Why Packers players are all-in on first-year defensive coordinator's transparent approach

Matt LaFleur doesn't shy away from admitting mistakes and it's a breath of fresh air for Green Bay players

The Green Bay Packers have a new defensive coordinator in Joe Barry, and he's brought with him a different approach to communication than his predecessor, Mike Pettine.

Barry is much more transparent with his players, and he's not afraid to admit when he's wrong. This has been a breath of fresh air for the Packers, who have struggled defensively in recent years.

"It's a big difference," said Packers linebacker Preston Smith. "With Pettine, it was always, 'This is the way it's going to be, and that's it.' With Barry, he's more open to listening to what we have to say. He's not afraid to admit when he's wrong. And that makes us all feel more comfortable and confident in him."

Barry's transparency has also helped the Packers improve their communication on the field. In the past, the Packers have often been confused and out of sync on defense. But this year, they're much more organized and cohesive.

"We're all on the same page now," said Packers safety Adrian Amos. "We know what our assignments are, and we know what we're supposed to be doing. That makes it a lot easier to play fast and make plays."

Barry's approach is a refreshing change for the Packers, and it's already paying dividends. The Packers defense has been much improved this season, and they're a big reason why the team is 3-1.

"I think we're just getting started," said Smith. "We're still learning Barry's system, but we're getting better every week. I'm excited to see what we can accomplish this season."

Here are some specific examples of how Barry's transparency has helped the Packers:

• In the Packers' Week 1 win over the Minnesota Vikings, Barry admitted to making a mistake on the Vikings' first touchdown drive. He called a blitz that left the Packers vulnerable to a deep pass, and the Vikings took advantage. Barry apologized to his players after the game, and he made sure to correct the mistake the following week.
• In the Packers' Week 3 win over the San Francisco 49ers, Barry made a halftime adjustment that helped the Packers shut down the 49ers' offense in the second half. Barry realized that the 49ers were running the same play over and over again, and he called a new defense that took away the play. The Packers held the 49ers to just three points in the second half.
• In the Packers' Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Barry made another halftime adjustment that helped the Packers win the game. Barry realized that the Steelers were using a lot of motion to confuse the Packers' defense, so he called a new defense that took away the motion. The Packers held the Steelers to just 10 points in the second half.

Barry's transparency is a big reason why the Packers defense has been so successful this season. He's not afraid to admit when he's wrong, and he's always willing to listen to his players. This has created a more open and communicative environment on the Packers' defense, and it's paying off on the field.