Green Bay Packers: Jeff Hafley Lays Out 1 'Non-Negotiable' in What He Wants From Defense in Training Camp 2 Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is shown before their game Sunday, December 29, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25.

Packers’ Jeff Hafley issues indirect warning to Lions, opposing teams ahead of 2025 opener

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 5:14 AM ET

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley must be one of the happiest men on the planet these days. Two weeks ago, he’d gladly fight for the guys he had on his stop unit. Then last week, the Packers pulled off a stunning trade that gave Hafley arguably the most dangerous singular defensive weapon in football today, when they traded for superstar linebacker Micah Parsons.

This coming Sunday, Green Bay is about to unleash Parsons wearing the team’s colors for the first time.

Green Bay will have a tough challenge right from the get-go, with the Detroit Lions coming to town for both teams’ 2025 NFL season opener, but Hafley is confident in his defense to take care of business, including on the ground.

Packers DC not worried about run defense heading into 2025 season

On Thursday, Hafley expressed optimism in the Packers’ run defense ahead of Sunday’s season opener against the Detroit Lions.

Via Ryan Wood of USA Today:

Jeff Hafley asked if he expects opposing offenses to just run the football up the middle to test his defense: “Teams want to run the ball up the middle, I think we’ve got pretty good linebackers, and we’ve got a good interior.”

Parsons should elevate the play of his teammates because of the attention he’ll command. He was graded just 65.5 by Pro Football Focus in 2024 in terms of run defense, but Parsons should still make life easier for Green Bay’s other run stuffers.

Green Bay was seventh in the 2024 season with 103.2 rushing yards allowed per game and fourth with just 4.0 rushing yards given up per carry. However, the Lions rushed for 234 yards and two touchdowns in two games versus Green Bay.

Packers' Jeff Hafley issues indirect warning to Lions, opposing teams ahead of 2025 opener 2 Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (95) heads to the locker room during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via Imagn Images

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

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