Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions for Week 4
5. Eagles tackles blank The Smiths in sack column
When the Packers were aggressive in free agency, the defense was their obvious focus. Outside of adding safety Adrian Amos, Green Bay was aggressive in improving their pass rush. The signings of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith were expected to really invigorate the pressure this defense could bring off of the edge. And thus far, it’s worked out just as the front office had planned.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Just last week alone in the matchup against Denver, Preston and Za’Darius Smith combined for five sacks (three and two, respectively). That now gives the Packers new pass-rush duo 7.5 sacks in 2019 through just three weeks. It’s quite clear that they have the goods to be effective against anyone — but that’s going to be a tall task when up against the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line.
While things haven’t gone entirely to plan for the Eagles to start the season, their offensive line remains one of their strengths, particularly with veteran tackles Jason Peters and Lane Johnson. It’s safe to say that this is the toughest matchup that The Smiths have faced this season and will really push them to their limits.
This isn’t to say that the Packers are going to be held entirely sackless in Week 4 on Thursday Night Football. Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry should have some opportunities to get into Carson Wentz’s face on the interior. As it pertains to the new edge rushers in Green Bay, though, they’ll come off a five-sack combo last week and be shut out in that column against Philadelphia.