‘They’re not going to give you those huge plays,’ says Stenavich of the Panthers’ defensive play style
The Green Bay Packers have lost two consecutive games and are on the outside looking in when it comes to the NFC playoff scenario in 2023. Those two losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants came after three straight victories over the Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs.
During those losses, the defense, particularly defensive coordinator Joe Barry, was scrutinized. Many fans have urged the Packers to move on from Barry and begin the search for a new DC. Joe Barry addressed that criticism today.
Clearly, Joe Barry an his family have seen what the internet has been saying over the last few weeks. Twitter (X) got especially ruthless after Baker Mayfield left Lambeau Field with a perfect passer rating on Sunday.
The Packers dropped to 6-8 after losing 34-20 to Tampa Bay. This was their second consecutive loss to an opponent who, by all accounts, was very beatable. Additionally, it was the second game in a row in which the defense failed to perform very basic functions.
As opposed to the loss to the New York Giants, in which the Packers allowed 200 rushing yards for the fourth time this season, the Packers’ defense failed to provide even average pass defense. Barry’s play call was to play soft zone multiple times when the Buccaneers were facing third and short situations. It allowed Tampa Bay to complete multiple short passes that gave their pass catchers ample green grass in front of them.
While two games won’t dictate someone’s career, Barry’s time in Green Bay has felt numbered for quite some time. It would be surprising to see the team stick with him going forward.
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Green Bay Packers Open 21-Day Window For Tight End Luke Musgrave
The Green Bay Packers have been without rookie tight end Luke Musgrave for many weeks due to a lacerated kidney. According to Tom Silverstein, Green Bay has established a 21-day practice window for him to return to the football field.
Musgrave will most likely not play this weekend against the Carolina Panthers (2-12), but it is quite possible that he will return against the Minnesota Vikings (7-7) on New Year’s Eve and take him off of injured reserve. Luke Musgrave was having a very good season before he got injured.
The second-round rookie from Oregon State was on track to go over 500 yards receiving as a rookie tight end before getting injured. He last played against the Los Angeles Chargers on 11/19. On the season, Luke Musgrave has caught 33 passes for 341 yards receiving and one touchdown. He has also been averaging 10.3 yards per reception this season. Musgrave has been targeted 45 times this season by quarterback Jordan Love.
Fellow Green Bay Packers Tight End Tucker Kraft Has Done a Very Good Job Of Replacing Luke Musgrave in the Time Being
Kraft, a rookie tight end from FCS power South Dakota State, was also taken in the third round. Tucker Kraft stepped up big as the starting tight end when Luke Musgrave got hurt. He’s a great blocker in the running game and has a tough demeanor.
Kraft has also improved his receiving game. He also has 18 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Tucker Kraft has a 12.0 yard per reception average. He was also targeted 25 times this year. Moving ahead, head coach Matt LaFleur should find a way to use Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave in more two tight end sets.
They both will be valuable tight ends to the franchise for years to come. They also have other weapons at wide receiver. Musgrave returning before the end of the regular season will be a good thing for them. Green Bay is in the thick of the playoff race.
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