Za’Darius Smith made a strong debut for the Detroit Lions in their dominant 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 17, 2024. The Lions acquired Smith at the trade deadline for his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, and he lived up to expectations. Playing 26 snaps as a pass rusher, Smith registered a sack, two hurries, and three total pressures. He earned a solid 72.5 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus, marking his third-highest score of the season. Smith’s performance helped the Lions’ defense continue its strong form.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was impressed with Smith’s first outing with the team. He praised Smith for his instinctive play and quickness in shedding blockers, noting his effectiveness both as a pass rusher and in the run game. Campbell highlighted Smith’s ability to collaborate with defensive linemen like Alim McNeill and DJ Reader, especially in executing stunts and gaining leverage. The head coach expressed satisfaction with how quickly Smith seemed to integrate into the Lions’ defense.
Smith lined up primarily as a right defensive end during the game, playing 19 of his 37 total snaps in that position. However, some of his most effective work came when he was used as a stand-up rusher over the center. His versatility allowed him to make a notable impact, demonstrating his ability to contribute in multiple roles within the defense. His high energy and communication with his fellow defenders also stood out, as he was often seen directing traffic and working closely with teammates.
Originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith spent the first part of this season with the Cleveland Browns. During his nine games with Cleveland, the three-time Pro Bowler accumulated five sacks, 20 hurries, and 27 total pressures. His production in Cleveland was solid, and he brought that experience and skill set to Detroit, where he was expected to bolster the pass rush alongside Aidan Hutchinson and other key defenders.
Dan Campbell also emphasized that Smith’s integration into the team would continue to improve with more time spent with his new teammates. The coach believes that the more Smith plays with the Lions’ defense, the better he will understand their dynamics and vice versa. As Smith becomes more familiar with the system and the players around him, Campbell expects his impact to grow, particularly in terms of elevating the overall performance of the defensive line.
Overall, Campbell was pleased with Smith’s debut, noting that he did his job well and contributed positively to the defense. The coach sees Smith as a player who can raise the level of play for those around him, just as his teammates will also help improve his performance. With his first game now behind him, Smith is expected to continue developing within the Lions’ defense and make an even greater impact in the weeks ahead.
