GREEN BAY, Wis. — Perhaps the biggest story for the upcoming Packers training camp will be how the defense performs under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. So far, Hafley has earned unanimous praise from defensive players.
Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie has somewhat of an advantage because he played under Hafley at Boston College.
“He's the same guy, which is cool,” said McDuffie. “He's always the same no matter what position he's in. Just a great person. We're gonna be sticky in coverage. We're going to do a lot of good things, and try to get pressure on a quarterback. Force them to get the ball out so they can't just pick us apart. It's going to be fun to watch, the best way to describe it. We're going to do some good things.”
The Packers’ defensive players like what they’ve seen so far from Joe Barry’s replacement.
“Attack, attack, attack," said Packers linebacker Rashan Gary. “Aggressive and I'm lovin' it. Really, just pin your ears back and relax and play. Kind of a whole new life, and we're loving it on defense and with the offense, I love their swagger. It is not like last year at all.”
“Excited about the direction that we're going in,” said Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark. “I think the guys just really just hit the ground running, coming back in shape in great condition. Coach Hafley just being great, just helping us understand their principles, help us understand how guys are going to attack us.”
“I was already impressed with Jeff Hafley and the system and what they was telling me about it before we got to camp,” said Packers linebacker Preston Smith. “Now, actually running those plays, getting out there on the field with these guys, I'm loving the system a whole lot more.”
“I love Jeff. He pushes us,” said Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine. “He tells us the whys, the ins and outs. We’re just not going out there lining up. We’re understanding why we're doing stuff. I’ve learned a lot.”
“Pretty much everyone along the D-line would agree with me when I say we like it, and the simplicity of it, and the ability to make plays,” said Packers linebacker Kingsley Enagbare.
And the head coach has been impressed as well.
“Whether he's asking me, or I'm asking him, we always have great conversation, great dialog,” said Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur. “That's just what you do. You try to help each other improve. He’s been a lot of fun to work with.”
So far, so good. Now, the Packers’ defense will be expected to show improvement when it matters most.