Packers film room: Lukas Van Ness is off to a strong start in 2026
It’s only been 3 games, but Lukas Van Ness is off to a hot start as the primary pass rusher.
Green Bay Packers pass rusher Lukas Van Ness is making a strong impression in the 2026 season thus far. In the Week 2 game against the New York Jets, Van Ness demonstrated his improved production as a pass rusher. He recorded nine tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and four QB hits in a 20-17 overtime win. This marked a significant improvement from his performance last season, where he only had 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss in nine games.
Van Ness has been particularly effective in the run game, setting a strong edge for the defense. His ability to push offensive linemen aside and disrupt running plays has been crucial. Against the Jets, he helped contain Breece Hall and Braelon Allen for a combined 36 yards on 21 carries, winning key run game rep battles. In another game, he completely dismantled tight end Josh Oliver on a Vikings outside toss play and stopped the run effectively in a game against the Falcons.
In the Packers' recent fourth-quarter stand against the Jets, Van Ness excelled in multiple roles across consecutive downs. With two minutes left in a tie game and the Jets facing second-and-10, he tackled Garrett Wilson two yards shy of the first down. Later, he stopped Hall a yard short on third-and-2 and stuffed Allen on fourth-and-1. Van Ness explained that he utilized a pressure call from the right side, allowing him to pinch inside and get into the C-gap, where he then tackled Hall.
While Van Ness still struggles with offsides penalties, he has made notable strides in improving his technique. By timing his rush off the left tackle's movement instead of the snap count, he has eliminated offsides and maintained explosive technique. This change has positively impacted his pass rush productivity. Van Ness has demonstrated strong power moves, such as chopping and ripping blockers' arms, and adapting his moves to take advantage of different situations.
His ability to reset when the quarterback climbs the pocket has turned potential pressures into sacks.
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