The Packers’ systematic demolition of the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders has been among the top storylines across the NFL, through the season’s first two weeks.
Not only did Green Bay stall out a Lions offense that set a franchise record, averaging 8.8 yards per play on offense in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, but stonewalleda scending star Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders the following week.
Micah Parsons, who has logged 1.5 sacks through the first two games and ranks fourth in “stops,” according to NextGen Stats has garnered the headlines and been a driving force, but the All-Pro edge rusher has been far from the Packers’ only dominant defender.
Coordinator Jeff Hafley and his scheme helped significantly boost the Packers’ defense in 2024, but the unit looks to be making major strides off that improvement in 2025.
Thanks to the additions of Edgerrin Cooper last season and Parsons in 2025, the Packers’ front seven isn’t just among the most dominant in the NFL, but the defense could have serious staying power.
“This defense was already built to succeed,” Mike Spofford writes for the team’s official website. “It finished in the top six last season in both points and yards allowed in Hafley’s first year, and it was bringing everybody back except Alexander (who missed a large portion of the season anyway) and Slaton. Adding Parsons to the group simply elevated – significantly when you’re talking about a HOF talent – the potential level it can reach.”
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!