Packers: Five players to watch in divisional round vs. Seahawks
By Jesse Fry
3. Za’Darius Smith
Za’Darius Smith has to be the biggest snub on the Pro Bowl or All-Pro teams. Despite a year in which he put up 13.5 sacks and had one of the highest pressure rates in the NFL, Smith was a no-show on either team, not even earning second-team honors.
That’s okay, as based off his comments earlier this week, those snubs will only add fuel to his fire.
Seattle will either be without or have a banged-up Duane Brown, Mike Iupati, as well as starting center Joey Hunt. Also appearing on the injury report is backup George Fant.
This could set up Smith for a big game.
Russell Wilson has a penchant for holding on to the ball for too long as well making his line have to work harder than most to keep him clean. Smith hasn’t let quarterbacks get too comfortable back there in the pocket as it is and has enough athletic ability to keep up with Wilson when he scrambles.
Moving Smith around will allow him to attack Seattle’s offensive line from many different angles and many different ways. Whether he gets home or not, this should create big-play opportunities all game long.
Add in Preston Smith and Kenny Clark, and the Packers have a recipe for making the Seahawks’ day miserable.