By Sunday 
It’s late June, and the NFL news cycle is deep in “talk yourself into a panic” season. Lions fans have spent the past few weeks wringing hands over things like offensive line depth, backup QB drama, and whether Jared Goff’s haircut affects velocity (OK, maybe not that one—but it’s been a long offseason).
But what if… just what if… we stopped looking inward and started looking across the border?
Enter the Green Bay Packers.
And more specifically: their pass rush problem.
The Lukas Van Ness Conundrum
According to a new piece from The Athletic, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst wasn’t exactly thrilled with his team’s pass rush last season. Fair. But what did he do about it?
Nothing. Nada. Not a single Maxx Crosby fantasy trade.
Instead, he’s placing his full bet on 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, who, despite being built like a superhero, has yet to actually, you know… break out. Apparently, this is the year. Again.
“The player who needs to take the biggest jump this season… is Lukas Van Ness,” the report said. “His emergence could be the key to a more consistent pass rush.”
This is the NFL equivalent of saying, “We’re gonna fix our Wi-Fi by believing harder in the router we bought two years ago.”
Packers Strategy: Trust, But Don’t Sack
Now, look—Van Ness has potential. But potential doesn’t pressure quarterbacks. And in today’s NFL, not pressuring quarterbacks is basically handing out party favors to opposing offenses.
You’d think after watching teams like the Eagles and Chiefs live and die by the trenches, Green Bay might go out and bring in a little help. A pass rusher, maybe? A big-time disruptor? At least a guy with “bend” in his scouting report?
Nope. Apparently, “faith” is the only edge rusher they signed this offseason.
Meanwhile in Detroit…
Let’s be honest: Lions fans have had their fair share of defensive PTSD over the years. But now?
Between Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and a few spicy offseason additions, the Lions’ front seven is starting to look like a unit that can eat.
Suddenly that “we didn’t draft an elite guard” panic doesn’t sting so bad—especially when you remember the Packers are hoping Lukas Van Ness magically becomes Myles Garrett overnight.
Offseason Discourse, Upgraded
So as training camp creeps closer and everyone starts over-analyzing every rep and roster bubble battle in Detroit, don’t forget to check on your rivals. Sometimes the best motivation comes not from looking at your flaws, but from realizing the guy across from you still has way more of them.
And until further notice? The Packers’ pass rush is giving big “we’ll figure it out later” energy.