Packers: Top five players from NFC North-clinching win vs. Vikings

1. Za’Darius Smith

Domination, absolute and complete domination is what Za’Darius Smith brought to the game. Smith set up shop and made a Fortune 500 company in the Vikings backfield on Monday night. Simply put, he could not be stopped.

This was by far and away the best game Smith has had in a Packers uniform. He had three tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, won the game and could’ve had more. Smith rushed from the inside, from the outside, stuffed the run and played the screen. If there was something he didn’t do in this game, I missed it.

Smith was so good that by the time the Vikings got the ball back with five minutes left in the game, Cousins was flinching every time he dropped back to pass.

Smith was signed with the largest signing bonus the Packers have ever given a player they didn’t draft. He has proven exactly why they did. Smith, all season long, has made everyone around him better.

Prior to tonight, Smith hadn’t had a sack since Week 12 against San Fransisco. But he was still being disruptive, allowing others to bask in the glory of his hard work. During that time, he was still the same player, same person, just happy to be winning. Tonight, Smith took the the glory for himself and dominated the Vikings offensive line, propelling the Packers to their first NFC North title in three seasons.