The Green Bay Packers had one of the best defenses last season, and they're only getting better. They addressed the need for an elite-level pass-rusher by acquiring superstar Micah Parsons ahead of the season.
The move paid off, as Green Bay allowed just 13 points -- with the only touchdown coming in garbage time as they were up 21 points with under a minute left -- and 246 yards to the Detroit Lions, who ranked first in scoring offense and second in total yards last season. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley praised the impressive performance from the group.
Hafley spoke with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated following the Packers' 27-13 statement victory over their NFC North rivals in Week 1.
"I'm excited because that team last year was one of the best teams in the NFL," said Hafley. "One of the most explosive offenses in the NFL—with receivers, running backs, tight ends and a quarterback. They played hard. I'm proud of how hard we played today. We were physical and flying around and hitting. The guys had fun and we stopped them on fourth down. … Like, it was just fun to watch."
Packers DC Jeff Hafley excited about defensive promise
Hafley was particularly enthused with the run defense, which held a unit that ranked sixth in yards and second in touchdowns in 2024 to just 46 yards on 22 carries.
That mark is tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for the fewest in the league after last Sunday's games. Detroit also ranked second in passing yards and fourth in touchdowns last season, but the Packers held them to just 200 passing yards in Week 1.
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The defensive coordinator also praised the football IQ of his newest star weapon, noting that in just one week, Parsons had memorized between 50 and 70 percent of the defense.
The three-time All-Pro played just 45 percent of the defensive snaps on Sunday. He showed what's to come, however, as he recorded one total tackle, one solo tackle, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one quarterback hit. His pressure on Jared Goff also resulted in his interception to Evan Williams.
As his time in the defense increases, his numbers should quickly follow suit.