Overview
- Interim head coach Mike Kafka has increased his presence with the defense in practice, emphasizing cleaner communication and huddle operation, players said.
- Kafka has not ordered wholesale schematic changes, with players noting the same coordinator and system and coaches describing only minor adjustments.
- Bowen said changes will come both on game day and in weekly preparation, with an emphasis on finishing fourth quarters.
- Multiple late-game breakdowns, including blown double-digit leads and leads after the two-minute warning, were cited as major factors in the staff shakeup.
- The defense faces short-term strain before the Packers game, with Bobby Okereke, Paulson Adebo, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Tyler Nubin on the injury report.