5 reasons why Packers are serious Super Bowl contenders

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 10: Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a play against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter in the game at Lambeau Field on November 10, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

4. Packers have a pass rush

To win in the playoffs, you need to be able to put pressure on quarterbacks. For all of the Packers’ struggles defensively over the past month or so, they can generate pass rush consistently. The Smith Bros. have been the best pass-rushing tandem in football this season, combining for 18.5 sacks in the opening 10 games. Preston Smith is third in the NFL with 10 sacks this year, while Za’Darius Smith is tied for sixth with 8.5 sacks.

If the Smiths are both healthy throughout the playoffs, they’ll be able to make a big impact. If the Packers are still playing in January, they’ll likely be up against some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. They could enter matchups with Drew Brees, Russell Wilson or Carson Wentz. You need to be able to rush the passer against those teams or you’ll have no chance of making a stop on defense.

The Packers defense has work to do over the bye week to get a few things fixed. But they aren’t far away. One thing that’s been key throughout is the pass rush, led by Za’Darius and Preston Smith. If they are both healthy and at their best in January, they’ll make some important plays.

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