In previous seasons, the Green Bay Packers’ defense has been a major weak point. Many times, the greatness of Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense was weighed down by poor performances from the defense. During the 2019 season, the roles reversed. The Packers’ defense was far from perfect, but they definitely made a big step in the right direction. Outside linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith were two huge contributions for Mike Pettine in the 2019 campaign, as they combined for 25.5 sacks.
On Friday, the “Smith Bros” spoke to the media about the Packers’ defense heading into the 2020 season.
Both Za’Darius and Preston acknowledged the fact that if the Packers want to take the next step, they will need to get better at stopping the run.
“In that championship game, they (the 49ers) basically beat us because of the run game, they got on our edges,” said Za’Darius.
Preston echoed the same message, saying “We didn’t do a good job on the ground in the championship game. This year, we got to do a whole lot better in big-time games stopping the run, getting off the field, and helping put our offense in better positions to score.”
As mentioned earlier, Za’Darius and Preston formed a lethal pass rush duo in the 2019 season. The two edge rushers constantly tortured opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen. In their second season in Green Bay, both players are looking to become even more dangerous.
“When he (Preston) makes a big play, I want to go make a big play. I think that is the number one thing that kept us going as a duo. For us to go into year two together, it is going to be even bigger and even better,” said Za’Darius.
“Me and Za’Darius always talk a lot about improving and being complete players. Last year was our first time in this new system. I think we learned each other fast. And now we know each other well when we are out there on the field,” Preston said when asked about his chemistry with Za’Darius.
If the upcoming NFL season is to go off without a hitch (and that is a big if), then teams will have to find creative ways to keep in contact off the field.
“Look, I just found out about the new rule no gatherings of more than 15 people, so it is going to be hard. Right now we are thinking about having each position do their own gathering. I just found out about the whole situation,” Za’Darius said.
Both Za’Darius and Preston accumulated a lot of sacks last season, but in total, the duo was only able to force two fumbles. In the 2020-21 season, both players will hope for more strip-sacks.
“Last year, we had so many attempts, but we didn’t get a chance to get the ball out,” Za’Darius said.
“Last year when we were getting sacks, we were always trying to get the ball out. We work that every day in practice. We are always trying to get the ball back for our offense so we can put them in great field position.”