Packers Hire New Defensive Coordinator: Jeff Hafley, formerly Head Coach, Boston College

[milani]

Yeah, I don’t know if it’s just a matter of raw size. Just a quick sample - Last year’s number one rush defense (SF) had just one starting DL who weighed over 300lbs and that was Javon Hargrave - and he was just barely over at 305. The only other DL over 300lbs they had with any significant impact was Kinlaw (320).

Regardless of size it’s generally just felt to me like we don’t really prioritize investing in defenders with a profile that’s primarily (or even leans more towards) that of a “run stopper”.

Some believe you need bulk. Others say you need quickness off the ball. It needs to be a combination of both. In 1996 our DL was first in total defense and rushing defense. Reggie, Santana, Gilbert, and Sean Jones had plenty of both.

 

[mradtke66]

Some believe you need bulk. Others say you need quickness off the ball. It needs to be a combination of both. In 1996 our DL was first in total defense and rushing defense. Reggie, Santana, Gilbert, and Sean Jones had plenty of both.

Interesting to note that only Reggie and Gilbert were over 300. Santana was a relatively thin 275-280 pound 3T tackle and Jones topped out around 275. And looking at pictures of him, it would surprise me if Jones was closer to 260 when he played for us.

 

[OldSchool101]

This team should win some or all of these games even without Love.

In my gut I feel like 1 of the next 3 games is conceivable. If we win 2 that would be a miracle. That sounds bad but honestly at 1-4 there’s still lots of season left. Recall with Rodgers we started at 2-3 in several seasons and still did good in the long haul

 

[pacmaniac]

This is backwards (OL instead of DL), but I seem to remember GB's massive DL being outplayed by Denver's much smaller but excellent run blocking OL in Super Bowl XXXIII.

Gabe Wilkins' injury was big factor.

 

[sschind]

In my gut I feel like 1 of the next 3 games is conceivable. If we win 2 that would be a miracle. That sounds bad but honestly at 1-4 there’s still lots of season left. Recall with Rodgers we started at 2-3 in several seasons and still did good in the long haul

Unfortunately, Jordan Love is not Aaron Rodgers. No slight intended to Love but I just don't see him as the guy who can carry a team. Not yet at least.

This is why it amazes me that some people think we are doomed without Love and yet with him we are somehow contenders. Aaron Rodgers covered up some pretty glaring weaknesses in this team for a long time. While Love is not at Rodgers' level I think the team around him is a bit better than what Rodgers had to deal with. Especially defensively. That is why I think we can weather this 4 (hopefully no more than 3) game stretch and come out with at least 2 wins.

 

[milani]

Interesting to note that only Reggie and Gilbert were over 300. Santana was a relatively thin 275-280 pound 3T tackle and Jones topped out around 275. And looking at pictures of him, it would surprise me if Jones was closer to 260 when he played for us.

And in that 4-3 they could rush the passer and stop the run. Great combo.

 

[lambeaulambo]

If im a fantasy guy i start taylor 100 out of 100 times.

 

[lambeaulambo]

This is backwards (OL instead of DL), but I seem to remember GB's massive DL being outplayed by Denver's much smaller but excellent run blocking OL in Super Bowl XXXIII.

lets not go there...cut blocking cheaters

 

[rmontro]

One thing's f

This is why it amazes me that some people think we are doomed without Love and yet with him we are somehow contenders. Aaron Rodgers covered up some pretty glaring weaknesses in this team for a long time. While Love is not at Rodgers' level I think the team around him is a bit better than what Rodgers had to deal with. Especially defensively. That is why I think we can weather this 4 (hopefully no more than 3) game stretch and come out with at least 2 wins.

Yeah, I mean are we a team or a quarterback? Do we have a good roster or not? We'll find out.

 

[Pugger]

I'm hoping this defense gets better every week. I didn't read this entire thread so I may be repeating what someone else has already said but I'm going to guess because this is a new scheme it might take a bit before this unit is clicking on all cylinders.

 

[milani]

Gabe Wilkins' injury was big factor.

That is brought up but the 2 Favre turnovers in the first half gave Denver 10 points which could have easily impacted the outcome. And when Terrell Davis fumbled in the 3rd quarter deep into Bronco territory we only managed 3 points.

 

[Mavster]

The big contracts on defense need to show up. No more excuses

 

[OldSchool101]

We should see the fruits of Hafley blossom as the season transpires. Thats logical anyway for a 1st year DC.
The Eagles contest I write off to newness and that’s good or bad. I think the Defenses were at a bigger disadvantage due to slick conditions.

This game will be a better barometer of how our D really stands. We did good overall last week, but against an inferior Offense. Colts are likely a 5-7 Win team

 

[thequick12]

Titans are also likely a 5 to 7 win team id say

I expect the defense to dominate and take full advantage of Will Levis' recklessness

 

[milani]

We should see the fruits of Hafley blossom as the season transpires. Thats logical anyway for a 1st year DC.
The Eagles contest I write off to newness and that’s good or bad. I think the Defenses were at a bigger disadvantage due to slick conditions.

This game will be a better barometer of how our D really stands. We did good overall last week, but against an inferior Offense. Colts are likely a 5-7 Win team

Our offense was able to stay on the field last week. The test will come in the next 6-8 weeks when we see some more explosive offenses.

 

[PackerDNA]

Even without Love, if this team is the big time contender there being touted as, then they should handle this opponent.

 

[OldSchool101]

Even without Love, if this team is the big time contender there being touted as, then they should handle this opponent.

I would normally agree with you. However losing your QB is pretty substantial.

Our D is going to need to play substantial if we’re going to win on the road. This isn’t some “easy” game. Not suggesting you said that, but the Titans so far appear to be a tick below NFL average strength. Beating them in their house with a backup QB? That’s really putting a stamp on things imo

 

[XPack]

Starting drive aside, D was dominant. 8 sacks with 1 fumble recovery, 2 INTs with one for picks 6...we have been able to stifle them every time, it felt like they were gaining momentum. Quite an aggressive D too.

Take it with a pinch of sale, given Titans O-line and QB play have been awful all 3 games they've played. Still this would do good for the players to feel confident going into the Vikes game.

 

[milani]

Starting drive aside, D was dominant. 8 sacks with 1 fumble recovery, 2 INTs with one for picks 6...we have been able to stifle them every time, it felt like they were gaining momentum. Quite an aggressive D too.

Take it with a pinch of sale, given Titans O-line and QB play have been awful all 3 games they've played. Still this would do good for the players to feel confident going into the Vikes game.

And like I iterated, had Preston Smith not lined up in the neutral zone the Titans only get 3 on that first drive.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Titans are also likely a 5 to 7 win team id say

I expect the defense to dominate and take full advantage of Will Levis' recklessness

I was away last week and am catching up on older comments. But damn, quick, you nailed it. 8 sacks, more pressures, and a pic six. Levis is truly reckless with the ball. Anyway, it was a good win and a good all around game and gameplan by MLF. This is why it is so important to have a dominant D. Willis did play very well again. What I like best is how he takes c are of the ball.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Even without Love, if this team is the big time contender there being touted as, then they should handle this opponent.

I'm commenting long after the game but you are absolutely correct. Any team should be able to pencil the Titans in as a win, they are that bad. Even so, the D turned in a dominant performance. Levis continues to play with his head up his ***.

 

[milani]

I was away last week and am catching up on older comments. But damn, quick, you nailed it. 8 sacks, more pressures, and a pic six. Levis is truly reckless with the ball. Anyway, it was a good win and a good all around game and gameplan by MLF. This is why it is so important to have a dominant D. Willis did play very well again. What I like best is how he takes c are of the ball.

We got the Titans out of their run game somehow and playing from behind they put the game on Levis and we teed off.

 

[Heyjoe4]

We got the Titans out of their run game somehow and playing from behind they put the game on Levis and we teed off.

I saw the Titans play earlier, and my takeaway was how carless Levis is with the ball. He was flushed out of the pocket on one play with a DE closing in. He should have thrown the ball away but instead "threw" a careless, underhand shovel-type pass. The CB or S had no no problem closing on that one and taking for six.

Well on to the hated queens. Today's victory will be sweet. Very sad to see Aaron Jones in purple, but the Packers disrespected him and underestimated the affection of the fans. He is a wonderful person and I wish him the best, except for today!

 

[XPack]

The D is as exciting as it's frustrating to watch. Seems we go for the adrenalin play, very attacking...but relatively easily exploitable too.

We have scored the most points in North, but have also given away the most points too. Nearly 5 points per game given away more than division rivals.

We really need to tighten our D up more if we want a chance to progress this season.

 

[Pkrjones]

The D is as exciting as it's frustrating to watch. Seems we go for the adrenalin play, very attacking...but relatively easily exploitable too.

We have scored the most points in North, but have also given away the most points too. Nearly 5 points per game given away more than division rivals.

We really need to tighten our D up more if we want a chance to progress this season.

16 pts of their 22 were off of turnovers, twice inside our own 15 yd line. Today's point "outburst" was NOT on the D, IMHO.