Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry spoke with the media for almost 20 minutes on Thursday. He was asked about a variety of topics, including the play of his secondary, the aggressiveness of his pass defense, who should play in the slot and the play of Eric Stokes.
Some things to know from Barry’s press conference on Thursday:
– Called the secondary an “elite” and “special” group.
– In terms of consistency, he said it should help to have Jaire Alexander and Adrian Amos both healthy.
– Needs to mix coverage better against “over” routes (or crossing routes). Teams are going to keep running them until the Packers prove they can “squash” that issue.
– Said Alexander’s injury has somewhat forced the team to use Rasul Douglas in the slot, but he thinks several players can play in the slot.
– Might start moving Darnell Savage around to other positions with Rudy Ford’s ability to play safety behind him. “He’s getting more and more comfortable.”
– Expecting takeaways to come in bunches. Packers only have four in five games.
– On playing more aggressive in the secondary: “We have the guys to do it.” Thinks the cornerbacks can challenge people at the line and play more aggressively. “Allow our guys to be aggressive and get in people’s face…we will do that moving forward.”
– On recent struggles: “We had a bad fourth quarter against New England and a bad fourth quarter last week.” Confident in the talent and resiliency of his group.
– On Eric Stokes, who is going through some ups and downs in Year 2: “He’s a young player…he’s a second-year player. He’s still learning the NFL game. Getting better and better every single day. Eric Stokes is going to be an elite player in this league for a long time, just can’t forget, he’s a second-year pro.”
– Hit on Saquon Barkley along the sideline proved Alexander can play anywhere in the secondary. Has the speed, change of direction and physicality to do everything. Not worried about the injury from tackling Najee Harris last year.
