The Green Bay Packers‘ defense made major strides in coordinator Jeff Hafley’s first season, in 2024, but that group avoiding a backslide could prove critical this season.
Safety Xavier McKinney became an All-Pro for the first time, after signing with the Packers as a free agent last spring, and rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was a revelation, on his way to receiving All-Pro votes by season’s end.
It’s impossible to look at the Packers’ 2024 campaign as anything but a success, on defense, but Hafley’s group may need to build significantly on the foundation they set last season if Green Bay is going to make strides towards competing for a championship in 2025.
Jeff Hafley’s Defense a Potential Red Flag for Packers?
Carrington Valentine, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) celebrates with cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) after intercepting a pass against San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brandon Allen during their game on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was McKinney’s seventh interception of the season.
After finishing sixth in total defense last season, and second in the NFL, while allowing just 315.6 yards per game, Hafley’s unit looks to avoid regressing in 2025.
Over at NFL Media, analyst Kevin Patra writes that if the Packers don’t repeat their stellar season on defense, it could lower Green Bay’s ceiling.
“If Hafley’s defense devolves into what it was before his arrival,” Patra writes, of the Green Bay’s worst-case scenario for 2025. “The Packers could struggle to keep pace with the offenses in the division. The lack of a persistent pass rush is one issue, but an inability to consistently slow the run could be a killer. Green Bay might also be counting on Keisean Nixon to play at a CB1 level after parting with Jaire Alexander.”
The Packers’ defense will be tested by what will undoubtedly be an improved Chicago Bears offense, in Caleb Williams’ second season, quarterback Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions, as well as NFC powerhouses like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders looming on the schedule.
But, if Hafley’s defense is up to task, the Packers could be a team capable of making real noise, and unseating some of those conference heavyweights by season’s end.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper
Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) celebrates with cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) after Cooper intercepted the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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