Za'Darius Smith Says Packers Weren't Prepared for NFC Championship Game and Takes Responsibility
The Green Bay Packers defense got absolutely shredded by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, by any metric. The 49ers rushed for 285 yards, and the leaders of the Packers defense looked lost in the biggest game of the year.
Za'Darius Smith spoke out about the loss recently, detailing how his team was not properly prepared for the game, and how that falls on his shoulders.
Za'Darius, the defensive captain, also said this:
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) January 31, 2020
"As a leader, I put that on the table, and I tell all the younger guys, put it on me, because we didn't prepare right. It was my first year as a captain. I'm still learning myself."
Smith joined the Packers in 2019 after four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He was considered a huge offseason signing and rose to the level of captain, dominating as the season droned on. All things considered, though, he may have a fair excuse for his unit not being prepared.
#Packers captain Za'Darius Smith told @CSimmsQB and @ProFootballTalk that the Packers should "leave a little bit earlier" to help "get adjusted" on West Coast trips in the future.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) January 30, 2020
Smith: "We weren't ready to play football" vs. 49ers in NFCCG.
It's time to leave excuses in 2019, though, and Smith knows that.
Leaving earlier is not on Smith's shoulders, though, and that may go back to head coach Matt LaFleur being in his first year on the job. Now he knows that it is wise to change time zones earlier and let his team get adjusted when playing a Championship game on the road.
Smith did the right thing by taking the blame here. He is acting like a true leader, and this experience should only help the Packers moving forward.