The NFC North is currently the most competitive division in the NFL, with the Detroit Lions leading the way at 11-1. Close behind are the Minnesota Vikings at 10-2, holding the tiebreaker over the Green Bay Packers, who are 9-3.
As the season progresses, every game becomes essential for these three teams, whether they are divisional matchups or not.
One notable connection among these teams is defensive end Za’Darius Smith, who has played for each of them. Originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith spent four seasons in Baltimore before signing with the Packers in 2019.
His time in Green Bay marked the best years of his career, earning him two Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor, along with 26 sacks over two seasons.
However, after battling a back injury and playing only one game in 2021, Smith moved on from Green Bay, joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.
With the Vikings, Smith quickly returned to form, earning another Pro Bowl nod, an All-Pro selection, and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, finishing the season with 10 sacks.
Having played some of his best football for these two NFC North teams, Smith now finds himself with the Detroit Lions, where he has been instrumental in addressing the team’s pass-rushing needs, particularly in the absence of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who is sidelined with a broken leg.
Smith will face the Packers for the third time since leaving them, and this game may hold the most significance.
When the Lions acquired Smith from the Cleveland Browns, they knew they were bringing in a veteran pass-rusher capable of being a game-changer on defense.
With key injuries affecting the Lions’ defense across multiple levels, Smith has stepped in to bolster the defensive line.
Although he’s only played in three games since his arrival, Smith has recorded five tackles, two sacks, and one tackle for loss.
His impact has been immediately felt, and the numbers back it up. In his brief time with Detroit, Smith has already accumulated 17 pressures, 12 hurries, and two QB hits, following a season in Cleveland where he registered 27 pressures, 20 hurries, and two QB hits.
Looking ahead, Smith could form a fearsome pass-rush duo with Hutchinson if he stays with the Lions beyond this season. Together, they have the potential to be one of the NFL’s top defensive end pairs by 2025.
For now, Smith’s presence provides the Lions with a key piece in their defense, and despite injuries to other players, he’s shown that the team can still be effective.
Before joining the Lions, Smith had already set his sights on his former teams.
When asked about a potential trade to Detroit in mid-October, he expressed his excitement at the opportunity to face both the Packers and the Vikings twice a year.
“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,” Smith told The Chronicle-Telegram.
“So, yeah, that’ll be big.” Revenge was clearly on Smith’s mind, and now he has the chance to exact it on his former teams.
In his previous matchups with the Packers while with the Vikings, Smith recorded four tackles and one sack across two games.
This upcoming game, however, will have added significance, as it will be broadcast on primetime for “Thursday Night Football.”
It’s Smith’s opportunity to show the nation what he’s capable of against his former team.
However, taking down the Packers won’t be easy. Green Bay’s offensive line ranks as one of the best in the NFL, with the Packers earning the highest pass-blocking grade from PFF (83.2).
The Packers allow just 1.3 sacks per game, the second fewest in the league, making it a challenge for any pass rusher to break through.
The last time the Lions faced Green Bay, they were unable to sack quarterback Jordan Love,
despite him playing through an injured groin. With Love now fully healthy, the task becomes even tougher for Smith and the Lions’ defense.Two key players on the Packers’ offensive line that Smith will need to contend with are right tackle Zach Tom and left tackle Rasheed Walker.
Tom, who boasts an impressive 82.4 pass-blocking grade, has only allowed 15 pressures and one sack this season.
Walker has also been solid, with an 81.3 pass-blocking grade and only 23 pressures and two sacks allowed. With such formidable blockers in front of him, Smith will have his work cut out for him.
Fortunately for Smith, he won’t be facing the Packers alone.
The Lions’ defensive line includes key contributors like defensive tackles DJ Reader and Alim McNeill, who can help generate pressure from the interior.
If they can disrupt the Packers’ offensive line from the inside, Smith will have a better chance to exploit the tackles and break through for a sack.
This game is critical for both the Lions and Smith, who has already expressed his desire for revenge against the Packers.
With the NFC North title and playoff positioning on the line, Smith’s performance in this primetime showdown could play a pivotal role in Detroit’s push for the postseason.
As one of the Lions’ key defensive weapons, Smith’s ability to make plays against his former team will be crucial in securing a vital win.