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I always like to start out by anchoring my assessment with some facts - and then go from there.

Not only were the Packers playing a different Defense in 2024, they were playing a very different style of D. With different techniques that were new to the players and some of the coaches. Year 2 will absolutely be better for all of them, to think otherwise is ignoring history.

So how did they all do in Year 1 ?

The Packers defense was # 6 in points allowed despite playing a tough SOS !!!
WOW

They were tied for 9th in sacks delivered
# 11 in opponent passer rating
# 4 in 3rd down conversions/ game
# 7 in 3rd down conversion % allowed
Tied for 9th in opponent time of possession
# 5 in yards per play allowed
# 1 in fewest points allowed in 4th quarter

# 5 in 2nd half points allowed
# 7 defense in opponent rushing attempts/gm
#7 in opponent rushing yards/gm

You can look at a lot more here, they've got a plethora of team stats for your illumination

https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/team-stats/

And while fans are certain the way to upgrade a defensive line is by adding players - most of the improvement comes from within on a young developing team.

Add in a new DL coach with an incredible pedigree and you can see that Packers addressed the area they thought was lacking for the DL.
(Not personnel)

Gute said it, Hafley said it.

They told us what the issue was and how they were going to fix it. In addition to DL coach DeMarcus Covington, the Packers also added Coach Jeff Koonz, a veteran position coach who's specialty is inside LBs and STs.

The Packers defense is already a Top 10 D in many categories and with another year in the system, they have a head start on 2025 compared to last summer. Hafley is an extremely good coach, DeMarcus Covington is an extremely good coach. That impacts everybody on the DL and that's why we'll see another step forward for the DL front in 2025

Go Packers