Packers: Five players key to victory in Week 7 vs. Texans
By Jesse Fry
4. Preston Smith
After setting a career-high in sacks last season, Preston Smith currently has only half a sack in 2020.
That is very far off the pace he set last season in case you are wondering. In his defense, Smith has been dropping back in coverage more than he was last season.
Even still, Smith was signed to a big-money contract to make plays in this defense. It doesn’t matter where that is, rushing forward or dropping back. Smith has to find a way to get around the ball and make plays.
The Packers defense works best when Smith and Smith are functioning well as a tandem of terror on opposing quarterbacks. I am hoping the Packers and the Smiths can get back to those ways starting this week.
With the great athletic ability of Deshaun Watson comes the risk of big sacks. Watson won’t give up on a play and that at times will lead to big losses for the offense. With the two Smiths and Rashan Gary, the Packers should be able to get a few of those big loses.
If Alexander and the rest of the secondary can do their part, the edge rushers should have plenty of opportunities to get after Watson.