No team in the NFL is pressuring the quarterback at a higher percentage through the first three weeks of the 2019 season than the Green Bay Packers.
According to Next Gen Stats via NFL Research, the Packers lead the NFL in pressure percentage at 39 percent this season.
Powering the team’s pass-rushing revival is Za’Darius Smith, who has 15 total quarterback pressures, and Preston Smith, who leads the team with 4.5 sacks. The two free-agent acquisitions have allowed Mike Pettine to consistently disrupt quarterbacks in the pocket without having to blitz frequently.
Through three games, the two Smiths have 7.5 sacks and 14 QB hits.
More evidence of the Packers’ pass-rushing dominance comes from Pro Football Focus. According to Ben Fennell of The Athletic, the Packers have the top graded pass-rush in the NFL after three weeks.
Several others are assisting the Packers dominate up front. Defensive lineman Kenny Clark and outside linebackers Rashan Gary and Kyler Fackrell have all helped the Packers keep the pressure on quarterbacks.
On Sunday, the Packers tallied six sacks of Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco. They’ll have a more mobile target to chase when Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz arrives at Lambeau Field on Thursday night.
