Training camps are still a month away, which means NFL fans are stuck in the final stretch of the offseason — the perfect time to worry about every possible flaw. But instead of stressing about the Detroit Lions, maybe it’s time to turn the spotlight on the Lions’ NFC North rivals, starting with the Green Bay Packers.
According to a new piece from The Athletic, the Packers’ biggest offseason blunder might have been doing absolutely nothing to fix a shaky pass rush. Green Bay’s GM Brian Gutekunst apparently wasn’t happy with last year’s inconsistent pressure but chose to roll the dice with what he already had, rather than adding any proven talent.
That puts a ton of pressure on 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness. If Van Ness doesn’t finally break out, the Packers’ defense could struggle to get after opposing quarterbacks again this season. And if Van Ness does step up, it would not only boost his own stats but also free up star rusher Rashan Gary from the constant double teams he faced in 2024.
Of course, Lions fans have heard this Van Ness hype before, and the fact that the Packers passed on potential trades for stars like Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett suggests Green Bay might be pinning their hopes on a pipe dream.
So maybe Lions fans can take a deep breath about their own roster worries — especially along the offensive line — knowing the Packers seem content to let opposing QBs have all day in the pocket.
Green Bay’s Weak Pass Rush Could Be Detroit’s Secret Weapon in NFC North
