Green Bay Packers: Studs and duds from Week 7 vs. Texans

Green Bay Packers Week 7 Stud: Preston Smith, EDGE

When you look at the box score, you might be questioning why Preston Smith ended up as one of the studs for the Packers in this victory. After all, he finished the game with just three total tackles and one tackle for loss while not registering a sack or even a QB hit. Yet, his impact was the most forceful of any player on the Green Bay defense on Sunday.

Smith was consistently generating pressure and forcing Watson into rushed throws or even into the arms of a ready teammate as the Pack ended with three sacks on the day.

For much of the season, Za’Darius Smith has overshadowed his edge-rushing peer in Preston Smith simply because he’s been getting to the quarterback more. But while Za’Darius did have a sack against Houston, it was Preston that had the more prominent effect on the victory for the Green Bay defense.

Green Bay Packers Week 7 Dud: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR

Because Adams was so dominant as an individual on Sunday, you could make the case that another wide receiver didn’t need to step up for the Green Bay offense. While that may be true, it’s becoming increasingly frustrating to watch Marquez Valdes-Scantling continue to not deliver upon expectations. And the matchup with the Texans was a prime example of that.

Against a Texans secondary that clearly wasn’t up to the task at hand, MVS put forth an absolute stinker. While he did have a rush for nine yards on the day, he was targeted four times in the passing game and failed to secure a single reception. For a guy that’s supposed to be the No. 2 wide receiver option, especially with Allen Lazard out of the lineup, Valdes-Scantling continues to be disappointing.