No one can deny the improvements the Green Bay Packers have made on defense, moving to 3-0 because of them. One big reason for this advancement: Preston Smith.
Their defense has allowed a total of 35 points through the teams first three games. No team has eclipsed more than 16 points in any of those contests, proving their legitimacy.
A big component of that defensive front is outside linebacker Preston Smith, who has done nothing but impress, totaling 4.5 sacks so far this season with three on Sunday against the Denver Broncos that included a strip-sack. After moving from the Washington Redskins this past offseason, Smith has shown why he is in the upper echelon of pass rushers in the league.
After signing a four-year, $52 million deal, Smith has shown his worth. He has already surpassed his 2018 sack total of four and has done so in less than a quarter of season. With the Packers holding the best turnover differential in the league at +6, while creating the most with eight thus far, one can see why many are praising their defense, with Smith being at the helm of that effort.
After Sunday, Smith is not only on pace to exceed his career high in sacks with eight, but he is also on track to break the Green Bay record of 19.5, a mark that has stood for 30 years. The next few weeks will be a good test for Smith and this defense. They are scheduled to face the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Detroit Lions, who all have stronger offenses than the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos, two of the Packers' first three opponents this season.
Smith's ability to offer a dynamic pass rush is something the Packers haven't seen since 2010 when Clay Matthews claimed 13.5 sacks. Smith is accompanied by Za’Darius Smith, Jaire Alexander and 2019 first-round draft picks Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage, who have contributed to the rise of Green Bay on this side of the ball. The Packers' defense went from a struggling unit in 2018 to what we are currently seeing in 2019.
Smith in particular will be tested; many consider the Dallas offensive line to still be one of the best in the NFL while also boating dangerous weapons at quarterback, wide receiver, and running back. Smith will also face quarterbacks who are much more mobile than Kirk Cousins (of the Minnesota Vikings, another early-season Packer opponent) and Joe Flacco (Broncos), and aren't afraid to leave the pocket if necessary.
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