The Green Bay Packers have clinched the NFC North and a playoff spot for the first time in three years. With new pieces on the team, it wasn’t hard to see why this team punched the league in the mouth and secured their spot in the postseason. However, there are two specific players that must play well in order for the Packers to have any chance at a Super Bowl. These two players are Za’Darius Smith and Aaron Jones.
Playoff Green Bay Packers: Za’Darius Smith and Aaron Jones Are X-Factors
Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones has had a breakout year, racking up 19 touchdowns and 984 rushing yards in just 15 games this season. After not being utilized effectively in the previous two seasons, head coach Matt LaFleur has created the perfect system for Jones. He’s created an offense that integrates the running back more through screen plays and play-action passes. However, when Jones gets defended well in games, the Packers struggle. They rely too much on Aaron Rodgers to single-handedly win them games and the offense becomes completely one-dimensional. When Jones is able to also be a pass-catching back, the offense becomes incredibly hard to defend as Jones can set a block or a screen to free up a receiver or himself downfield. If Jones can continue his workhorse season, then the Packers will be extremely hard to defend and this offense could be firing on all points when they face their next opponent in Lambeau.
Za’Darius Smith
Za’Darius Smith proved why he is the leader of this defense on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers were able to only send three rushers against the Vikings offensive line, and each time, Smith tore them apart and got to quarterback Kirk Cousins. When the dust settled on Monday Night, Smith tallied seven tackles, 3.5 sacks and five tackles for loss. It felt like that on every defensive play, Smith was involved in some way, shape or form. With him being in only the first year of his four-year, $60 million deal, Smith is positioned to be playing the prime of his career in the green and gold. However, there have been games in the middle of the season where the leadership on defense was non-existent. When this occurred, this defense was allowing on average 26 points per game, ranking in the bottom half of the league. If Smith can find a way to lead this defense in the postseason and play this well, then opposing offenses are going to have a rough time playing in Lambeau in January.
Looking Forward
Both Za’Darius Smith and Aaron Jones have become breakout stars this year and are slowly building their resumes for storied careers. These players hold the key to a title run for the Green Bay Packers. This team can not revert back to its old ways of expecting Aaron Rodgers to carry this team in the playoffs. Opposing teams will be drooling to play them if that happens and will send them packing in their first game. This team has done half of the work, now they must all act as one to finish what they started and bring the Lombardi Trophy home.
