The Green Bay Packers offense was one of the most dominant and consistent units down the stretch of the 2023/24 season. On the contrary, the defense failed to show any teeth, existing in a space between mediocre and good. Despite many first-round talents, the Packers’ defense allowed the fifth most yards, and the backfield came up with the second least interceptions.
In the 2024 offseason, the Green Bay Packers invested in that defense heavily. General Manager Brian Gutekunst acquired one of the best safeties in the NFL in Xavier McKinney and procured six defensive talents in the NFL Draft.
Green Bay Packers Defense Shuts Down Offense In Training Camp
With the addition of former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley as the new defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, the players and fans alike were hoping for a more aggressive and dominant defense, early on in training camp it appears that is what they are getting.
At the beginning of training camp, QB Jordan Love had yet to sign a contract extension with the Green Bay Packers, as he sat out of team activities and watched in street clothes. The Green Bay defense dominated the backup QBs on first and second teams in the new 4-3 scheme.
Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary had this to say about his stance change. “I feel more explosive coming out of a three-point stance. Sometimes, when you’re in a two-point stance, you can create more false steps, and with the hand in the dirt, the false steps are taken away.”
“I think this 4-3 style fits the guys we have in our room a lot better up front, and you’ve been able to see it the past couple of days,” second-year defensive end Lukas Van Ness said. “We’ve been aggressive getting after the quarterback.”
This mentality and execution from the defense boiled over into the offense appearing disjointed.
That does it for practice. Another dominant performance by the defense that included 5 interceptions (Stokes x2, Williams, AJJ, Sapp). Valentine & Jaire also had near picks. Offense does pushups after practice. A massive struggle for the QBs.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) July 24, 2024
After the Green Bay Packers signed franchise QB Jordan Love to the largest contract in NFL history, the Packers offense looked to get back on track with his arm. However, the revamped Packers defense was not going to make that easy.
Love well wide of Wicks on a quick out. That’s a bread and butter throw for Love. You can tell he’s probably pressing a bit and just working off some rust. He’s 1/8 for 3 yards and a pick.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) July 27, 2024
Love eventually began connecting, finding multiple chunk plays including a 50-yard bomb to Christian Watson. However, the defense has shown a (much-needed) new tone for the upcoming season.
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