The Green Bay Packers have a ton of promise heading into the 2024 campaign. The Packers’ talented young core sets them up to be one of the top teams in the NFC.
Jordan Love was one of many young players who excelled for the Packers in the 2023-24 season. Love completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The 25-year-old also rushed for 247 yards and four touchdowns.
There is a lot of hope behind Love and the Packers heading into 2024. They are one of the favorites in the NFC, along with the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions.
Despite being a solid squad, Green Bay’s defense should improve from last season. The talent on the defense hasn’t been the problem, but rather the scheme.
Following their loss in the Divisional Round to the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers fired Joe Barry, who was heavily scrutinized for his playcalling as the defensive coordinator.
To replace him, the Packers brought in Jeff Hafley, who will be a much more aggressive play-caller on the defensive side of the ball.
With an aggressive defensive scheme, the Packers’ defensive players should be maximized and perform at a high level. Let’s break down an intriguing defender who could be a breakout player for Green Bay in 2024.
Karl Brooks breaks out for the Packers
While Karl Brooks was a sixth-round draft pick in 2023, that didn’t stop him from making an immediate impact. Brooks was by no means a star in his rookie campaign but was a key contributor on the defensive line.
The 24-year-old finished the 2023 season with four sacks, six tackles for loss, and 30 total pressures. After proving his value in his first season, Brooks has carved out a bigger role on Green Bay’s defensive line.
He will be in the nose tackle rotation with Kenny Clark, TJ Slaton, and Devonte Wyatt. Off the edge, the Packers will have Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, and Kingsley Enagbare.
Brooks got better as time went on throughout the season, getting pressure on the quarterback. With Hafley as the defensive coordinator, Green Bay will send more blitzes and aggressive defensive pressures on opposing quarterbacks.
Brooks will have the chance to shine in this scheme and could break out as a star for the Packers’ defense in 2024.
