The Green Bay Packers defense enjoyed a massive advantage at the line of scrimmage thanks to Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Kenny Clark on Sunday night at Lambeau Field.
The two Smiths and Clark won decisive victories against a hobbled offensive line and kept Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson under constant pressure during the Packers’ 28-23 win in the NFC Divisional Round.
According to Pro Football Focus, Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Clark combined for 25 total pressures, including 18 from the two Smiths and seven more from the inside from Clark.
The trio finished with five sacks and nine quarterback hits.
Wilson was elusive in the pocket, especially in the second half, but the Packers never let him get comfortable, and it eventually paid off late in the game.
Preston Smith provided the biggest defensive play of the game when he raced off the right edge and sacked Wilson on third down with just over three minutes left in the contest, forcing a punt. The Seahawks never got the football back.
Za’Darius Smith tallied both of his sacks in the first half. Preston Smith got both of his in the second.
Clark produced one of the most impressive plays of the game. He bull-rushed his way into Wilson’s lap, forcing the athletic Seahawks quarterback to step up into the pocket. And even though Clark slipped down, he was still able to get up and chase down Wilson for a sack.
Clark was also good at clogging running lanes and making life tough on Seahawks running backs Marshawn Lynch and Travis Homer, who combined for only 39 rushing yards on 15 attempts.
With the run stuffed, the Packers were able to focus on disrupting Wilson in the pocket.
Next Gen Stats provided more details on the Smith’s productive night doing just that:
The Packers came into the contest needing to win a big victory at the line of scrimmage, especially on defense. With the two Smiths and Clark up against a rebuilt offensive line due to an injury, the stage was set for Wilson to be running from constant pressure. The three difference-makers for the Packers’ pass-rush made it happen, and now Matt LaFleur’s team is advancing to the NFC Championship Game.
