Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Seahawks in Divisional Round
By Joe Kipp
4. Za’Darius Smith records two sacks
Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith wasn’t named to the Pro Bowl in 2019. In his next game, Smith recorded 3.5 sacks against the Vikings. Last week, the Associated Press NFL All-Pro teams were announced. Smith was not named on the list, and the Packers have not played since. Should we expect another rage-fueled performance from Smith against the Seahawks? The star pass-rusher took to Twitter this past week to express his frustration, which may be foretelling:
Smith was spurned from both the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been a superstar for the Packers in 2019. He was the highest-graded player on the entire Packers roster this season, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), earning had an “Elite” grade of 90.2.
Smith finished the regular season with the most QB pressures (93) among all NFL defenders and was tied for first in QB hits (37). There’s no doubt Smith has been the most impactful free agent signing of the 2019 offseason.
Most importantly, though, Smith tallied 13.5 sacks. The Seahawks have allowed a sack on 8.22 percent of Russell Wilson’s dropbacks this year (25th in the NFL) and has been sacked on average 2.9 times per game. Backup center Joey Hunt struggled mightily against Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox this past Sunday, so don’t be surprised to see Smith lined up inside on Hunt.
I’m predicting Smith will notch at least two sacks against Seattle.