The other interesting thing about Joe Barry’s time as a defensive coordinator is that the year before he got to Washington they were 28th in points against. Then 17th and 19th with Barry and then back to 28th after he left.

Let’s say for shits and giggles that talent is part of the performance of a defense. With similar talent, Joe Barry was significantly better during his years than the DC before and after him.

How does that work?
It can work a number of ways: the teams you face, injuries, roster construction, luck, etc. Being ranked 17th is still bottom half, although barely. GB's defenses have often been ok to good in points against, but at leasst some of that is masked by the pace of their offense. Rodgers milked the clock all the way down to 0 constantly, and they have had a very slow pace offense (comparing # of plays and TOP) under MLF. If your offense is on the field, your defense isn't giving up points.