5 best Packers players from first half of 2019 season

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ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 6: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys tries to run the ball but is sacked by Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith

The Smith Bros. were both signed in the first week of free agency. They speak to the media together. They even regularly meet at the quarterback together. It wouldn’t feel right to not put them on this list together.

Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith have both been huge additions to Mike Pettine’s defense. Not just for their production on the field, but also their leadership.

Both Smiths are in the top seven of the NFL for sacks in 2019. Za’Darius has eight, Preston seven. This season, they’ve combined for 15 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Preston Smith also has three passes defended and an interception.

The Smith Bros. have made 75 percent of the Packers’ sacks this season, which highlights just how important they are to this team.

For Green Bay to win in January, it will need its defense to play a major role. That hasn’t happened enough in playoff games over the past decade. But if the Smiths are both healthy, the Packers have two players who can make multiple sacks in a game and provide consistent pressure.

It can be risky to spend big money in free agency, but the Smith Bros. have been worth every penny.

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