as the weeks went by. Defensive backs coach Jerry Gray spoke to both starting corners and discussed how they wanted to handle Minnesota’s dominant receiver. Alexander had been asking coaches for Jefferson’s permission to follow him around the field. Alexander was granted his wish last Sunday when both teams met up again. It was, at least partially.
Next Gen Stats reports that Alexander was matched with Jefferson on 36% of Jefferson’s routes in Week 1. In their second meeting, Alexander’s covered Jefferson on 65 percent of his routes. Jefferson was only able to catch one pass for 15 yards. Alexander was also targeted once, but the pass was incomplete.
Rasul Douglas claims that the coaches have final say on any game plan. However, the latest defensive performance favored the player’s input and led to the NFL’s leading receiver having his lowest yardage of the season.
“I think anytime you do those things, you got to get the player’s feel,” defensive coordinator Joe Barry said Thursday. “We reached out to them early in the week, and coach Gray does a great job overall but especially in situations like that talking to the player and getting the player’s feel, getting their approach, and then obviously streamlining it into the gameplan.”
Aaron Rodgers said that the best teams were player-led ones in the past. From Douglas’ perspective, he has access to information a coach won’t have from the sideline. He relays everything he learns on the field to his coaches and teammates.
“Everyone has a voice,” Douglas said.
Barry believes it is part of Green Bay’s culture to listen to players. While there has been a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration, ultimately the game plan is executed by them.
“Those guys are out there, those guys are the guys experiencing it, they’re doing it. So, you got to listen and get their input, that’s just the way I’ve always believed in coaching.”
Alexander and Douglas were very helpful against the Vikings. The Packers will be facing the Detroit Lions on Sunday night. This team features Amon-Ra St. Brown, 12th overall pick Jameson Williams, and two talented receivers. Perhaps, the starting corners should spearhead this week’s defensive approach as well, with the playoffs on the line.