The Skinny Post: Vikings and Packers Set for Showdown on Monday Night

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Revamped Packers defense features pair of pass rushers | By @LindseyMNSports


The Packers paid attention to their defense this offseason, and now it’s paying off.


Minnesota’s offensive players know they could have their hands full Monday night with a number of Green Bay defenders – and especially outside linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith (no relation), whom the Packers signed in free agency.


Preston previously teamed with Vikings QB Kirk Cousins in Washington and this season leads the Packers in sacks with 11.5. Za’Darius, who started his career in Baltimore, is just behind with 10 sacks.


“They’ve got two phenomenal rushers,” Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph told Twin Cities media members this week. “I think they put a good amount of pressure on the quarterback from those two spots. That was a priority for them this offseason, addressing those edge rushers, and they did it. Going against those guys in Week 2, it’s four quarters, it’s a battle, and it’s a fight. You’ve got to bring it on every play if you want to keep those guys away from the quarterback.”


Vikings Offensive Coordinator Kevin Stefanski said that Za’Darius and Preston are “excellent” players that need to be accounted for at all times. But he believes his men are up for the challenge.


“They’re going to give us a full 60 minutes’ worth of effort on Monday night, and I think our guys will be ready for it,” Stefanski said. “Just an impressive stable of guys over there that can rush the passer.”


Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said the Smiths are “bigtime playmakers,” but there are others to note, as well.


“Za’Darius is a guy that is hard to handle on the outside, especially in the rush game. They play real wide guys, so they’re trying to create space for their guys to maneuver on the tackles the best they can,” Zimmer said. “It just makes it difficult, but those two guys have added a lot to them.”


“Kenny Clark is playing good,” he continued. “[Blake] Martinez is playing good, and [Jaire] Alexander, the corner. The two safeties, [Darnell] Savage is a good player, and [Adrian] Amos is also a really good player. They’ve got good, talented guys over there.”