The Green Bay Packers have high expectations for the 2024 NFL season. After finishing 9-8 and upsetting the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs, the young Packers have their sights set on an even deeper postseason run. As their loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round showed, though, they needed to make some changes if they were going to improve.
One of the most critical changes that the Packers made came early in the offseason. Head coach Matt LaFleur made the long-awaited decision to fire defensive coordinator Joe Barry, whose defensive scheme was the source of much conflict over the last three years (but especially last season).
To replace Barry, LaFleur hired Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley, who previously a defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers.
Green Bay Packers Defensive Players Love Jeff Hafley’s Scheme
Ever since organized team activities (OTA’s) began, Packers defensive players have had nothing but good things to say about Hafley and his new scheme. That scheme, which is a 4-3 instead of a 3-4, is reportedly much more aggressive. One of the common themes in what every player has said is that this scheme is much more suited for how they like to play and does not require them to think too much.
For example, three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark recently said:
“When we do drills, I’m like, ‘Damn.’ We’ve got like a big group of defensive linemen now. It’s going to be a lot different, but with this system, you’ve got to play like that.
“Now this is giving us a chance to shut all that other stuff off … just use your ability, go up the field and be disruptive. I just think with my get-off and how I am, I think it’s going to suit me well.”
Former first round cornerback Eric Stokes, who is hoping to overcome his history of foot and leg injuries this season, said:
“Ooooooh, I love Hafley … He just want you to go out there and have fun and just play 110 miles per hour and that’s what I love about Hafley … he always say, ‘Imma go ahead and take the bullet. You just go out there and just have fun and you just play.'”
Other key defensive players that have also spoken about their love for the defensive system include Devonte Wyatt and two-time Second Team All-Pro Jaire Alexander.
Green Bay Packers Pass Rusher Rashan Gary Also Has High Praise for Jeff Hafley
Gary spoke to reporters after he and the rest of the team wrapped up their second and final day of mandatory minicamp. During his interview, he was asked about Hafley and the new defensive scheme. In response, Gary said:
Safe to say Rashan Gary’s first impression of Jeff Hafley’s defense has been positive: “Attack, attack, attack. Aggressive, and I’m loving it. I’m loving it. Really just pin your ears back, relax and play.” pic.twitter.com/wUznz7YI6E
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) June 12, 2024
“You can tell the energy around the building from top to bottom is great, especially on defense. Kind of having a whole new coaching staff, a whole new life. We’re loving it on defense.
“Attack, attack, attack. Aggressive, and I’m loving it. I’m loving it. Really just pin your ears back, relax and play.”
As one can see, Gary’s comments are very similar to those made by his teammates. It is still early, but Hafley already has all of his players bought into the new scheme. If they are as good as they believe they will be, the Packers will be a dangerous team this year. Who knows? Perhaps Gary will even make his first Pro Bowl.
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