Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur says he “absolutely” will take on a bigger role in assisting the Packers’ slumping defense as they try to boost their fading playoff hopes.

But one thing he won’t do, at least for now, is relieve defensive coordinator Joe Barry of his duties.

LaFleur explained why he didn’t think Barry was to blame. He believes the Packers’ immediate concern is to fix the communication problems on defense that bedeviled them as Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield picked them apart.

Tampa Bay scored touchdowns on each of its first three second-half possessions before taking a knee in the red zone to end the game. The Bucs went 8 of 12 on third- and fourth-down conversion attempts.

After losing their last two games because of their inability to stop New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito and Mayfield, the Packers (6-8) likely must win their remaining three games and receive plenty of help to reach the playoffs.

It’s a comedown for a team that seemed on the rise after back-to-back victories over Detroit and Kansas City.

Jordan Love continues to show he can be a long-term solution at quarterback. Love has thrown 11 touchdown passes and only one interception over his last five games. He has completed 68.9% of his passes during that stretch.

The Buccaneers fumbled on one series, went three-and-out once and took a knee in the red zone at the end of the game. They scored four touchdowns and two field goals on their other six series. 

On offense, the Packers scored touchdowns on two of their five red-zone possessions. They settled for two field goals and also lost the ball on downs at Tampa Bay’s 4-yard line.

WR Jaylen Reed hurt his toe late in the game. Alexander (shoulder) missed a sixth straight game, WR Christian Watson (hamstring) sat out his second consecutive game and S Darnell Savage (shoulder) also didn’t play.

The Packers leave Wisconsin for their next two games as they visit Carolina (2-12) on Sunday and Minnesota (7-7) on Dec. 31.