The Green Bay Packers will need their former first-round pick to step up with Devonte Wyatt out.
The Green Bay Packers will need to step up their game in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Packers fell in an upset in Week 3 to the Cleveland Browns and tied with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4.
Coming off a bye, Green Bay needs to get back on track with a win. However, they will be without defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, who has been dealing with a knee injury.
Wyatt was off to a great start to the season with two sacks and two pass deflections, making his impact known on the defensive line.
With Wyatt out, the Packers will need their 2023 first-round pick, Lukas Van Ness, to step up. Van Ness had a disappointing first two seasons of his career, but has shown flashes this season.
With Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary as the top pass rushers, defenses are forced to leave Van Ness one-on-one.
Van Ness could line up more frequently in a three-tech defensive tackle, allowing him to be on the field at the same time as Parsons and Gary. Van Ness is familiar with this, as he lined up as a three-tech at Iowa.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has utilized this formation this season, but it could be used more frequently with Wyatt out.
Green Bay's pass rush could thrive in this formation, especially in pass situations. The Bengals have a weak offensive line, and it will be key for the Packers to get to Joe Flacco.
If Flacco gets time in the pocket, he could get the ball to the Bengals' elite playmakers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
While the Bengals have struggled since star quarterback Joe Burrow went out with an injury, the Packers aren't facing the same team. Cincinnati brought in Flacco through a trade to elevate the offense with a veteran presence at quarterback.
The Packers have a talented roster, but have not proven they are a contender. A win over the Bengals would be a step in the right direction, as it's a game they should win. Green Bay will need their young pass rusher, Van Ness, to step up in Wyatt's absence.