HERCULES WITH HIS FIRST SACK!
Buy Packers Tickets💪 @lukas_vanness 💪#GBvsCHI #GoPackGo
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/08jNgFznSA
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 10, 2023
Green Bay Packers rookie edge rusher Lukas Van Ness produced his first career sack in the first half of his NFL debut on Sunday in Chicago.
On a second-down play in the second quarter, Van Ness — the Packers’ first-round pick in 2023 — chased down Bears quarterback Justin Fields in the open field and tossed him out of bounds for a 7-yard loss.
Off a play-action fake, Fields attempted to break contain and get around the corner, but Van Ness — even at 275 pounds — closed the gap and made the play. It was an impressive display of athleticism from the 13th overall pick.
The Van Ness sack resulted in a loss and set up 3rd-and-goal. Rasul Douglas broke up the ensuing pass, forcing the Bears to settle for a field goal on what was otherwise an encouraging drive.
Van Ness produced 13.5 sacks over his final two seasons at Iowa. He’s been a rotational pass-rusher for the Packers so far in his NFL debut.
The Packers took an early 7-0 lead on Jordan Love’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs. The Bears have since cut the lead to 7-6 in the first half.