The Green Bay Packers are finally preparing to open up the 2020 NFL season on the road against the division rival Minnesota Vikings. After what has been a crazy offseason, mostly due to the coronavirus, the Packers are looking to take the next step. Za’Darius Smith will be a big part of deciding whether or not the Packers can make that happen.

What exactly is the next step for the Packers? After finishing the 2019 season with a 13-3 record and a trip to the NFC Championship Game, the next step would be making a run into the Super Bowl.

If the Packers want to make that jump this season, the defense needs to step up even more than it did last season. At times, they showed the ability to be an elite unit. However, there were some consistency issues at times.

During the 2019 season with the Packers, Smith put together a massive year. He racked up 55 total tackles to go along with 13.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at what to expect from Za’Darius Smith in Week 1 of the 2020 season against the Vikings.