Despite a lackluster showing in the preseason opener against the New York Jets, the Green Bay Packers’ defense has a real opportunity to announce itself to the league.

As the team travels to Indianapolis, some players, like Lukas Van Ness, will aim to build on a strong training camp, while rookies like Barryn Sorrell try to move up the depth chart.

A questionable Colts quarterback room, made up of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, could be exploited by the Packers’ defense. Jones was acquired in March by the Colts to compete with Richardson after he struggled to find a rhythm in 2024.

Packers’ defense can bounce back in preseason Week 2, even if key starters don’t play

Jones saw the field more than expected last week against the Baltimore Ravens after Richardson received a minor injury. He completed 10 of 21 pass attempts for 144 yards while taking one sack. He will start this week against the Packers, but Richardson is on track to see the field as well.

After an exciting joint practice, the limitations of these two quarterbacks might have been exposed, and the door has been opened for the Green Bay defense to prove that they can’t be pushed around.

One of the players who is in dire need of a reset is newly signed linebacker Isaiah Simmons. Simmons had a disappointing performance versus the Jets, allowing five catches on six targets.

This could have easily been a case of needing to shake off some rust, as Simmons has only started in five games over his last two seasons. But if he can’t perform well against the passing games of Jones and Richardson, head coach Matt LaFleur might decide that he’s seen enough of the 27-year-old linebacker.

Hoping to put some pressure on the quarterbacks is a hungry defensive line, highlighted by breakout-hopeful Lukas Van Ness and fourth-round pick Barryn Sorrell, who is climbing up the ranks in terms of offseason hype.

Van Ness, who just turned 24 a month ago, is a player that the Packers front office hopes can become a franchise playmaker. Thanks to new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington, this dream could become a reality.

Van Ness (if he is featured in this game) and Sorrell will play a part in limiting the scramble, which the Colts’ quarterbacks may turn to if the Green Bay secondary proves too suffocating. Richardson rushed for nearly 500 yards last season, and Jones can run, too, recording 708 rushing yards in 2022.

The Packers will aim to shake off last week’s disappointing performance, and the defense has an opportunity to make a statement, even if the starters don’t play.