The Green Bay Packers' pass-rush problem appears to be a thing of the past.
Preston Smith struggled to adapt to Jeff Hafley's scheme, making his deadline-day trade a win-win for both sides. Smith wanted a fresh start elsewhere, and with things clearly not working in the new system, the Packers had the opportunity to give their young pass-rushers more snaps.
Smith made 2.5 sacks for the Packers this season before getting traded, but he struggled for consistency.
Since his departure, Green Bay's pass rush has improved dramatically, and Brenton Cox Jr. is a big reason why. Cox had to wait for his opportunity, but he has proved the Packers right for trading Smith.
Brenton Cox Jr. can't stop making plays for Packers after Preston Smith trade
Cox didn't play a single snap while Smith was on the roster this season. Green Bay traded Smith as it entered its Week 10 bye week, and Cox has been unstoppable since finally getting his opportunity in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears.
The second-year pass-rusher has four sacks, six quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in the past six games despite not playing a full-time role. It's great to see him making such a big impact.
Per Next Gen Stats, Cox had a team-best six pressures in the Packers' shutout victory over the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.
Meanwhile, Smith has one sack and one quarterback hit since joining the Steelers. The Packers made the right call.
Green Bay's defense is getting hot at the right time. Edgerrin Cooper is a star, the pass rush has turned a corner, and Jeff Hafley's unit keeps forcing turnovers. Yes, the Saints were without Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and Chris Olave on Monday Night Football, but the Packers allowed zero points. That's not easy. In fact, it was the NFL's first shutout all season.
The Packers have an impressive 43 sacks this year. They were too inconsistent early in the season but are trending in the right direction.
Cox had shown promise during training camp, and it was time to give him an opportunity. The Smith trade allowed the Packers to give him more snaps, and he is making the most of it.
He has helped Green Bay's pass rush reach another level and could have a big role to play in the postseason.