Former Green Bay Packers forward Preston Smith didn’t wait long to make an impact on his up-to-date team. Five days after being traded from the Packers to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith made two gigantic plays in 23 snaps in the Steelers’ 28-27 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
In the third quarter, Smith threw a 1-yard sack on rookie Jayden Daniels and took a fumble for loss on a play that lost him 11 yards on third down to start the fourth quarter. Sack put the commanders behind the sticks and eventually forced a field goal; a tackle for loss forced a punt.
.@PrestonSmith91 making games in it @steelers debut 💪
Broadcast on NFL+: https://t.co/YORuoKN2Fg#STATEtoSundays | #HailState pic.twitter.com/zKYViPiUeG
— Mississippi State football (@HailStateFB) November 10, 2024
Smith finished the game with an overall defensive rating of 72.1 from Pro Football Focus. He represented the Steelers’ third-highest defensive rating on Sunday and Smith’s second-highest rating for the 2024 season.
Smith asked the Packers to trade him, and the team agreed, sending him back to Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense. Smith played 23 snaps as a standout outside linebacker, nine snaps against the run, 12 as a tackler and two in coverage. The veteran played his first nine seasons in the NFL in a 3-4 defense and is more comfortable on the edge of a three-man front.
The Steelers planned to exploit Smith as a rotation pass rusher behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. However, Highsmith suffered an ankle injury during the victory over Commanders, which could give Smith a starring role alongside Watt in the near future. Sunday’s win improved the Steelers’ record to 7-2, so Smith will be playing snaps for a legitimate opponent throughout.
