New head coach Matt LaFleur and the rest of the team are having no second thoughts when it comes to signing new Outside Linebacker Za’Darius Smith. Smith as a free agent has signed a contract for 66 million dollars with Green Bay.
Smith has over 8 sacks and 25 Quarterback hits throughout his career. Smith has been a terror on the edge and inside as a skilled pass rusher throughout this pre-seasons training camp. He also has been dominating the one-on-one pass-rushing drills including a handful of wins against the all impressive and All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari.
Last Friday during a family late night scrimmage match both Smith and defensive tackle Kenny Clark led and impressive and dominating effort. On a few snaps during the match the offensive pocket collapsed with overwhelming pressure from the defense. It was a punishing and gruesome performance that the Packers are hoping to continue into the 2019 season.
Coach LaFleur had this to say after the match “He’s everything we thought he was going to be, I can’t say enough about the person either. He brings so much leadership to our defense. He’s been a lot of fun to be around. And I think he raises the level of everyone around him.” With praise like that it seems the Packers defense is in good shape. Even Quarterback Rodgers weighed in on just how good Smith is.
“more juice” to the Packers defense. It’s just a different feel on that side of the ball. I feel like there’s a little more juice,” Rodgers said. We all just have to wait at the edge of our seats for the Packs first pre-season game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field this week on Thursday August 8th. Kick-off is at 7pm CDT airing on the Packer Network.