How Jonathan Gannon Could Unlock the Packers’ Pass Rush Potential
The Green Bay Packers made a splash this season by adding one of the league’s premier pass rushers in Micah Parsons. Pairing him with rising talents like Lukas Van Ness had fans expecting fireworks off the edge. But while Parsons delivered at his usual All-Pro level, the rest of the pass rush didn’t quite live up to the hype.
That could change - and fast - with Jonathan Gannon now taking over as defensive coordinator.
Gannon’s Track Record Speaks Loudly
Let’s get this out of the way: Gannon’s stint as head coach in Arizona didn’t exactly set the world on fire. But rewind to his final year as defensive coordinator in Philadelphia, and you’ll find one of the most dominant pass-rushing units the NFL has seen in years.
That Eagles defense wasn’t just good - it was historic. Four players hit double-digit sacks: Haason Reddick (16.0), Javon Hargrave, Brandon Graham, and Josh Sweat (11.0 each).
As a unit, they racked up 69 sacks and 124 quarterback hits. For comparison, the next-best team - the Kansas City Chiefs - had 55 sacks that year.
That’s not just production; that’s pressure that breaks game plans.
Now, imagine what Gannon can do with a player like Parsons already in place.
Parsons Is the Anchor - But He Needs Help
Parsons did what he always does: wreak havoc. He notched 12.5 sacks this season, right in line with his career pace, despite adjusting to a new system and environment. That number could climb even higher with a full offseason in Green Bay and a coordinator like Gannon who knows how to unleash edge talent.
But one-man wrecking crews can only take you so far. The Packers need complementary pressure - and that’s where Lukas Van Ness comes in.
Van Ness: The Wild Card in the Packers’ Pass Rush
Expectations were sky-high for Van Ness heading into the season. The former first-round pick was supposed to be the breakout star opposite Parsons.
That didn’t happen early on. A mix of injuries and limited snaps held him to just 1.5 sacks in nine games (two starts).
Not ideal for a player with his athletic profile - especially when Parsons is drawing double teams and freeing up opportunities.
Still, Van Ness showed flashes down the stretch. He finished the year on a stronger note, and with a clean bill of health and a new defensive scheme, he could be primed to take a significant leap.
This is shaping up to be a make-or-break year for him. With Rashan Gary’s future in Green Bay uncertain, the door is wide open for Van Ness to step into a bigger role. He doesn’t need to turn into Brandon Graham overnight, but if he can double - or even triple - his career-high of 4.0 sacks, it could be a game-changer for this front seven.
The Numbers Don’t Lie - There’s Room to Grow
Under Jeff Hafley, the Packers’ defense showed grit and came through in key moments, but the pass rush was middling at best. Green Bay finished with just 36 sacks and 106 quarterback hits - not terrible, but not enough to consistently tilt the field.
That’s where Gannon’s arrival could spark a transformation. His scheme thrives on pressure from multiple angles, and he’s shown he can get production out of a deep rotation of pass rushers.
If Van Ness can stay healthy and take the next step, and if Gannon can replicate even a portion of what he built in Philly, the Packers’ pass rush could go from average to elite in a hurry.
The Bottom Line
The foundation is there. Parsons is a game-wrecker.
Van Ness has untapped potential. And Gannon brings a blueprint that’s proven to work at the highest level.
If it all comes together, Green Bay’s defense won’t just be good - it’ll be dangerous. And in a league where pressuring the quarterback is everything, that could be the difference between a playoff run and a Super Bowl push.