The NFC North is undeniably the most competitive division in the NFL right now. The Detroit Lions sit atop the standings with an 11-1 record, but the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers are close behind. The Vikings are second at 10-2, holding the tiebreaker over the Packers, who are 9-3. Every game from here on out—whether divisional or not—will be vital for all three teams.
One key commonality between these teams? Defensive end Za’Darius Smith has played for all of them. Originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith spent four years with the Ravens before signing with the Packers. It was in Green Bay where he had the best seasons of his career, earning two Pro Bowls and an All-Pro selection with 26 sacks in two years. After an injury-plagued 2021 season, Smith left Green Bay and signed with the Vikings in 2022.
Smith continued to excel in Minnesota, earning Pro Bowl honors, All-Pro status, and winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year after recording 10 sacks. Now, with the Detroit Lions, he’s been instrumental in bolstering the pass rush, especially with star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson sidelined due to injury. Smith will face the Packers for the third time since his departure, and this game holds extra significance. Here’s why he must deliver a standout performance against Green Bay on Thursday night.
Smith is the Lions’ top pass rusher
When the Lions acquired Smith from the Cleveland Browns, they knew they were getting a seasoned pass rusher who could make an immediate impact. With several key defensive players dealing with injuries, Smith has stepped up to reinforce the defensive line. In just three games with Detroit, he has recorded five tackles, two sacks, and a tackle for loss—solidifying his role as a key playmaker.
In Cleveland this season, Za’Darius Smith registered 27 pressures, 20 hurries, and two QB hits. In just three games with Detroit, he’s already put up 17 pressures, 12 hurries, and two QB hits, showcasing his continued impact. If the Lions choose to keep Smith long-term, he and Aidan Hutchinson could form one of the NFL’s premier defensive end duos by 2025. For now, Smith is Detroit’s most reliable pass rusher, and despite a banged-up defense, he’s proving that the Lions’ D can still be effective.
Revenge is on Smith’s Mind
Even before joining the Lions, Smith had his eyes set on revenge against both the Packers and Vikings. In an interview with *The Chronicle-Telegram* on Oct. 18, Smith said, “If I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that’ll be big.” Revenge has been a motivating factor for Smith since his time in Cleveland, and now, with the opportunity to face his former teams, he’s ready to make his mark.
While with the Vikings, Smith posted four tackles and a sack in two games against the Packers. With this game set for primetime on *Thursday Night Football*, Smith has a golden opportunity to showcase his skills to the nation against the team that once employed him.
Packers’ Pass Protection Presents a Tough Challenge
Smith will face a formidable challenge from the Packers’ pass protection, which currently ranks as the best in the league with a PFF team pass-blocking grade of 83.2. Green Bay allows just 1.3 sacks per game, the second-fewest in the NFL. In their previous matchup this season, the Lions were unable to sack Packers quarterback Jordan Love, even though he was playing through an injured groin. Now that Love is healthy, the challenge will be even tougher.
Packers right tackle Zach Tom stands out as the team’s top pass blocker with an 82.4 grade, allowing only 15 pressures and one sack this season. Left tackle Rasheed Walker has an 81.3 pass-blocking grade, surrendering 23 pressures and two sacks. Smith will need to work hard to break through this stout protection, but with some help from Detroit’s interior defensive line—featuring tackles DJ Reader (if healthy) and Alim McNeill—Smith might find opportunities to exploit the tackles and register a sack against his former team.