New Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley boldly stated how he wants his defense to play for the upcoming 2024 season.
Hafley, the former Boston College head coach turned NFL defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, said Thursday he believes in system simplicity to allow players to react and make plays without overthinking.
“We try and make it simple for the players so they can play fast,” he said via the team’s official website. “So they don’t have to think. So they can be confident and not be afraid to make mistakes. So they can go out there and play fearless and play with their hair on fire and run and hit and cover and get off blocks and tackle. That’s the beauty of the scheme.”
Green Bay Packers New Defensive Scheme
Hafley plans to employ a 4-3 scheme, something the Packers last utilized in 2008.
Green Bay was 13th in the league for points allowed, averaging just above 21 points per game. They were 22nd in yards allowed, averaging just over 354 yards.
The Green Bay Packers didn’t struggle in all areas. They were 13th against the pass. Their issue was stopping others on the ground. They allowed 127 yards per game on the ground, which would be 28th during the 2023 season.
Most would think switching to a 4-3 scheme could help that. Allowing for more down defensive linemen should “free up” linebackers to fill gaps and be more stout against the run.
“The things I believe in defense — whether you’re playing 3-4 or 4-3, pressman, which I do love … it comes down to can you take your players who you have and put them in the best position to succeed?” Hafley said. “Can you take your players and maximize their ability? Every player wants to get better, and that’s our job. Our job is to put the players in the best position to succeed and make plays.”
Hafley’s Track Record
Hafley has shown an ability to coach defense well at the college level. His defense ranked 31st in the nation last year against the pass, allowing just over 200 yards per game.
Again, air yards haven’t been an issue for his system; they are yards gained on the ground. Hafley’s defense allowed just over 181 yards per game, ranking 101st in the country in opponent yards allowed.
His leaving a head coaching to be a defensive coordinator job may help those numbers improve. Some might think the level of players at Boston College may have played a role (Boston College ranked 29th in a recruiting class in 2021 but has yet to crack the top 30 besides that year). Regardless, Green Bay hopes his “hair on fire” style can allow the Green Bay Packers defenders to step up their play.
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