Preston Smith is one of the many talented players on the Green Bay Packers defense. The organization has pumped this unit full of first-round talent and yet they continue to disappoint. Now that the team is entering the Jordan Love era, Smith has issued a challenge to the defense.
Preston Smith On The Green Bay Packers Defense
Smith knows that the team’s success hinges on what Love can do with the offense. However, he admits that the defense has not played up to snuff and can help the first-year starter drastically. He went on NFL Network’s Total Access and had this to say.
“Well, personally, we feel like last year was one of our best seasons as a defense,” Smith said, entering his fifth year with Green Bay. “With so much talent on our defense, we know we have to step it up a lot, and knowing we have a young quarterback, we have to be tremendous this year. We have to make sure we step up and do our part to help (Love) to get comfortable out there on the field. Help him get the ball in great situations and get stops to let him get comfortable back there and make sure we put him in great situations.
It’s not just about him putting us in great situations, but helping us be comfortable to put him in great situations with the ball in great field position and getting stops. So he can go down the field and get us touchdowns and do his thing and gain his confidence throughout the season.”
Make Or Break Year For Joe Barry
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry is in a make-or-break year. Many point to him as the reason the defense has underachieved. The talent is there. Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary are in the top ten in their positions. Kenny Clark is a seasoned veteran and Quay Walker looks like a rising star. The defense has been able to get away with more because of the brilliance of Aaron Rodgers. While it would be great if Love could be to that level, chances are he is not. The defense has to help him out.
Preston Smith is excited about what the Green Bay Packers can do this season. In a weak NFC conference, they could make a playoff push if Love turns out to be decent.
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