Overview
- Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen publicly accepted responsibility for late-game collapses that contributed to Brian Daboll’s firing earlier in the week.
- Interim head coach Mike Kafka has taken a visible role with the defense in practice, standing behind huddles and challenging communication and operation standards.
- Kafka and Bowen described only minor defensive adjustments for now, emphasizing cleaner execution rather than drastic changes.
- Players said the scheme and play-caller remain the same, with Brian Burns noting the game plan is unchanged under Bowen.
- Staff continuity persists with veteran assistants Andre Patterson and John Egorugwu in place and secondary coach Marquand Manuel bringing prior play-calling experience, as five defensive starters appear on the injury report before the Packers game.