Packers: Top three performers from Week 12 loss vs. 49ers
By Jesse Fry
1. Za’Darius Smith
Za’Darius Smith almost single-handedly kept the Packers in the game in the first half. Smith wreaked havoc in the backfield and recorded 1.5 sacks to give him a career-high 10, and just a half-sack behind his fellow free agent signee, Preston Smith (10.5) for the team lead.
The defense was put in to some bad spots because of ineffectiveness on offense and bad punting. But Smith, and the rest of the defense, did what they could up front to keep the game within reach for the first 25 minutes of the game. After that, being on the field for so long caught up to them and the 49ers took over.
Smith has been such a great pickup for the Packers. Not only is he leading the team on the field with his play, he is embracing the entire Packers family, evident by his sack celebration. After his first sack, Smith ran down the field looking for a camera and exposed his under shirt showing the love and support for a Packers equipment man.
It’s safe to say Smith is endearing himself to the Packer family and is being the example both on and off the field.
Each of the previous GMs had their signature signings. Ron Wolf had Reggie White, Ted Thompson Charles Woodson. Za’Darius, and Preston Smith for that matter, could be Brian Gutekunst’s.