Green Bay Packers: 3 X-Factors against Philadelphia Eagles
By Paul Bretl
Preston Smith
I told you I was going to cheat this week and have a big name as one of my X-Factors, but I think this is a crucial game for Preston Smith as he tries to finish the season strong. As a group, the Green Bay Packers’ pass-rush hasn’t been nearly as effective this season, and in part that is due to the steep dropoff in production from Smith.
However, against Chicago, Smith had what was easily his best performance of the season. He had a crucial third-down sack, another quarterback hit, the fumble recovery for the touchdown, and he was as good as he’s been all year at containing the run. Now, this week, he will have the opportunity to build upon that performance against a bad Eagles’ offensive line.
Due to a littany of injuries, poor play, as well as Wentz just holding on to the ball for too long, the Eagles are allowing over four sacks per game this season, the most in the NFL, and the 191 total pressures they’ve given up is the most as well. If Smith — along with the rest of the Green Bay pass-rush — can get after Wentz, it’s going to lead to turnovers and short possessions, which means more opportunities for Aaron Rodgers, and another potential blowout.
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Preston Smith isn’t just an X-Factor for this game, but he is going to be one for the remainder of the season as well. In order for this Green Bay defense to be at their absolute best, they’ll need Smith to play like he did last Sunday. So let’s see if he can put together a similar performance against Philly.