Packers' Preston Smith guarantees he'll 'break that curse' that's followed him throughout his career
GREEN BAY – Statistics are always fun to dive into. You can find some cool stuff if you look hard enough. When it comes to Packers EDGE Preston Smith, there's statistical trend that's not only followed him during his career, but also pops off the page. But it's not so much cool as it is […]
GREEN BAY – Statistics are always fun to dive into. You can find some cool stuff if you look hard enough.
When it comes to Packers EDGE Preston Smith, there's statistical trend that's not only followed him during his career, but also pops off the page.
But it's not so much cool as it is weird.
Smith's best years have come in years ending in an odd number. And the years ending in even numbers aren't just not as good, they're easily considered bad -or down- years.
Smith has never recorded less than 8.0 sacks in a year that's ended in an odd number (2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021) and he's never recorded more than 4.5 sacks in a year ending in an even number (2016, 2018, and 2020). 37.0 of his 49.5 career sacks have come in the five odd-numbered seasons. The other 12.5 have come in the other three.
But that will change in 2022, according to Smith.
"I just think this year, we're definitely going to break that curse," Smith said. "We're going to make sure that we don't go back down. We're going to make sure to keep going up.
"I feel like this year is the year that I break that curse and I don't have that rollercoaster statistic anymore."
Smith's confidence in himself and the fact that Joe Barry is back for another year is all he needs to ensure that he gets the job done.
"I just feel good about myself, man," Smith said. "I just know that this is the year. I got my guy, Joe B [Barry] back for a [second] consecutive year and I just feel like this is the year I break it."
Smith signed a four-year $52.5 million contract extension back in March, so the Packers are banking on his guarantees as much as he is.
Whether it happens remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: If Smith does have a down year, it won't be due to a lack of confidence.
Featured image via Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK
