Aldon Smith is that physical freak type of pass rusher that gave Marshall Newhouse so much trouble last year. Smith has the right mix of speed and power with a long wing span to be able to catch the edge and then work his way to the QB. This is similar to Tamba Hali, Cameron Wake, and Jason Pierre-Paul who each had a field day against Newhouse.
The good news is that Newhouse has finally had a full offseason in order to go over the tape and learn technique. Hopefully this will help him have quicker feet and a better punch in order to slow down some of this pass rush. The other good news is that Smith was used as a situational rusher last year instead of a full time player which would make it easier to tell when to shift the blocking assignments and move a TE over to chip. This may change this year as Smith grows into the system, but a boy can hope.
Smith versus Newhouse is going to be a critical match up for the Packers to win. If Newhouse can control that side of the field, even if he needs some help, then the Packers have a very good chance at winning. The bad news is that this is exactly the type of match up Newhouse struggled with in the past. Reports have said over and over that Newhouse doesn't make the same mistake twice....hopefully that translates to a strong start to the season and a solid game for the shakiest part of the Packers offensive line.
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