GREEN BAY - On a day that featured a dearth of big plays, the biggest from the Green Bay Packers' defense didn’t even count.
Za’Darius Smith broke through the middle of the New Orleans Saints' offensive line late in Sunday’s third quarter and took his shot. He hit quarterback Jameis Winston hard but clean, leading with his shoulder, wrapping both arms around Winston’s chest, careful not to land on the quarterback as they fell to the ground.
It was a textbook hit, leading to what was ruled an end-zone interception for Darnell Savage Jr. Only one problem: Smith was called for a roughing-the-passer penalty, stunning because it appeared Smith had hit Winston within the strict confines of NFL rules protecting quarterbacks.