Jeff Hafley's first game leading the Green Bay Packers defense left a lot to be desired.
Despite bringing a more blitz-heavy and aggressive scheme to Brazil for the season opener, the Philadelphia Eagles had all the answers, putting up 410 total yards and 34 points. Missed tackles, an inability to stop the run, and game-changing mistakes in the secondary cost the Packers—it was like Joe Barry never left.
However, there were positives. Green Bay forced three turnovers, including a brilliant interception from Xavier McKinney.
Rookie Edgerrin Cooper only played 11 defensive snaps as the Packers eased him back from a groin injury, but that was enough to prove why they drafted him.
Edgerrin Cooper earns Packers' highest defensive PFF grade in Week 1
In only 11 snaps, Cooper made four tackles (including three solo) and one pass defense. It earned him a PFF grade of 85.9, the highest of any Packers defender.
Packers fans could understandably come away concerned with the linebacker play in Week 1. Quay Walker struggled throughout the night, while the Eagles went after Isaiah McDuffie, including on Saquon Barkley's first touchdown.
In Cooper, there's hope.
His speed was on full display on a run stop. He reacted quickly, read the play, and gave the Packers a glimpse of his potential.
Cooper is still recovering from a groin injury that sidelined him throughout the preseason, but it's already clear to see why the Packers drafted him.
He was born to play in Jeff Hafley's system. Hafley used Quay Walker as a blitzer, but it's a role perfect for Cooper once he's healthy. The second-round pick made eight sacks and 17 tackles for loss for Texas A&M last season, and it won't be long before he is making life miserable for quarterbacks in the NFL.
The Packers left Brazil with plenty to clean up on both sides of the ball, from tackling to penalties to dropped passes. There were flashes of the brilliance that led this young team on a magical playoff run last January, but overall, it felt like an extension of the preseason.
Life won't get any easier without Love under center, and the defense must step up.
Cooper showed enough in his Packers debut to see his snap count increase. Health permitting, he will soon join Walker in the starting lineup. From what we've seen, the rookie could dominate at the heart of Hafley's defense.
