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3 Packers who need to step up with Jaire Alexander injury looming

By Brian Sampson

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 12: Kevin King #20 and Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 12: Kevin King #20 and Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
Nov 29, 2020; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith (91) returns a fumble recovery for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Packers who need to step up: Preston Smith

Perhaps, most importantly is the Packers’ pass rush. Quarterbacks have had all day to throw from the pocket, allowing them ample time to pick apart Green Bay’s secondary and find an open receiver. That is a recipe for disaster if it continues.

The Packers are already down All-Pro Za’Darius Smith for what could be the entire season which means Preston Smith was already bearing a heavy load. Well, it’s only going to get heavier.

Next. Packers' positional grades at quarter mark. dark

Smith has been solid against the run this season, but has severely lacked when it comes to getting after the quarterback. In 104 pass rushes through four games, he has only accrued eight pressure including just one sack. He needs to start getting after the quarterback at a much-improved rate otherwise he’s going to leave his young and inconsistent secondary out to dry against some of the best receivers in the game.

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