The Green Bay Packers are looking to change the narrative about their defense. Joe Barry is gone, and former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley is taking over. While many hope the secondary will be more aggressive, the foundation of any defense is the pass rush. The Packers have stars in Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but last year’s first-round pick, Lukas Van Ness, showed promise in his rookie season. However, head coach Matt LaFleur revealed he is not practicing currently due to a broken thumb.
Green Bay Packers Lukas Van Ness Has A Broken Thumb
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Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked why Lukas Van Ness was not practicing. He revealed that the former Iowa Hawkeye is dealing with a broken thumb. “He broke his thumb a little bit. Just the tip,” the fifth-year head coach said. Based on the response, it doesn’t seem like something he is worried about in the long term, but it is something to watch.
Lukas Van Ness is a young player who is very raw. The Green Bay Packers took him because of his physical tools, and he showed some of what he could do on the field last season. However, he needs to polish his skills, which is often done during OTAs. While the team would rather have him healthy for the season, missing this practice time could have an effect on his performance this season. Even if it is a minor one, that may be the difference between a breakout season and a solid year.
Optimism For The Defense
In the previous two years, Packers fans dreaded what their defense would do on the field. This year feels different. There is real optimism that the defense can be one of the best in the league in 2024. There is no shortage of talent. Gary and Smith are joined by Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and Kingsley Enagbare on the defensive line. Quay Walker is a budding star at linebacker, and the team has Jaire Alexander and Xavier McKinney in the secondary.
The offense is mostly the same from last year and Matt LaFleur has proven he can call a good offensive game. If the defense can be a top ten unit, this team could be one of the toughest teams to play in 2024. Hopefully, Lukas Van Ness can come back soon and he can make a real impact for the Green Bay Packers. If he can become an elite edge rusher, the Packers will terrorize quarterbacks for the entire season.
About The Author
Matt Brown is one of the owners at Total Apex. He has been writing about sports and entertainment for over two years and currently works as a banker in Wisconsin. His passion for sports and entertainment knows no bounds, but football is the sport he follows most closely. However, he is never afraid to branch out, and you will see him talk about anything sports with anyone who will listen. Being a former Disney Store cast member, he will talk your ear off on anything Disney.
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