Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari is about to become the campaign manager for Za’Darius Smith’s All-Pro candidacy.
In the locker room following the most dominant performance of Smith’s season on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings, Bakhtiari – a three-time All-Pro – had a simple message.
“You’re an idiot if you don’t vote for him for All-Pro, he is a stud,” Bakhtiari said, via John Doran of Fox 11 News in Green Bay.
Smith produced 3.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for losses and five quarterback hits, helping the Packers dominate the Vikings offensive line and hold Kirk Cousins to only 82 net passing yards.
Smith became just the sixth player since 2006 to tally at least three sacks, five tackles for losses and five quarterback hits in a single game. Only Smith, Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack have done it since 2015.
Through 15 games, Smith has 13.5 sacks, 35 quarterback hits and 17 tackles for losses. Only two other players have hit all three numbers in a single season since 2006: Donald, and J.J. Watt.
Smith currently ranks sixth in the NFL in sacks, third in tackles for losses and first in quarterback hits.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, Smith leads the NFL in total pressures. Next Gen Stats has him as the league leader in quarterback disruptions.
Smith wasn’t among the edge rushers included in the initial Pro Bowl rosters released last week. He’s an alternate.
Bakhtiari was twice an All-Pro without making the Pro Bowl, so he knows the feeling. And he knows Smith is following a similar path in 2019.
