After the Detroit Lions acquired defensive end Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns on trade deadline day, the easy assumption was he'd immediately play on Sunday night against the Houston Texans. The next day, head coach Dan Campbell invited the idea Smith's team debut would be delayed by telling reporters he was being given a couple days off.
The principle of giving Smith a couple days off was rooted in the Browns having their bye in Week 10, and the Lions of course already having had theirs, to allow the veteran to get a little rest before a stretch run the Lions envision lasting deep into the postseason.
Smith wanted to play on Sunday night, but he also deferred the decision to Campbell and he was indeed inactive for Sunday night's game.
Apart from the talent and on-field production he'll bring to the Lions' defensive line, Smith will naturally add a veteran presence to a young group. On Sunday night, he didn't need to be in uniform to start having an intangible impact on his new teammates.
Za’Darius Smith is already making his presence known Coaching up the Lions D-Line…
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) November 11, 2024
Can’t wait to see him on the field! #OnePride pic.twitter.com/UTFkIV0O0g
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Za'Darius Smith didn't want a week off, but he embraced sideline role
Smith joined NBC/Peacock's postgame show on Sunday night. He said he didn't want the week off, but he also appreciated Campbell's obvious care for players.
"I hate that he gave me this week off. I didn't want it," Smith said, with a smile. "That's something that they wanted for their players, and that's what I love about this football team. They care about their players, and actually he was a player so he understands what's going on."
Tony Dungy brought up the coaching Smith was doing on the sideline with the Lions' defensive line. The 10-year vet offered some deeper insight with his response.
"A lot of the guys up front were getting a lot of chips and a lot of slides, Smith said. "And I was just telling him 'listen to the protection...We were able to get some pressure after that, and I'm just so happy we got four sacks after making that call."
The Lions sacked Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud four times on Sunday night, with seven total quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus credited the Detroit defense with 22 total pressures on 38 drop backs for Stroud.
Rodney Harrison asked Smith what Lions' fans can expect from him when he suits up.
"A lot of sacks, man. A lot of pressures and getting after the quarterback," Smith said. "You saw me coaching up the young guys, so you're gonna get much more of that coming up soon."
Smith was itching to suit up on Sunday night, but he understood the bigger picture for his new team and his own need for a break in a long season. The Lions expected immediate impact from him, and they got it right away despite the fact he was not in uniform against the Texans.