Packers: Top five performers vs. Bears in season opener win

4 of 6

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 05: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball as he is pursued by Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter in the game at Soldier Field on September 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

3. Preston Smith

I hate to beat you up Ted, but if you need a case in point to argue that free agents can make the difference, Thursday’s game is Exhibit A. There were three draft picks from the 2015 class that made a difference in the game. None were not drafted by the Green Bay Packers.

Of the three players that received a lot of attention, Preston Smith was lower on the list. Za’Darius Smith (who I’ll get to), and Adrian Amos received most of the attention. Preston Smith was the least talked about addition who had a large impact. His 1.5 sacks can’t be understated in this game. He was constantly in the face of Mitch Trubisky, even when he wasn’t getting home. To top it off, he put the final nail in the Bears’ coffin.

Preston Smith was quick off the snap, never gave up on the play and when given the chance, made the tackle.

He may have games when he doesn’t fill up the stat sheet. There may be games where he plays second or third fiddle. But against the Bears, Preston Smith showed just why the Green Bay Packers valued him so much and gave him money in the offseason.

Home/Green Bay Packers News