These are observations that might’ve at least partially impacted our Pass Rush. It’s not excuses, but reasoning that we might not have reached anywhere close to our ceiling.
1. Clark spoke to the fact he played the bulk (if not all) of the 2024 season with a Toe injury. An injury that was serious enough to go under the knife once the season concluded. WHEN did this occur? Game 1 San Paola
Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark revealed Tuesday after an OTA practice that he underwent surgery in January shortly after the season to fix a problem with his right foot that he said started in Brazil.
www.espn.com
2. Lukas Van Ness
We may or may not recall that LVN was in a system at Iowa that awarded its most experienced players playing time. He was used in a rotation that peaked around 50% D snaps. Lukas did not start a game in College and still was awarded 2nd-Team All Conference. The talent has always been there, the time needed to develop was not. Many scouts thought he should’ve stayed in College in 2023, instead he declared as a Sophomore. Lukas was a Consensus Day 1 NFL selection as a Sophomore. Which speaks volumes in itself.
In 2024 his snap count increased from 33% to 39%, but he dealt with a Broken thumb for a significant portion of the season. WHEN did this injury occur?? 2024 OTA’s
What I did not know was not only did he flip systems, he was referred to exclusively lining up over LT.
Who is the best player on the bulk of OL in the NFL? LT
The Scheme change is by itself a major adjustment. Which imo is why Preston had such difficulty transitioning also.
The noise surrounding Lukas Van Ness has been quiet this offseason relative to how much he’ll mean to the Green Bay Packers' defense this upcoming season.
zonecoverage.com
Van Ness 2024
First10 games
1 Sack
2 QB hits
4 QB Press
1 QB Knockdown
Last7 games
2 Sacks
4 QB hits
6 QB Press
2 QB knockdowns