VIDEO: Packers DC Mike Pettine Seems Completely Perplexed by Za'Darius Smith Advanced Stats
By Scott Rogust
The Green Bay Packers' defense has improved compared to previous seasons, and one of the main catalysts was the addition of linebacker Za'Darius Smith. Signed to a massive contract, Smith has been downright unguardable throughout this season, and the advanced stats prove it. When asked about the aforementioned numbers, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine looked completely confused before asking where the reporters got the stats.
??♂️ pic.twitter.com/WOm9ncQ0Nv
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 13, 2019
Well, Mr. Pettine, there are plenty of sites that provide advanced stats in every sport, especially in football.
Seth Walder of ESPN mapped out the percentage of edge rushers double-teamed vs. their success rate. Smith, ironically, is the most double-teamed pass rusher in the NFL, yet is still a top-tier producer.
The amount of times @TheRealZSmith has been double teamed ... and still produced. https://t.co/ba5xFV0Rro
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) December 12, 2019
That's pretty good, if you ask us. Hey, the numbers say so!
Smith's statistical accomplishments only continue. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith is the most effective edge defender in terms of pressure rate (18.2 percent). The outside linebacker's rate ranks as the fourth-best in the NFL since 2015.
#ProBowlVote Za'Darius Smith who leads all EDGE defenders this year with a pressure rate of 18.2%
— PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) December 11, 2019
Smith's current pressure rate also ranks tied for 4th highest for a single season since 2015 among 126 EDGE with 400+ pass-rush snaps pic.twitter.com/q0wb5bIzg0
Some individuals use their eyes instead of numbers to see how effective a player can be. You can place Pettine in that category.