7 biggest takeaways from the Vikings win over the Lions in Week 3

Smith proving to be worth the money

During the 2022 offseason, the biggest splash the Vikings arguably made was the signing of free-agent linebacker Za’Darius Smith.

Signing Smith, a former member of the Packers defense, to a three-year contract worth $42 million was a bit of a gamble since he only appeared in two games in 2021 because of an injured back. But so far, Minnesota’s risk on the veteran pass rusher has proven to be worth it.

In three games, Smith has generated 12 pressures according to PFF, easily the most of any Vikings player on the defensive side of the ball this season. The veteran linebacker has even come up with some big stops as a run defender this year as well.

Unfortunately, Smith went down with a leg injury near the end of Sunday’s matchup with the Lions. The injury wasn’t enough to keep Minnesota’s pass rusher off the field for Detroit’s final offensive drive, but he did reveal after the contest that the team is going to get a second look at his injury this week to see if it’s significant enough to cause him to miss some time.

Hopefully, Smith’s injured leg is nothing too serious, and the Vikings can have him out on the field for their Week 4 game against the Saints.