What To Expect From Za’Darius Smith In Week 1

The Packers are expecting their pass-rush to be lethal this season. Za’Darius Smith isn’t the only threat that their defense has. Preston Smith was also signed last offseason in free agency and he racked up 12 sacks himself in 2019.

Going up against the Vikings, the Packers know that putting pressure on Kirk Cousins usually means good things. They held him to two bad games in 2019.

In the first game between the two teams, Cousins ended up with 230 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. During game No. 2 between the two teams, Cousins had 122 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Smith had 3.5 sacks in the second game between the two teams in 2019.

Green Bay also has second-year pass-rusher Rashan Gary on the roster. No one knows how the Packers and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine are going to use him yet. Star defensive tackle Kenny Clark is also capable of getting to the quarterback.

Everything lines up for a big game from Smith this week. Assuming the Packers get another big season from the face of their defense, they are going to feel pretty good about the season as a whole.

It would be reasonable to expect at least 1.5 sacks from Smith this week against the Vikings. He could very well end up with two or more.

Expect to see the Packers send pressure early in the game and don’t expect them to stop. Za’Darius Smith and company are going to wreak havoc on the Vikings’ offensive line. Cousins will be hurried all game long, which could result in a couple of turnovers forced by the Green Bay defense.