Packers believe new coordinator Jeff Hafley will help their defense produce more big plays
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Packers believe new coordinator Jeff Hafley will help their defense produce more big plays

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Any training camp after a change in coordinators inevitably features plenty of comments about how much better a unit will fare now that a new guy’s in charge. But the Green Bay Packers say their vocal endorsement of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley isn’t just idle talk. “Just talking to the offensive linemen, talking to the offensive players and having that back and forth, those guys are telling us the defense looks a lot different,” defensive lineman Kenny Clark said. “It’s encouraging.” Hafley left his job as Boston College’s head coach to return to the NFL, where he had worked from 2012-18 with Tampa Bay, Cleveland and San Francisco, to rejuvenate a defense that wasn’t living up to the draft capital the Packers invested in that side of the ball. Green Bay’s 2023 defense included eight former first-round selections in Clark, Jaire Alexander, lineman Devonte Wyatt, edge rushers Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness, linebacker Quay Walker, cornerback Eric Stokes and safety Darnell Savage.

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History of this topic

Packers’ pass rushers attempt to make statement as they open post-Smith era against struggling Bears
1 month, 1 week ago

Packers’ pass rushers attempt to make statement as they open post-Smith era against struggling Bears

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay’s new defensive scheme under first-year coordinator Jeff Hafley has produced more turnovers but hasn’t yet resulted in an upgraded pass rush. Green Bay showed confidence in its other pass rushers by sending veteran Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 seventh-round pick last week. “I think we still are waiting for that …

Packers’ defense takes another step forward with eight-sack effort against Titans
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Packers’ defense takes another step forward with eight-sack effort against Titans

Associated Press  

Intercepting passes isn’t the only way the Green Bay Packers’ defense bothers opposing quarterbacks. Hafley’s defense has helped the Packers thrive without Love, who missed a second straight game as he recovers from an injured left medial collateral ligament. It’s a stunning rise for a quarterback who had thrown for no touchdowns and hadn’t passed for as many as 100 …

Packers forcing more turnovers under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley
3 months ago

Packers forcing more turnovers under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — New Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s offseason emphasis on forcing more turnovers is paying early dividends. Green Bay’s defense has had five interceptions and six total takeaways through the first two weeks of the season to lead the NFL in both categories entering Monday. McKinney had the first of Green Bay’s three interceptions Sunday …

Hafley says he wasn’t looking to leave BC. But the chance to join Packers’ staff was too tempting
10 months ago

Hafley says he wasn’t looking to leave BC. But the chance to join Packers’ staff was too tempting

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Jeff Hafley says he wasn’t necessarily looking to get out of college football before he left his job as Boston College’s head coach to become the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator. “As a guy that grew up loving football, it’s the Green Bay Packers,” Hafley said Thursday in his first news conference since making the move. …

Hiring Jeff Hafley as Packers defensive coordinator puts pressure on Matt LaFleur
10 months ago

Hiring Jeff Hafley as Packers defensive coordinator puts pressure on Matt LaFleur

New York Times  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Matt LaFleur better hope he got this Jeff Hafley hire right. LaFleur fired defensive coordinator Joe Barry the week following the season-ending loss to the 49ers despite four consecutive solid performances to end Green Bay’s resurgent second half. “Certainly any time you make a change of that magnitude there’s a lot of thought and deliberation that …

Packers hire Jeff Hafley away from Boston College to become their defensive coordinator
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Packers hire Jeff Hafley away from Boston College to become their defensive coordinator

Associated Press  

Jeff Hafley is leaving his job as Boston College’s head coach to become the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator. I will miss the players who gave so much of themselves these past four years, and my wife Gina and I will certainly miss the BC community and the many friends we have made here.” The 44-year-old Hafley becomes the latest …

Learning how to start games better has sparked Packers’ turnaround
11 months, 1 week ago

Learning how to start games better has sparked Packers’ turnaround

Associated Press  

The Green Bay Packers are finishing this season with a flourish because they’ve figured out how to start games better. The trend continued Sunday as the Packers scored the game’s first 27 points in a 48-32 victory over the Dallas Cowboys that advanced them to a Saturday divisional playoff matchup with the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers. Green Bay won the …

Defense’s resurgence plays major role in getting Packers into postseason
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Defense’s resurgence plays major role in getting Packers into postseason

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay’s beleaguered defense stepped up just in the nick of time to help the Packers make a surprising push into the postseason. Chicago reached Green Bay territory on six drives Sunday, but the Packers’ defense stiffened in each instance while sacking Justin Fields five times. … Green Bay’s offensive line has allowed one sack in …

Defense’s continued struggles raise questions over how much longer Packers can stay in playoff hunt
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Defense’s continued struggles raise questions over how much longer Packers can stay in playoff hunt

Associated Press  

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones says he believes he’s part of a playoff-caliber team. After Tommy DeVito of the New York Giants and Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield each earned NFC offensive player of the week honors for leading their teams to victories over Green Bay, Packers coach Matt LaFleur was fielding questions about defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s job …

Packers’ playoff hopes fade thanks to a defense that can’t get stops
1 year ago

Packers’ playoff hopes fade thanks to a defense that can’t get stops

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay’s defense has hit a wall — and so have the Packers’ playoff hopes. Tampa Bay scored touchdowns on its first three second-half possessions, and Mayfield took a knee to end the game after the Bucs reached Green Bay’s 11 on their fourth and final series of the half. They’re out-scheming us and outplaying us, …

Young Packers ready to show they can handle prosperity after moving into playoff position
1 year ago

Young Packers ready to show they can handle prosperity after moving into playoff position

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers suddenly are facing the type of challenge that would have seemed unthinkable just a few weeks ago. The Packers’ 27-19 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night gave them three straight victories, the past two coming against division leaders. “We’re tough, man,” said wide receiver Romeo Doubs, whose 33-yard catch …

Packers have found a couple of building blocks in rookie receivers Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks
1 year, 1 month ago

Packers have found a couple of building blocks in rookie receivers Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — This season of transition for Green Bay’s offense gives the Packers plenty of opportunities to figure out which of their young players could emerge as long-term key performers. After catching four touchdown passes in the Packers’ first nine games, Reed showcased his versatility Sunday by scoring his first career rushing touchdown. He’s the first Packers rookie …

After making recent strides, Packers run defense takes big step backward in loss to Steelers
1 year, 1 month ago

After making recent strides, Packers run defense takes big step backward in loss to Steelers

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — For a couple of weeks, it seemed as though the Green Bay Packers had turned one of their biggest weaknesses into a strength. The Pittsburgh Steelers rushed for 205 yards and gained 5.7 yards per carry Sunday in a 23-19 victory over the Packers, who have now given up at least 200 yards rushing three times …

‘We have a plan for it’: Packers’ offense bracing for blitz-happy Vikings
1 year, 1 month ago

‘We have a plan for it’: Packers’ offense bracing for blitz-happy Vikings

New York Times  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — No team has blitzed as many times as the Minnesota Vikings through seven weeks of the NFL season and it’s not even close. GO DEEPER Why the Packers seem likely to stay quiet at this year's NFL trade deadline There’s also the dilemma of blocking edge rusher Danielle Hunter, who leads the NFL with nine sacks …

The Packers are searching for fixes to their injury-riddled offensive line
1 year, 2 months ago

The Packers are searching for fixes to their injury-riddled offensive line

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Jordan Love spent much of the night running for his life. The pressure is on an injury-riddled offensive line as the Green Bay Packers attempt to bounce back from a 34-20 home loss to the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions. LaFleur said the Packers got “manhandled.” “Obviously we’re disappointed with the way that we played, and we …

Packers’ frustrating fourth quarter shows their run defense remains a major concern
1 year, 3 months ago

Packers’ frustrating fourth quarter shows their run defense remains a major concern

Associated Press  

Green Bay’s early season schedule gave the Packers a couple of immediate opportunities to measure how much they shored up their run defense, the team’s biggest weakness during Matt LaFleur’s coaching tenure. Season-opening trips to Chicago and Atlanta figured to challenge the Packers’ run defense because the Bears led the league and the Falcons ranked third in yards rushing per …

Packers 53-man roster projection: As cuts loom, a final guess at initial squad
1 year, 3 months ago

Packers 53-man roster projection: As cuts loom, a final guess at initial squad

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of NFL roster cuts and projections ahead of cutdown day GREEN BAY, Wis. — With three preseason games and a month of practice in the rearview, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst now laces up his apron, whips out the cutlery and starts chopping away. So just got ice on it, went in, but …

Packers enter camp preparing for start of new era with Jordan Love taking over at QB
1 year, 5 months ago

Packers enter camp preparing for start of new era with Jordan Love taking over at QB

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY PACKERS CAMP SITE: Green Bay, Wisconsin KEY ADDITIONS: K Anders Carlson, TE Tucker Kraft, S Tarvarius Moore, TE Luke Musgrave, S Jonathan Owens, WR Jayden Reed, OLB Lukas Van Ness. KEY LOSSES: S Adrian Amos, WR Randall Cobb, K Mason Crosby, WR Allen Lazard, TE Marcedes Lewis, DL Dean Lowry, DL Jarran Reed, QB Aaron Rodgers, TE Robert …

Barry discusses how Packers’ defense must improve: ‘It starts with me’
1 year, 7 months ago

Barry discusses how Packers’ defense must improve: ‘It starts with me’

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry realizes he must raise his game to get the most out of a defense that didn’t live up to expectations last year. Other former first-round picks on Green Bay’s defense are defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt, cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, outside linebacker Rashan Gary, safety …

Packers searching for answers after 4th consecutive loss
2 years, 1 month ago

Packers searching for answers after 4th consecutive loss

Associated Press  

The previous time the Green Bay Packers lost four straight games, they followed it up with a remarkable stretch run that ended just one step shy of the Super Bowl. Green Bay is two games below.500 for the first time in coach Matt LaFleur’s four-year tenure after falling 27-17 at Buffalo. “We’ve just got to put it together now.” Green …

Bills not underestimating Rodgers despite Packers struggles
2 years, 1 month ago

Bills not underestimating Rodgers despite Packers struggles

Associated Press  

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Bills safety Micah Hyde and receiver Jake Kumerow know Aaron Rodgers well enough to appreciate how much the Packers quarterback’s words resonate in Green Bay. So when Rodgers defiantly insisted the Packers’ playoff hopes, at 3-4, remain realistic despite a third consecutive loss and facing the formidable challenge of traveling to play the AFC-leading Bills on …

Reeling Packers visit Commanders looking to end 2-game skid
2 years, 2 months ago

Reeling Packers visit Commanders looking to end 2-game skid

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY at WASHINGTON Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Fox BETTING LINE: Packers by 4½, according to FanDuel Sportsbook AGAINST THE SPREAD: Packers 2-4; Commanders 2-4 SERIES RECORD: Packers lead 22-16-1 LAST MEETING: Packers beat Washington 24-10 on Oct. 24, 2021, at Green Bay. KEY INJURIES: The Packers activated WR Sammy Watkins off injured reserve and listed him as questionable after …

Packers believe their struggles on offense start up front
2 years, 2 months ago

Packers believe their struggles on offense start up front

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — There are plenty of issues hindering a Green Bay Packers offense that has produced just 10 points over its past six quarters. “If we don’t block better, it’s hard to do anything,” coach Matt LaFleur said Monday, a day after an embarrassing 27-10 home loss to the New York Jets. Until you fix that, they’re going …

Packers proving they can win by relying on their defense
2 years, 2 months ago

Packers proving they can win by relying on their defense

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers’ defense is meeting offseason expectations and giving this storied franchise a new look. It doesn’t matter who’s out there in the game.” The Packers spoke openly in the offseason about their high expectations for a defense that tied for 13th in points allowed per game and ranked ninth in yards allowed per …

Pack put greater focus on special teams in roster decisions
2 years, 3 months ago

Pack put greater focus on special teams in roster decisions

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers are serious about upgrading a special teams unit that has struggled for multiple years and had numerous breakdowns in a playoff loss last season. If that wasn’t already evident from the hire of former Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia as special teams coordinator, the Packers’ decisions as they put …

Packers seek 4th straight division title, longer playoff run
2 years, 3 months ago

Packers seek 4th straight division title, longer playoff run

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY PACKERS New faces: Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, QB coach Tom Clements, WR Romeo Doubs, CB Keisean Nixon, P Pat O’Donnell, OLBs coach Jason Rebrovich, DL Jarran Reed, OT/OG Sean Rhyan, OL Zach Tom, LB Quay Walker, WR Sammy Watkins, WR Christian Watson, DL Devonte Wyatt. Key losses: WR Davante Adams, P Corey Bojorquez, QB coach Luke Getsy, …

Packers defense ready to deal with heightened expectations
2 years, 7 months ago

Packers defense ready to deal with heightened expectations

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — As they chase their fourth consecutive NFC North title and first Super Bowl berth in more than a decade, the Green Bay Packers may rely on a different formula than usual. That’s the mindset we have every single day when we walk into this building.” The Packers ranked ninth in total defense and tied for 13th …

Green Bay Packers move up to draft NDSU WR Christian Watson
2 years, 7 months ago

Green Bay Packers move up to draft NDSU WR Christian Watson

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers wide receivers have produced plenty of second-round success stories over the last two decades. Although the Packers haven’t selected a wide receiver in the first round since taking Florida State’s Javon Walker 20th overall in 2002, they’ve developed a knack for finding wideouts in the second round. “We’ve had a lot of success …

Packers must improve their run defense before postseason
2 years, 11 months ago

Packers must improve their run defense before postseason

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Now that they’ve moved a step closer to earning the NFC’s lone first-round playoff bye, it’s becoming apparent the Green Bay Packers don’t merely need that extra week to get healthier. They’ve got multiple backs that are really, really talented, and they’re pretty good up front, so I’m sure it’s going to be a big week …

Packers defense slips against Kirk Cousins, Vikings
3 years, 1 month ago

Packers defense slips against Kirk Cousins, Vikings

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Green Bay’s defense toppled star quarterbacks Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson in impressive fashion in the past three games, picking up the slack for an offense that’s used to carrying the Packers. Cousins threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns — including 169 yards and two scores by Jefferson — and directed two go-ahead drives in …

Packers’ new formula: Rely on defense rather than offense
3 years, 1 month ago

Packers’ new formula: Rely on defense rather than offense

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers are relying on an unfamiliar approach to remain in their customary position atop the NFC North. “I think the defense is playing at an elite level.” That’s continued even as the Packers have faced three of the league’s top quarterbacks in Arizona’s Kyler Murray, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Seattle’s Russell Wilson …

Packers’ Barry says ‘scars’ from prior stops made him better
3 years, 9 months ago

Packers’ Barry says ‘scars’ from prior stops made him better

Associated Press  

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry understands the questions about his track record. But I think when true growth takes place, I think it’s when things are really, really hard.” Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who worked with Barry as a Rams assistant in 2017, said he interviewed nine candidates before making his selection. “I think just like anything in …

Aaron Rodgers’ ‘uncertain’ future hangs over Green Bay
3 years, 10 months ago

Aaron Rodgers’ ‘uncertain’ future hangs over Green Bay

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Aaron Rodgers said he’s not sure what his future holds in Green Bay. After the Packers’ fourth NFC title game loss in seven seasons, Rodgers said “a lot of guys’ futures are uncertain, myself included.” Rodgers has three years remaining on the four-year, $118 million extension he signed in August 2018, but the two-time MVP has …

Adams shines in snow as Packers trounce Titans 40-14
3 years, 11 months ago

Adams shines in snow as Packers trounce Titans 40-14

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams created a picturesque atmosphere as they connected for three touchdown passes on a snow-covered Lambeau Field. I think that team is a really, really solid team that played with a lot less speed than they typically do.” Green Bay ran wild behind 124 yards and two touchdowns from A.J. Adams capped …

Packers’ LaFleur ready to match up with former boss Vrabel
3 years, 11 months ago

Packers’ LaFleur ready to match up with former boss Vrabel

Associated Press  

All the concern about how well Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur would work with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers have disappeared near the end of their second season together. LaFleur, who came to Green Bay after one unremarkable season as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator, has teamed with Rodgers to make Green Bay one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses. …

Rodgers’ 4 TD passes help Packers roll over Bears 41-25
4 years ago

Rodgers’ 4 TD passes help Packers roll over Bears 41-25

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Aaron Rodgers helped the Green Bay Packers get another big win against the rival Chicago Bears and move closer to their second straight NFC North title. I think that’s what’s important to us.” The Packers capitalized on mistakes by Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who was making his first start since the third week of the season. …

Packers struggle to put away Jags, get by with 24-20 win
4 years, 1 month ago

Packers struggle to put away Jags, get by with 24-20 win

Associated Press  

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur liked the way his team finished. “You have Aaron Rodgers, he can get pretty much get any football through any wind, so it doesn’t really matter.” Green Bay’s victory wasn’t secure until the final minutes. Sidney Jones picked off Rodgers late in the third to set up Chase McLaughlin’s 31-yard field …

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