The Green Bay Packers’ defense could be scary good in 2024. Of course, that is a sentiment Packers fans have had before the season started for a few years now. Each year it feels like the fans are let down with the defense’s consistency.
However, this season could actually be different. The Packers have had studs all over their defense for years, it hasn’t been lack of talent. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is bringing a level of intensity and excitement that we haven’t seen in years.
Now he has an insanely fast weapon at his disposal.
The Green Bay Packers Have An Insanely Fast Weapon On Defense
After missing most of the last two seasons with injuries, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur believes cornerback Eric Stokes is in great shape physically and mentally.
As a result of the early work Stokes and Watson put in this offseason with hamstring specialists, LaFleur said they are “in the best shape” he’s seen from either player.
Stokes, who ran the 40-yard dash In 4.25 seconds, looks fit and fast during the workout program as a result of starting the offseason healthy:
“I think what this offseason has afforded him was an ability to train. It’s a lot different when you’re coming off an injury and you’re trying to rehab versus when you’re fully healthy and you can train the right way,” LaFleur said last week. “When you look at him physically, his body looks different. He’s hitting some fast speeds out there at practice. I can tell mentally he feels like he’s in a great place.”
Getting back up to full speed and regaining confidence in his body are huge steps for Stokes as he enters a big season.
Stokes, a first-round pick in 2021 who was excellent as a rookie, suffered foot and knee injuries in Week 9 in 2022 and missed the final eight games. He played in only three games while dealing with hamstring injuries last year — meaning Stokes has missed 22 of the last 34 regular season games for the Packers.
Been a while since we’ve seen Eric Stokes, so here’s a little refresher… pic.twitter.com/15RtaQXLP9
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) October 2, 2023
Eric Stokes Could Play A Huge Role For The Defense In 2024
With Jeff Hafley as defensive coordinator, the Green Bay Packers could have a scary secondary if Eric Stokes returns to form. On the roster, Stokes would be opposite Alexander, while Carrington Valentine is another promising second-year player.
The safety position overall gained a massive upgrade with the arrival of Xavier McKinney during free agency. There will be very few changes to the offensive side of the ball in 2024, but there will be many changes to the defensive side.
It is expected that the Green Bay Packers will be one of the most interesting teams in 2024. Despite having so many young players, they had success in 2023 when many predicted they would struggle. During the offseason, the team upgraded key positions and continued to get younger.
Jordan Love’s continued improvement could put this team in the mix for the NFC title. They came close to defeating the San Francisco 49ers last season. This team has a lot to look forward to if they can build on last season.
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