Packers' Unheralded Rookie Surging Up Depth Chart, Pushing for First-Team Reps 1 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.

Major concern emerging for Packers, three games into 2025 season

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 4:23 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers are reeling from a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns, and suddenly, there are concerns emerging for a defense that fueled a perfect 2-0 start to the season, with wins in the two prior weeks.

While All-Pro Micah Parsons’ arrival seems to have galvanized the Packers’ pass rush, while lighting a fuse under the likes of Lukas Van Ness and Rashan Gary, one of the hallmarks of coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense has been missing through the first three games of 2025.

Packers struggling to create takeaways

Hafley’s defense wreaking havoc and creating takeaways were a key component to Green Bay’s success last season.

However, through three weeks, the Packers currently boast a turnover ratio of just +1.

“A season ago, the Packers tied for fourth in the NFL with 31 takeaways,” Rob Demovsky points out for ESPN . “And ranked third in interceptions with 17. They have a grand total of two takeaways this season: Evan Williams’ interception in Week 1 against the Lions and Xavier McKinney’s interception on Sunday.

“McKinney’s pick was essentially a punt by the Browns, who threw a deep shot on fourth-and-8 with just 12 seconds left in the first half. The Packers spent training camp stressing punching the ball out and causing fumbles, but they haven’t forced one yet.”

Creating turnovers could be the key to the Packers truly maximizing the impact of Parsons’ disruptiveness up front and an improved pass rush overall, especially if quarterback Jordan Love and Green Bay’s offense are able to convert them into points.

How Hafley can scheme takeaways and how opportunistic the Packers’ defense becomes could be a fascinating storyline to watch as the season progresses.

Packers must account for Commanders' rising star in Week 2 1 Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley surveys practice on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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