Two weeks into the NFL season, the Green Bay Packers have leaned on one unit to keep them in (and win) games. In years past, you might immediately think I'm referring to the offense, but no, it's the defense that's been every bit as advertised so far.
Sunday afternoon, the Packers traveled to MetLife Stadium and stole a win from the New York Jets in a dramatic 20-17 overtime thriller.
In a game featuring sloppy play and injuries and looking to be heading toward a downright disastrous loss for the Packers, Jonathan Gannon and his defense absolutely shone and showed what the team could look like at its full potential.
Packers' defense continues to rise to the occasion
Historically, the Packers have not been known as a defense-first team. Depending on how the season goes, they still might not be. However, through the first two regular-season games, it's been the Packers' defense that's been the highlight. Despite the Vikings scoring 39, the Packers held them to just 239 yards, 19 first downs, and 3.9 yards per play.
In Week 2, the defense was arguably even better. In what may be one of the sloppiest games the Packers have played in terms of weather and field conditions, the defense kept things in check. Early on, the Packers' offense couldn't get much going and relied heavily on both the defense and special teams to keep the game close. Both units rose to the challenge, but the defense specifically locked in when it mattered most.
Gannon's unit held the Jets to just 285 total yards. Despite giving up 21 first downs, the Packers held the Jets to only converting eight of 19 third-down chances and stopped them on a much-needed fourth-down attempt late in the game. They also added four sacks to that tally and were consistently pressuring Jets quarterback Geno Smith.
None were bigger than Lukas Van Ness, though.
Lukas Van Ness continues to show breakout signs with career day
The young edge rusher has had high expectations ever since the Packers drafted him in 2023. Sunday, he finally had a game worthy of his high draft status. Van Ness tallied a team-high 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three tackles for loss. He was the difference-maker on the Packers' defense and led a defensive unit that, most importantly, rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter.
It built on an impressive performance in the season opener.
New York led 14-7 entering the final quarter. The Jets added three more points with a field goal to go up 17-7, and with just 11 minutes left, it seemed like the Packers were heading home with a second loss in as many games. Instead, the offense went on a seven-play, 73-yard drive to score.
After the Packers scored to cut the lead to 17-14, the defense locked in even further. On the Jets' ensuing three drives (including their lone overtime drive), they only had two total first downs. Furthermore, the Packers never allowed the Jets to get beyond the 50-yard line.
It's a script that, to be quite honest, the Packers are usually used to seeing in reverse. Typically, the offense is the one performing at a high rate, only to watch the defense fail to get a crucial stop. With new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon looking to change that perception, though, these first two weeks have been big.
If the Packers can reliably believe in the defense, it not only takes a load off of the offense and what it has to do to win, but gives the team an even higher ceiling as they try to continue stacking wins.
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