5 players the Packers need to play well to beat Saints

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a play in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 16: Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates defeating the Los Angeles Rams 32-18 in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 16, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

3. Preston Smith

Quite a few Packers fans believed Smith was going to get cut this offseason due to his bloated salary. As it stands, he appears to have held on to his starting spot at outside linebacker heading into the opener.

Green Bay’s defensive scheme relies on pressure from their outside backers to be successful. In theory, that is Smith’s forte. It’s imperative that he become a nuisance for Winston if the Packers defense is going to shut down New Orleans’ passing attack.

Smith also may be asked to hold up in pass coverage against tight ends on some downs in this game. Adam Trautman isn’t an established NFL star, but he’s got the talent to hurt the Packers if he’s allowed to run free. Smith needs to stay disciplined to make sure the Saints’ top tight end doesn’t have a career day.

Smith isn’t going to suddenly reestablish himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL with one good game against New Orleans, but it would serve as a step in the right direction for the high-priced defender. Faltering in any way could open the door for Rashan Gary to put him on the bench for good.

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