Green Bay Packers: 3 Key X-Factors Against Carolina
By Paul Bretl
Preston Smith
Overall it’s been a down year for Preston Smith, one in which he hasn’t been nearly as effective in terms of getting after the quarterback. We’ve seen more impact plays and flashes in the last few games, but the inconsistency is still there.
This week against the Panthers, they’ll be facing Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback, who isn’t going to do anything really spectacular, but he also isn’t going to make mistakes either. However, where he’s really struggled this season is when he’s been under pressure. When under duress, Bridgewater is completing just over 57 percent of his passes at only six yards per attempt with one touchdown, six interceptions, and has a passer rating of 53.3, according to Pro Football Focus ($).
The Carolina offensive line has been slightly above average this season, their pressure rate ranks as the 11th lowest in the NFL, and the 26 sacks they’ve allowed ranks 13th. Although by ESPN’s pass-block win rate metric, which measures the rate at which an offensive line can hold their blocks for at least 2.5 seconds, the Panthers rank 20th.
If Preston Smith — as well as the rest of the Packer pass-rush — is able to make some noise, it could very well lead to some turnover opportunities and, for sure, some stalled drives. If not, then Bridgewater may have some opportunities downfield for a big play.