When the Green Bay Packers hired Joe Barry as defensive coordinator over a year ago despite poor showings at previous stops, they knew he never coached talent like they had on the roster.
That faith was rewarded as Green Bay’s defense consistently performed well despite missing their best pass rusher and best cornerback for most of the season.
One year later, Barry not only has Jaire Alexander back healthy and wealthy thanks to his recent contract extension but Rashan Gary and Preston Smith also made Za’Darius Smith dispensable as a cap cut.
Throw in the athletes the Packers selected in the draft and Barry now has the ingredients to make the best defense not only of his career but one of the best Green Bay has had in over a decade.