The Green Bay Packers defense has started training camp with a bang under the direction of new coordinator Jeff Hafley. The rain didn’t stop some of Green Bay’s defensive players from putting up their best performances at Tuesday’s practice, despite the less than ideal weather.
Edge rusher Rashan Gary had a spectacular run in which he sacked the quarterback three times in just four plays, according to Andy Herman of The Pack-A-Day Podcast. Under Hafley, the Packers’ defensive line is adjusting to several new ideas, one of which is having edge rushers rush the passer with their hands are in the dirt. Gary has only been a stand-up rusher in his first five seasons, all while playing for defensive coordinators that ran 3-4 schemes.
Defensive ends will increasingly rush from a three-point stance in Green Bay’s 4-3 defense scheme, which will accommodate a more aggressive playstyle with fewer dropbacks into pass coverage.
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“Keep your hands in the earth and don’t back off.” Regarding the defense, Gary stated, “It’s that easy.”
The secondary also produced some plays, with safety Anthony Johnson Jr. and Evan Williams picking up two interceptions and many pass breakups. The Packers are expecting more playmaking from a secondary that had trouble intercepting passes the previous season under Hafley’s direction. In terms of interceptions, Green Bay came in second to worst place in 2023 and only placed twenty-third overall in pass defense.
Newcomer Xavier McKinney, who is in charge of a young safety room, said that players are reacting positively to Hafley’s message and enthusiasm.
“A combination of the two,” McKinney added. Of course, the message is crucial, and he does a fantastic job conveying it. His level of energy is consistently very high. He has a lot of faith that we can perform well when we get out there. It’s obvious that he calls plays with aggression. It’s just been enjoyable.
After playing with the New York Giants for his first four seasons under Don Martindale’s coaching, McKinney signed a free agent contract with Green Bay. After ending the season with a 6-11 record, Martindale and the Giants mutually decided to part ways this offseason.
It appears that McKinney is enjoying his time as the new DC thus far.
We can talk to him about anything because of his transparency, according to McKinney. We are able to have open communication with him and can always talk to him if we think we might need to change something. Having a coach that is open to conversation and doesn’t insist on referring to things just the way he wants to is always enjoyable.
McKinney is the most recent player to compliment Hafley since his arrival among the Packers.
The offense completed push-ups to close out Tuesday’s practice, which is encouraging for Hafley’s team even though they still have a lot of work to do. The offense lost to the defense. Not to mention, Jordan Love is still not practicing in the absence of a new contract.
Nevertheless, it’s encouraging if the defense shows signs of adjusting to the plan.
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