The Packers defense will ‘attack’ under new DC Jeff Hafley

Under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, one of the more noticeable changes for this Green Bay Packers unit – along with the move from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base – will be an emphasis on playing with energy and an offensive style of play . .

“We’re going to attack,” Hafley said in a conversation with Larry McCarren. “I told the players I want to lead the NFL in effort, and I want to lead the NFL in how hard we play, and I want to lead the NFL in taking the ball away.

“I want people to see the confidence with which our players play, both in themselves and in their teammates. And showing how much they care about each other and this team by how hard they play and how hard they run for the ball and the effort they put in.”

When Matt LaFleur began looking for the Packers’ next defensive coordinator, he didn’t intend to switch to a 4-3 defense. Now, of course, and as LaFleur acknowledged, having the personnel to make that transition was a big factor in hiring Hafley.

But before LaFleur even determined Hafley was the guy, his intention was to find the right person and personality to make the most of this side of the ball.

“If you want your players to bring a lot of energy every day,” LaFleur said, “if you don’t do that as a coach, then there’s a problem. I can’t demand that from our guys, and I can’t expect that from myself or our coaches. It doesn’t matter what you coach. Yes, the energy is an important part of that.

In addition to the juice that Hafley and the rest of the defensive coaching staff will bring, Hafley is praised by former players for his ability to both teach the game and make the game plan simple so players can respond on the football field. instead of thinking too much.

Another major factor in LaFleur’s decision to hire Hafley was his previous experience working with defensive backs.

As we’ve heard LaFleur say repeatedly in the past and Hafley discuss with McCarren, the Packers need to get better at generating takeaways. Last season, the Packers’ seven interceptions were the second-fewest in football.

A game plan that the players can better execute, along with the way Hafley runs the practices and meetings throughout the week, will be key in seeing improvement in this area.

But on top of that, this will also be a more aggressive defense under Hafley. He doesn’t shy away from talking about his love of press reporting; while at Boston College Hafley was very willing to apply pressure on third down with five and six men to force the issue.

“We’re making it a priority,” Hafley said of generating more takeout. “And it’s not just talking, it’s every day in meetings, showing them how we’re going to do it and teaching them how we’re going to do it. And then it has to show up in practice and then it has to show up in the game. That is priority number 1, we have to take the ball away.”

Although it was first reported at the time that the Packers had hired Hafley, there was some initial head-scratching, largely because he seemed to come out of nowhere.

But now, a few months later, it’s easy to see why LaFleur wanted Hafley on his coaching staff, especially considering there’s no time to waste. The window to win is here.

“Fiery, his energy … he’s going to bring it,” Kenny Clark said, via Packers.com. “He’s going to challenge everyone – challenge everyone to be great. That’s what you want as a coach. You want them to hold guys accountable.”