The Packers certainly got a gift when they signed free-agent running back Josh Jacobs. The 26-year-old has been an elite dual-threat in Green Bay’s backfield and has helped the Packers work through Jordan Love’s early-season injury and mid-season turnover issues.

However, Green Bay got an even bigger gift when it fired defensive coordinator Joe Barry and landed former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley to replace him. Hefley’s influence on the defense has made Green Bay a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Jacobs joined an offense that already featured Love, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Tucker Kraft and numerous other playmakers. The former Las Vegas Raiders star has been great in Green Bay, but the Packers offense was also potent when running back Aaron Jones was healthy last year.

In 2023, though, the offense often had to make up for an inconsistent defense (17th overall) that was often a liability against the run (28th in rushing yards allowed). This year, the defense has become a team strength and has proven itself capable of overcoming key injuries.

On Monday night, for example, the Packers were without safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams, along with cornerback Jaire Alexander. They still pitched a shutout against the New Orleans Saints.

For the season, Green Bay ranks seventh against the run, eighth against the pass, seventh overall and sixth in points allowed. Hafley has helped build the most cohesive defense the Packers have fielded in some time.

“We’re all working together, and we’ve just got some nice playmakers,” rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper said,” per Steve Megargee of the Associated Press.

“We’ve noticed all along that the defense is a lot different this year, and they’ve been making some big-time plays all along,” Love added, per Megargee.

Hafley’s defense has helped put Green Bay in the playoffs with two games to play in the regular season. It’ll also give the Packers a chance to win postseason games if Love and the offense don’t run wild.