Under a brand-new coordinator in Jeff Hafley, the Green Bay Packers defense has made a strong impression to start training camp. Despite less-than-ideal weather during Tuesday’s practice, the rain didn’t dampen the highlights from some of Green Bay’s defensive players.
According to Andy Herman of The Pack-A-Day Podcast, edge rusher Rashan Gary had an impressive stretch in which he sacked the quarterback three times in just four plays. The Packers’ defensive line is adapting to some new principles under Hafley, one being edge rushers rushing the passer with their hand in the dirt. Over his first five seasons, Gary has strictly been a stand-up rusher while playing under defensive coordinators who have all run a 3-4 scheme.
Now that Green Bay’s defense will be based in a 4-3 scheme, defensive ends will more often rush from a three-point stance, catering to a more aggressive playstyle with fewer dropbacks into pass coverage.
“Hand in the dirt and not dropping back. It’s that simple,” Gary said of the defense.
Members of the secondary also made some plays, including multiple pass breakups and a pair of interceptions by safeties Anthony Johnson Jr. and Evan Williams. Under Hafley’s guidance, the Packers are hoping for more playmaking from a secondary that struggled to get their hands on passes last season. Green Bay ranked just 23rd in pass defenses in 2023 and second to last in interceptions.
As the leader of a young safety room, newcomer Xavier McKinney indicated that players are responding well to Hafley’s message and energy.
“It’s a little bit of both,” said McKinney. “Obviously, the message is super important, and he does a great with the message. His energy level is always very high. He’s very confident in us to go out there and be able to execute. Obviously, he’s aggressive with his playcalling. It’s just been fun.”
McKinney joined Green Bay as a free agent after spending his first four seasons with the New York Giants, where he was coached by Don Martindale. Martindale and the Giants agreed to mutually ways this offseason after finishing with a 6-11 record.
So far, it sounds like McKinney has enjoyed his experience under his new DC.
“He’s very transparent with us, so we’re able to talk to him about anything,” said McKinney. “If we feel like we might need to switch something up, we can always talk to him and we’re able to have that open communication. It’s always fun when you get a coach that is willing to have open communication with you and not be stuck in his ways of calling it how he wants to call it.”
McKinney is the latest in a batch of Packers players who have raved about Hafley since his arrival.
Tuesday’s practice ended with the offense doing push-ups after losing to the defense, a positive sign for Hafley’s group, though they still have a lot to prove. It’s also worth noting that Jordan Love still isn’t practicing without a new contract.
Still, any indication that the defense is acclimating to the scheme is a good sign.