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Green Bay Packers: 3 Matchups to watch in week seven

By Kenny Jilek

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 23: Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers and linebacker Kyler Fackrell #51 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after a sack against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 23, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 23: Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers and linebacker Kyler Fackrell #51 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after a sack against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 23, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Za’Darius Smith, Green Bay Packers (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Za’Darius Smith vs. Laremy Tunsil

Last week, Za’Darius Smith was a near non-factor against the Buccaneers, finishing with just one tackle and rarely getting anywhere near Tom Brady on a pass rush. He was brought here to be a dominant pass rusher, and for the most part, he’s done the job extremely well. He has five sacks this season, which ties him for fourth in the league, but he hasn’t been getting to the quarterback as often to force off-balance and hurried throws.

Last year, he was one of the top pressure guys in the league but didn’t have quite the elite sack numbers. This year, he has the sacks but hasn’t been as disruptive overall, ranking 26th in total pressures between defensive linemen and linebackers, according to Sports Info Solutions.

This week, he’ll have no cakewalk as Laremy Tunsil, the highest-paid offensive tackle in the league will line up across from him for much of the game. Of course, Smith will slide inside and move all around the line of scrimmage to create matchup issues, but Tunsil will probably see him the most, and he’s their stud on that offensive line.

Tunsil is tied for eighth in the league in Sports Infor Solutions “Total Points Earned” stat, which takes blown blocks and penalties into account. The Texans didn’t give him $66 million dollars over three years for nothing.

It’s not just about Za’Darius Smith, either. The entire Green Bay Packers pass rush needs to get back on their games. Kenny Clark needed to shake off some rust last week, so hopefully this week, he’ll get back to being the dominant interior rusher he’s been, and hopefully, we see more from Rashan Gary and Preston Smith as well.

Two of the most prolific players at their respective positions will be battling it out on Sunday, with Smith trying to get back on track after a lackluster week six. Maybe if Smith can beat Tunsil a few times, it’ll signal that paying a tackle that much money isn’t worth it and help the Packers in contract extension talks with Bakhtiari. Wishful thinking.

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