The Green Bay Packers have hit a bit of a stumbling block as of late, scoring just 20 points over the past two games. And predictably, they've lost both, but despite the offensive ineptitude in those performances, the defense has kept the Packers in it.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has been outstanding since replacing the infamous villain among Packers fans that was Joe Barry. His unit ranks seventh in the NFL in points allowed per game this season, and they just held the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to 10 points.
Only two times this season have opposing teams racked up more than 300 yards of offense against the Packers, who also rank 10th in the NFL in third-down efficiency. Hafley's impact on that unit has been notable, which could put him on the fast track for the NFL's latest head coach opening with the New York Giants.
Packers DC Jeff Hafley has perfect chance to impress Giants brass in Week 11
Hafley is a native of the New York/New Jersey area, born in Montvale, NJ, which is just a quick 19 miles away from MetLife Stadium. The Packers just so happen to be taking a road trip to MetLife to face off against the Giants in Week 11, and Hafley will have a chance to impress the brass of that organization in person.
Not that Hafley already has his sights set on leaving the Packers, but what NFL assistant doesn't have a dream of eventually becoming a head coach in the league? Hafley was previously a head coach at Boston College, and the step he took to Green Bay always felt like a stepping stone to another head coaching gig, in the NFL or otherwise.
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The Giants gig would likely be a dream come true for Hafley, whose upbringing in the area could be a huge factor in his favor.
"Last year, Ben Johnson came into Soldier Field and absolutely emptied the bag with the Lions offense in front of the Bears' fans, front office, and ownership. It left a lasting impression on all," writes ESPN's Peter Schrager. "Jersey's Jeff Hafley has a real chance to do that Sunday versus the Giants."
Most importantly, the opportunity he has before him to completely dominate the Giants and prove his head coach credentials in Week 11. The Giants are going to be without quarterback Jaxson Dart in the first week after firing head coach Brian Daboll. Jameis Winston will get the chance to start, and Hafley's defense should be able to have a field day against a Giants team so beaten and battered.
The Packers needed a get-right game in the worst possible way, and it just so happens to be a potential landmark moment for the defensive coordinator. Despite the team's struggles over the past two games, the defense has done its job.
And if they can keep it up against the Giants on the road, it will not only help the Packers in their race to the top of the NFC North, but it might be a huge swing of the pendulum in Hafley's favor to become the next head coach of the Giants.