We made it everyone! The Green Bay Packers kick off their season today in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles. Congratulations on making it through another off season!
Analysts around the league have been giving Jordan his flowers and praising the trial by committee look of the offense leading up to Week 1. The biggest question mark is undoubtedly on whether or not the defensive will translate from a talented roster to results. Especially the dreaded run defense!
Head of the Table
It’s safe to say expecations are high for new Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator, Jeff Hafley. Packer Nation is hoping his new aggressive 4-3 scheme will be the answer to complimentary football in Green Bay. His overall vibe has been palpble since getting into the building at 1265 Lombardi. The players rave about him, and I think his demeanor very much matches that of HC Matt LaFleur.
He had said during the preseason that he intended to keep the scope of his new scheme under wraps. Given the pressure that we saw out of the 2nd string in preseason, I can only imagine what we’ll see with the full compliment of starters executing.
He recently gave a presser ahead of the game in Brazil. I couldn’t have been happier to hear him say the following.
“We’re gonna let it rip”… “I trust the players, I trust the staff. They just gotta go play and execute, and I’m excited about that.“
It All Starts Up Front
I believe Green Bay’s tone will indeed be set by the 4 in the 4-3 scheme. Without question Kenny Clark, TJ Slaton, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary will lead the defensive front. Rashan Gary has looked like an absolute animal this off season. A lot of the talking heads are naming him a Defensive Player of the Year (DPOTY) candidate already. I expect a lot of disruption with knuckles in the dirt myself. Hopefully it leads to locking down the line of scrimmage and plugging up the running lanes.
Rotation is Key
I would also expect to see a healthy amount of rotation with the depth showcased in preseason. Lukas Van Ness certainly showed that he is poised to take a sophmore jump vs slump in 2024.
I also think Devonte Wyatt will be a staple in giving Kenny Clark and TJ Slaton some room to breathe. I like the number of edge rushers and lineman the Packers are holding onto. Hopefully with the full arsenal at his disposal, Hafley can work up some rushing attacks that can be sustained with fresh bodies as he rotates them in and out this season.
Also watch for newcomer Aaron Mosby to get some snaps. Aaron Mosby is someone I had been eyeing up since around draft time. Mosby was claimed off waivers from the Panthers last season. The year prior at Fresno State he put up 6 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, and tied for 6th in the franchises’ history. He looked hungry during preseason and could be a great rotational piece.
Green Bay Packers Linebackers All Set
While I don’t disagree at the awards potential of Rashan Gary this season, I’ve been pretty vocal about my belief in Quay Walker as a darkhorse to win DPOTY. With the 4 man front on the line the 3 in the 4-3 scheme are set to be in position to lock down those intermediate and over the middle passes that have plagued the Packer’s defense in recent years.
I think Quay will absolutely feast on tight ends and receivers looking for a slant, as well as running backs that break through to the secondary.
While Ederrin Cooper has been on the shelf this offseason due to injury, the Packers have seen some outstanding play by veteran Isaiah McDuffie as well as Special Teams dynamo Eric Wilson. While I think Cooper will inevitably find his way into a starting role, Wilson and McDuffie will certainly be no downgrade in locking down the middle while the rookie gets his feet under him.
Rookie Ty’Ron Hopper also made splash during the latter part of preseason. His larger share of reps would again likely be attributed to Edgerrin Cooper being injured and the Packers sitting most of their starters during preseason. Hopper looks hungry and has the right mentality.
“Honestly, I’m just getting comfortable with the scheme and trying to play fast and physical,” … “I just feel like I’m getting better every day, taking coaching and try to put it into team (11-on-11) and trying to be consistent. But I feel like I’ve got to do more.“
Defensive Backs Are The Cornerstones
Jeff Hafley is a notoriously defensive back minded coach. Keisan Nixon, Jaire Alexander, and others have all praised his approach. They have all alluded to this being a defensive where the secondary can fly around and play fast. I also expect to see a lot of press coverage and safety blitzing this season.
I’m not sure we could ask for a better set of vets than Jaire Alexander and Xavier McKinney anchoring a lockdown defensive back room.
Will We Be Stoked On Eric?
A big question in my mind is whether or not Eric Stokes will return to that rookie year form. All the reports out of the building are that Stokes is looking better than ever and still showing that elite speed he had when drafted. I’m hopeful that his offseason treatment in Madison will lead to a healthier campaign in 2024.
Rounding Out The Room
With Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine offering depth on the outside the last big mystery is whether or not Keisan Nixon takes a step forward in year 2 in the slot. Gutey has sung his praises and shown full confidence moving forward.
The good news is, should he falter, the Packers have a new hope….
Green Bay Packers Safety Net
I think the best draft pick this year (not that I’m biased AT ALL lol) would be my draft crush Javon Bullard. Should Nixon have a slump Bullard could easily be flexed into that nickel coverage role. Bullard is an absolute ball hawk with a lot of physicality and closing speed.
Xavier McKinney Bringing The Anchor
Of course I have not forgotten to mention the massive signing of former NY Giant, Xavier McKinney. McKinney will offer that true elite Safety presence. Hafley ran a lot of single high safety looks at Boston College and McKinney is more than capable of being the workhorse in that formation.
Then there’s preseason standout Evan Williams, aka Micah Hyde 2.0. I did a write up on Williams back in June, take a look for a closer look at McKinney’s soon to be righ hand man.
The Impact of Green Bay Packers New Safety Evan Williams
Offering depth is also 4th year NFL vet Zayne Anderson who has been another Special Teams stud, as well as fan favorite, and draft crush for many beat writers, Kitan Oladapo.
Final Thoughts Ahead Of Green Bay Packers Kickoff
As I mentioned above, the key to the Packers capitalizing on their Superbowl window this season is complimentary football.
A phrase often uttered by HC Matt LaFleur, but rarely executed by the squad in recent years. I can’t think of a better litmus test for this new 4-3 scheme of Jeff Hafley’s than the Eagles. They will certainly have their hands full with Hurts coming back with a chip on his shoulder after a tough end to the Eagles season last year. Coupled with the addition of Saquon, who I’m hoping to see get tackled by his former teammate Xavier McKinney.
With the explosive capability of the offense in Green Bay this year, getting off to a fast start on defense will be crucial in setting up a winning season.
There will be some bumps and growing pains along the way for sure as this defense finds its identity. That being said, I think this will finally be the year that the potential we hear will come to fruition when the whistle blows tonight in Brazil.
I’m excited to see Hafley let that call sheet rip!
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