It’s time for the Border Battle.
The revamped Minnesota Vikings take on the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium this Sunday, and I can’t think of a more intense way to start the season. As new head coach Kevin O’Connell looks for a statement win to begin his tenure, he’ll have to contend with an MVP at quarterback and find a way to outpace rival Matt LaFleur’s offense. It’s a battle to decide which Sean McVay disciple is superior, and it’ll be a grudge match.
The game may become an offensive showcase. Minnesota features one of the league’s best assortment of skill-position players, and Green Bay has Aaron Rodgers. And while Green Bay’s best receiver likely wouldn’t even crack WR3 on Minnesota’s roster, Rodgers has a knack for making up for that.
Getting pressure and making No. 12’s life difficult will be everything in this game. And who better to solve that problem than the man who saw Rodgers in practice every day? It’s time for Za’Darius Smith to continue the legacy of former Packers who’ve found success switching over to the good guys.
Za’Darius Smith has insisted that this weekend isn’t about revenge against Green Bay. If that’s true, it’s very mature of him. If he can self-motivate by being excited about competition against his old teammates, that’s great too.
Still, I hope he’s lying to all of us. That he has a thirst for vengeance he can channel into any and all opportunities to hit Rodgers in ways he couldn’t during practice over the last three years.
However he motivates himself, he better come ready to play, because this team will likely need a big day from him against the Pack.
The Vikings’ defense has a real chance to be solid in defensive coordinator Ed Donatell’s first year, despite the changes in scheme and personnel from the Mike Zimmer era. There are bonafide playmakers at nearly every level of the defense, except for cornerback— although that weakness at corner could be killer.
Good thing Davante Adams is gone, because even an improved Cameron Dantzler would get schooled in that matchup. And while a passing attack armed with Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson should keep Donatell up at night, the idea of Rodgers repeatedly picking on Minnesota’s young corners could be cause for sleeplessness as well.
That puts all the more pressure on edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Smith. The Vikings are going to need a big day from the defensive front if they’re going to protect these young corners.
Smith, in particular, is an exciting chess piece for Donatell to play with. He’s easily the most experienced member of the defense who’s played in this type of scheme. While others may have some early-season growing pains to work through, he should hit the ground running. Smith thrived in similar schemes in Baltimore and Green Bay and has shown incredible versatility in camp.
His role as a “Rover” in this scheme allows Donatell to back him off in coverage, set the edge in the running game, or across the line on third down looking for the juiciest matchup. And depending on the pregame injury report, the matchups could be juicy indeed.
The Packers are cautiously optimistic that tackles David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins will suit up against Minnesota. They could be a stout challenge for Smith and Hunter if they’re healthy and playing at full speed. That said, if they’re a step slow or lack stamina in Week 1 after missing time in camp with injury, that could provide a prime opportunity for Smtih to get around his former teammates.
And the interior of the line is even more ripe with opportunity. The Packers have uncertainty at center and right guard. Josh Meyers is an unknown after missing most of last season with an injury. Both options competing at right guard, Jake Hanson and Royce Newman, are former late-round gambles who are largely unproven. Should the Packers find themselves on third-and-long, I’m salivating over the idea of Hunter and Smith overloading one side, possibly leading Smith to a one-on-one against a tackle while Hunter wreaks havoc on the interior.
Za’Darius Smith may be new in Minnesota, but he’s no stranger to intense rivalry games in U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings will need him to make an impact if they’re to hold their ground against LaFleur and Rodgers. Smith has all the skill, experience, motivation, and opportunity necessary to make Rodgers wish he’d taken the Jeopardy! job.
“Very excited, man,” he said. “I can’t wait. I’ve been preparing for this time to come for a while now. So it’s finally come, and now I’m ready. … They did (release me), and I came to the other side. But you know, at the end of the day, it’s a game. We all get to play and do something that we love, and I just can’t wait to go against my old team.”
Neither can we, Za’Darius. And we’re thrilled to have you on our side this time.
