Lions Expected To Be Smart With Za'Darius Smith

Lions Expected To Be Smart With Za'Darius Smith

yesterday

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that the Detroit Lions didn't acquire pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith at the trade deadline this year to replace Aidan Hutchinson (leg), who is out for the rest of the season. Instead, the Lions expect the 32-year-old veteran to be a key complementary player on their defensive line. The Lions will rely heavily on defensive tackles Alim McNeill and DJ Reader to generate a pass rush, while Smith and Josh Paschal start on the outside. Smith played 37 defensive snaps in his first game with the team in the Week 11 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, generating half a sack. Fowler expects Detroit to continue to be smart about Smith's snaps, which means fantasy managers in IDP leagues should temper expectations. The Lions are going to need a total team effort to replace Hutchinson's All-Pro production.

Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler