Green Bay Packers edge rusher Lukas Van Ness has enjoyed a promising start to his first NFL season. He is already getting a healthy dose of snaps (53 in the first two games) and has totaled four tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack. Also, according to Pro Football Focus, Van Ness’ five quarterback pressures rank third among rookie edge rushers.
Not a bad start by any means for a young player who is still developing, but how does the 13th overall pick feel about his production so far?
Buy Packers Tickets“I feel like personally I’ve left a lot on the bone, but I’ve been excited with some of the things I’ve been able to put out there,” said Van Ness.
Van Ness announced his presence with authority in the team’s dominating win over the Bears in Week 1 when he showcased his athleticism on a sack against Justin Fields. As one of the best scrambling quarterbacks in the NFL, Fields is tough to bring down in the open field due to his speed and elusiveness. However, when he tried to escape the pocket during the second quarter of the season opener, Van Ness closed in on him in a hurry for his first career sack.
“It obviously felt good to get that first win in Chicago, but again, moving forward, week-to-week here, we’ve got a good one coming up Sunday and I have to continue to produce and help this defense as much as I can,” he said.
In a business where you’re only as good as your previous game, Green Bay Week 2’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons was far less fruitful for Van Ness and basically the entire defense. The Packers allowed 446 yards and surrendered a 12-point fourth-quarter lead to lose 25-24. Van Ness finished with two tackles but failed to register a single pressure before exiting early with an elbow injury.
Fortunately, he received good news regarding his injury and was back on the practice field Wednesday wearing a protective sleeve on his right elbow. Van Ness said he shouldn’t have to miss the home opener against the New Orleans Saints.
“I just got it bruised in there a little bit. Again, taking it day by day, but should be good to go.”
Off to a 2-0 start, New Orleans will be another good challenge for the Packers. They are led by a stout defense and a productive offense, which currently ranks 10th overall. Meanwhile, Green Bay is sitting at 27th in total defense and need a rebound performance.
“All credit to Atlanta, but again, we feel we have a good opportunity this week,” Van Ness said. “Every single week, we harp on just being our own defense, going out there and doing the right things. We truly believe we can be the best defense in the league if we do that. Again, we got another task and another challenge this weekend and I’m excited to see how we do.”
