The Packers need Lukas Van Ness to step up. - soccerdelights.com
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The Packers need Lukas Van Ness to step up.

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The Packers need Lukas Van Ness to step up.

Updated Packers depth chart after last-minute Preston Smith trade

Trading Preston Smith on deadline day helps the Green Bay Packers financially, and general manager Brian Gutekunst deserves credit for dumping his salary on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Smith trade itself isn’t the problem and was a smart piece of business. What may come back to haunt the Packers was their inability to add a pass-rusher at the NFL trade deadline. With or without Smith, Green Bay needed to improve its consistency at getting after opposing quarterbacks, and it’s not like opportunities weren’t there.

The New York Giants’ rumored asking price for edge-rusher Azeez Ojulari—a late fourth or early fifth—presented the perfect opportunity for the Packers to add talent to the front seven.

Their failure to make a move may hurt them down the stretch, regardless of whether they retained Smith. Moving on from the veteran makes sense. The lack of acquisitions is harder to justify.

Updated depth chart leaves Packers thin after Preston Smith trade

Before you make any jokes about Joe Barry using Smith as a cornerback (the good ol’ days), here is the Packers’ updated defensive end depth chart:

Starters

Second Team

Third Team

Rashan Gary

Kingsley Enagbare

Aaron Mosby

Lukas Van Ness

Brenton Cox Jr.

The Packers need Lukas Van Ness more than ever. The 13th overall pick in 2023 has made a concerning start to his second campaign, with only six pressures and one sack through the opening nine games, per PFF. Defensive tackle T.J. Slaton has two more pressures on 42 fewer snaps.

If there’s room for optimism, it’s that Van Ness has never started an NFL game. The second-year pro will presumably land the starting nod ahead of Kingsley Enagbare, but even if not, Smith’s departure opens up a full-time role on defense, something the Iowa product has yet to see.

Whether that translates into more pressures and sacks remains to be seen, but it’s not like Smith was getting consistent production. The Packers moved on from a veteran they were likely going to release in the offseason, created future cap space, and netted a draft pick.

The question is whether they were right to stick with the current group rather than aggressively pursuing a pass-rusher before the trade deadline. Ojulari has twice as many sacks as any Packers player despite only starting four games. He could’ve filled the starting position opposite Rashan Gary.

Instead, Van Ness must begin to show signs of becoming the player the Packers thought they were getting after selecting him 13th overall. His development could determine how far this team can go in January.

 

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SO BADLY: ”We haven’t done any thing reasonable since he came in.” In a surprising and awkward moment that has left fans and analysts buzzing

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SO BADLY: ”We haven’t done any thing reasonable since he came in.” In a surprising and awkward moment that has left fans and analysts buzzing, New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara recently made a pointed comment about the team’s newly signed head coach

 

In a surprising and awkward moment that has left fans and analysts buzzing, New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara recently made a pointed comment about the team’s newly signed head coach. Speaking to reporters a few minutes ago, Kamara said, “He haven’t done anything reasonable since he came in,” in reference to the new coaching hire. The remark has already sparked controversy, raising questions about team chemistry and the behind-the-scenes dynamics in New Orleans.

 

While Kamara’s comment was brief, its implications are far from trivial. The Saints, a team with a proud tradition and a strong roster, have been undergoing significant changes in recent seasons. After the departure of long-time head coach Sean Payton, the team was eager to usher in a new era under the guidance of their new head coach. However, Kamara’s words suggest that there may be frustration or disappointment with the direction the team is taking under the new leadership.

Kamara, who has been the face of the Saints’ offense for several seasons, has always been known for his candidness. Still, this remark caught many by surprise, especially given the context of the team’s rebuilding phase. While Kamara didn’t elaborate on the specifics of his comment, the implication is clear: he is not yet sold on the coach’s approach or methods. This could signal a deeper issue within the locker room, as star players like Kamara are often seen as barometers for team morale.

It’s important to note that first-year head coaches often face challenges in establishing authority and implementing their vision, especially with an experienced roster. The Saints’ new coach, whose name remains a focal point of media attention, will need to navigate both internal expectations and the pressure of competing in a tough NFC South division. Kamara’s statement could reflect impatience or a desire for clearer direction, but it could also be a wake-up call for the coaching staff to address any tensions before they escalate.

 

As the Saints head into the next phase of their season, Kamara’s words are sure to keep the spotlight on both him and the new coaching staff. How this situation unfolds could shape the future of the team in ways that extend far beyond the football field.

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Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker to Land on IR, Will Undergo Knee Surgery will be out for……….

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Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker to Land on IR, Will Undergo Knee Surgery will be out for……….

The Kansas City Chiefs will be without kicker Harrison Butker for 3 to 4 weeks due to a left knee injury, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported.

Butker is expected to undergo surgery to trim the meniscus in his left knee, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. This are going to put him on the injured reserve list, although he should return by the end of the season and a likely playoff run.

The three-time Super Bowl champion popped up on the injury report on Thursday and was limited in practice. News of Butker’s injury shortly after the report was released.

The Chiefs are signing Spencer Shrader off the New York Jets’ practice squad to replace Butker, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted.

Butker’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Chiefs as they prepare to face the 8–2 Buffalo Bills on Sunday in order to keep their undefeated record.

Through nine games this season, Butker’s made 18-of-20 field goal attempts and 21-of-22 extra point attempts for a total of 75 points.

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The 10 Biggest NFL Stadiums Ranked: Where Football’s Greatest Moments Unfold

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NFL STADIUM

The National Football League (NFL) boasts some of the most impressive stadiums in the world, each offering unique experiences for fans. This article explores the top 10 largest NFL stadiums by seating capacity, highlighting their features and the teams that call them home.

10. Highmark Stadium

  • Location: Orchard Park, New York
  • Capacity: 71,608
  • Home Team: Buffalo Bills

Highmark Stadium, formerly known as Ralph Wilson Stadium, opened in 1973 and serves as the home of the Buffalo Bills. With a seating capacity of 71,608, it is known for its passionate fan

9. NRG Stadium

  • Location: Houston, Texas
  • Capacity: 72,220
  • Home Team: Houston Texans

NRG Stadium, opened in 2002, was the first NFL stadium to feature a retractable roof, allowing for both open-air and climate-controlled events. With a seating capacity of 72,220, it offers a versatile venue for various events, including concerts and rodeos. The stadium hosted Super Bowl LI in 2017, where the New England Patriots made a historic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons.

8. Caesars Superdome

  • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Capacity: 73,208
  • Home Team: New Orleans Saints

The Caesars Superdome, formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, opened in 1975 and is one of the most recognizable stadiums in the NFL. With a seating capacity of 73,208, it has hosted numerous significant events, including seven Super Bowls. The stadium underwent extensive renovations following Hurricane Katrina and continues to be a central part of New Orleans’ culture.

7. Bank of America Stadium

  • Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Capacity: 75,523
  • Home Team: Carolina Panthers

Bank of America Stadium, opened in 1996, serves as the home of the Carolina Panthers. With a seating capacity of 75,523, it features a classic bowl design and is known for its striking blue seats. The stadium has undergone several renovations to enhance the fan experience, including the addition of high-definition video boards and improved concourses.

6. Empower Field at Mile High

  • Location: Denver, Colorado
  • Capacity: 76,125
  • Home Team: Denver Broncos

Empower Field at Mile High, opened in 2001, is situated at an elevation of 5,280 feet, giving the Denver Broncos a unique home-field advantage. The stadium has a seating capacity of 76,125 and features a modern design with excellent sightlines for fans. It replaced the original Mile High Stadium and continues the legacy of passionate Broncos supporters.

5. Arrowhead Stadium

  • Location: Kansas City, Missouri
  • Capacity: 76,416
  • Home Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Arrowhead Stadium, opened in 1972, is known for its intense atmosphere and holds the record for the loudest stadium in the world. With a seating capacity of 76,416, it provides an electrifying environment for fans and players alike. The stadium underwent significant renovations in 2010 to enhance the fan experience.

4. AT&T Stadium

  • Location: Arlington, Texas
  • Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to over 100,000 with standing room)
  • Home Team: Dallas Cowboys

AT&T Stadium, often referred to as “Jerry World,” opened in 2009 and is renowned for its retractable roof and massive high-definition video screen. While it has a seating capacity of 80,000, it can accommodate over 100,000 fans with standing room, making it one of the largest stadiums by total capacity. The stadium has hosted numerous significant events, including Super Bowl XLV in 2011.

3. Lambeau Field

  • Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • Capacity: 81,441
  • Home Team: Green Bay Packers

Opened in 1957, Lambeau Field is one of the oldest and most iconic stadiums in the NFL. It has undergone several renovations to expand its seating capacity to 81,441. Known for its “frozen tundra,” Lambeau Field offers an authentic football experience, especially during the winter months.

2. FedExField

  • Location: Landover, Maryland
  • Capacity: 82,000
  • Home Team: Washington Commanders

FedExField, inaugurated in 1997, serves as the home of the Washington Commanders. Originally, it had a capacity exceeding 91,000, but renovations have reduced it to 82,000. The stadium is known for its passionate fan base and has hosted numerous significant NFL games over the years.

1. MetLife Stadium

  • Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
  • Capacity: 82,500
  • Home Teams: New York Giants and New York Jets

MetLife Stadium, opened in 2010, is unique as it serves as the home for two NFL teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets. With a seating capacity of 82,500, it stands as the largest stadium in the NFL. The stadium features a neutral color scheme, allowing it to transform its appearance based on the home team playing. Notably, MetLife Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

 

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