BREAKING NEWS: Jeff Hafley of the Packers can’t contain his excitement over a possible Star replacement

Eric Wilson only played eight snaps in the Green Bay Packers’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts. In that time, he made one interception, forced a fumble, and made a game-changing tackle for loss on an option. Wilson made a significant impact despite only playing a handful of snaps.

Quay Walker has played every snap in the first two games, but he has not looked well. Walker has the ability to be a strong rusher, but he has made mistakes in run defense, missing four tackles, and losing an interception. After two weeks, Wilson is the second-highest graded linebacker by Pro Football Focus. Walker comes in at number 88.

 

 

 

 

Following a difficult start to the season, a number of Packers supporters have demanded that defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley make adjustments, including benching Walker. Giving Wilson more snaps than Walker is one way to go. Wilson has only played 23 snaps compared to Walker’s 132, but he has outperformed the former first-round pick.

In an interview with the media prior to their Week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Hafley expressed how much he liked Wilson’s performance.

 

 

For the eight plays that he played, I mean, holy cow, what a game he had, Hafley replied.

Jonathan Taylor, the Colts running back, was forced to fumble by Wilson. Before the Packers could collect the ball, it went out of bounds, but Hafley was thrilled with what he saw.

“I think you guys probably saw the one that he ran down,” Hafley said. Did you notice the ball lying on the sideline when he appeared on screen? Did you witness his effort and the way he delivered the punch? The gentleman practices in this manner.”

 

 

 

Wilson finally had his moment, intercepting Anthony Richardson early in the fourth quarter.

“It was beautiful—like watching it in slow motion,” Hafley remarked. “The quarterback was probably expecting him to widen out and throw inside, but he just went up and made the play.”

 Packers Maintain High Hopes for Quay Walker Amid Wilson’s Praise

 

While Hafley was impressed with Wilson’s performance, it’s unlikely that Walker’s playing time will diminish anytime soon.

“I love where Quay is right now, not just in terms of potential but in what he’s capable of achieving,” Hafley said. “There are plays where you watch and think, wow, that’s exactly what we’re looking for.”

Walker has demonstrated promise as a blitzer—his pressure on Anthony Richardson contributed to Xavier McKinney’s interception early in the game. The Packers are looking for more of that kind of impact. He excels when he can leverage his speed and athleticism to pursue the quarterback or ball carrier.

However, those standout moments have been scarce. Walker’s difficulties in run defense and coverage have affected the team’s performance over the past two weeks. According to PFF, the former first-round pick has given up eight receptions on 11 targets for 76 yards, with quarterbacks posting a 91.5 rating when targeting him.

Hafley needs to find a way to maximize Walker’s potential, but for now, he must continue to increase Wilson’s playing time.