The Green Bay Packers are generating a lot of talk as they prepare for the 2024 NFL season. Last season, Jordan Love led the NFL’s youngest offence to a Wild Card spot and an upset victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs. Now that he and his youthful bunch of pass catchers have played together for a year, they are anticipated to make a significant improvement this season.
There is also a lot of confidence in the defence this season, owing in large part to Joe Barry’s dismissal as defensive coordinator after the 2023 season. In his place, Green Bay has recruited former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley, who has modified the Packers’ offensive strategy from 3-4 to 4-3.
While there haven’t been many opportunities (yet) for Packers fans and media members to hear Hafley speak or watch the players exercise, everything that has been mentioned thus far has given the impression that the defence would be far more aggressive than in the past.
Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator, wants strong play from the front seven.
Green Bay Packers’ defensive tackle Devonta Wyatt
Earlier this month, Packers rookies and tryout hopefuls reported to Green Bay for rookie mini camp. During this portion of the offseason, Packers fans and media were treated to Hafley’s first press conference as the team’s new defensive coordinator.
During his interview, Hafley stated that the philosophy for his defence will be “run and hit,” and that he does not want to play passively. He wants his front seven to make quarterbacks and running backs uncomfortable in the backfield rather than waiting for a reaction.
Jason Rebrovich, the Packers’ new defensive line coach, was quoted earlier this summer as saying, “I’m not trying to associate football with war or anything like that, but we’re the Navy SEALS.” We are the first line of defence. The rest of the guys will sit back and do what they need to do.”
This mentality is undoubtedly good news for spectators, but it is also a promising concept for the players.
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt has high expectations for himself.
Green Bay Packers, Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt
Devonte Wyatt did not see the field much as a rookie in 2022, playing just 23% of the defense’s snaps. He recorded 1.5 sacks and 15 tackles throughout that period.
Last year, however, his usage rose up to 50% of defensive snaps. His numbers, nevertheless, went increasing at an even greater rate. Wyatt earned 5.5 sacks and 36 tackles in his second season.
Now that the Packers have a new defensive coordinator who wants his front seven to be more aggressive, Wyatt believes that he will be able to be even better in 2024.
According to Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal, Wyatt stated:
“It’s time for the giant leap. Yes, Sir. A monster leaps.
“Me personally, I believe the scheme modification will be beneficial. It will allow me to concentrate on a single task rather than multiple ones. Instead than thinking about doing anything, just do it.”
Wyatt recorded 5.5 sacks as an interior lineman in a system that did not suit him. One can only think what he will be able to do with Hafley’s aggressive style.
