Za’Darius Smith wasn’t a member of the initial Pro Bowl rosters, but the Green Bay Packers outside linebacker stated his case as an All-Pro in 2019 and put his name squarely into the conversation for NFL Defensive Player of the Year with one of the most dominant performances in recent memory by a Packers edge rusher on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Smith, the Packers’ prized free-agent acquisition, produced 3.5 sacks, five tackles for losses and five quarterback hits, leading the Packers to a convincing 23-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis.
Smith now has 13.5 sacks, 35 quarterback hits and 17 tackles for losses in 15 games this season.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Smith was “unblockable.” That’s a fitting word for a player who harrassed Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins from start to finish.
Smith beat the left tackle, the left guard and the center for at least one sack on Monday night.
According to Next Gen Stats, Smith now has more quarterback disruptions than any other player in the NFL this season.
No player has created more QB disruptions this season than Za'Darius Smith (81).
This was @TheRealZSmith's 6th game with at least 7+ QB disruptions (QB pressure, hurry, or sack), the most in the NFL. #GBvsMIN | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/HZ2ABcQAdf
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 24, 2019
There are plenty of edge rushers worthy of All-Pro consideration, and several players have made strong arguments to win Defensive Player of the Year through 16 weeks. But there should be no doubt, especially after Monday night, that Smith has a strong case for both All-Pro recognition and votes for Defensive Player of the Year. His season-long dominance peaked Monday night in a primetime performance that clinched the NFC North title for the Packers.