GREEN BAY – Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his three-sack performance in Monday night's 30-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Along with his three sacks, Smith led Green Bay with eight tackles (four for a loss) and five quarterback hits. He played 64 of the 70 defensive snaps (94%).
It's the second time Smith has captured an NFL weekly award. As a member of the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Smith was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after registering three sacks in a Week 6 win over the Tennessee Titans.
It's the first time a Packers player has earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week since Preston Smith was honored in Week 3 of last season, in recognition of his five tackles and three sacks in a 27-16 win over the Denver Broncos.
Za'Darius Smith's five sacks in four games currently are tied for the most in the NFL this season with Cleveland's Myles Garrett.