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Packers’ positional grades at quarter mark of 2020 season

By Brian Sampson

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers jogs across the field at halftime against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on September 20, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers jogs across the field at halftime against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on September 20, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 15: Za’Darius Smith #55 and Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

This was supposed to be a position of strength coming into the season, and it’s certainly flashed what it was, but it’s been a surprisingly slow start for the likes of Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. That’s not even including the lack of talent at inside linebacker without Christian Kirksey.

After a couple of quiet performances, Z. Smith had a loud game against the Falcons. Not only did he record three sacks, but he seemed to be everywhere and was completely disruptive. More of that, please. His running mate, P. Smith, hasn’t had the same impact he did in 2019. A big reason is he’s dropping in coverage more, something he’s not very good at. We’ll see if he can rebound following the bye.

As for inside linebacker, Kirksey hasn’t been the answer the Packers thought he could be, as he’s been bad across the board. Ty Summers and Krys Barnes have probably been better than expected, but there’s still a lot of production left to be desire at this position.

Grade: C

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