Packers News: Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley Makes Announcement Ahead of Minnesota Vikings Matchup

   

Green Bay PackersJeff Hafley

The Green Bay Packers defense has shown signs of improvement over the first three games of the 2024 season. It is still not perfect by any means, but defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has had his defense play more aggressively this season.

Green Bay PackersJeff Hafley
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley gives instruction during a drill with defensive backs on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.

In the last game against the Tennessee Titans, the defense recorded eight sacks and also had two interceptions. The Packers defense also has seven interceptions this season. Green Bay only had seven interceptions a season ago and safety Xavier McKinney has three of them.

Green Bay PackersJeff Hafley
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is shown during the team’s mini camp Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Hafley spoke to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic on Thursday. Jeff Hafley mentioned that he and Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell are very good friends. Hafley also said to Schneidman:

“Jefferson is probably the best wide receiver in the league.”

Justin Jefferson is going to be a headache to prepare for this week. He has had success in the past against the Packers. Jefferson will be facing Alexander quite a bit this weekend.

Slowing Down Sam Darnold

Green Bay PackersMinnesota Vikings
Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) celebrates his sack against the Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

One of the biggest surprises to start the season is Sam Darnold. The Packers will need to generate a pass rush for him to make mistakes. For now, Darnold does not look reckless with the football, but how long will that last for?

Another thing Green Bay will need to do this week is slow down running back Aaron Jones. Green Bay players know him well. The Minnesota Vikings offense will not be easy for Jeff Hafley to game plan for, but they are going to have to pick their poison if they want to end up as the winning team this weekend.