The NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and several teams made moves that could change the course of the season. Among the most notable deals was the Detroit Lions’ acquisition of Za’Darius Smith from the Minnesota Vikings. This trade adds a crucial piece to a defense that is already one of the league’s most improved, particularly after the injury to Aidan Hutchinson. On First Take, Stephen A. Smith and the crew broke down the significance of this trade and why it could be a game-changer for Detroit’s Super Bowl aspirations.

Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions: The Missing Piece to a Championship Defense

The Detroit Lions have been one of the feel-good stories of the 2024 season. After years of underperforming, Dan Campbell’s Lions are now considered one of the top teams in the NFC, with an impressive six-game win streak. However, when star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson went down with an injury, it left a gap in their defense, particularly in the pass rush department.

Enter Za’Darius Smith—the two-time Pro Bowler and sack specialist, who was acquired from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade that could have significant playoff implications. Smith is a proven edge rusher with the ability to create havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and his addition immediately strengthens a Lions defense that has been playing at a high level.

Stephen A. Smith’s Breakdown: Lions Are Now the NFC Super Bowl Favorites

On First Take, Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back in his analysis. He immediately declared that with this trade, the Detroit Lions are now the favorites in the NFC. “This is the move that could propel them to the Super Bowl,” he said. “You already have Jared Goff playing at an MVP-caliber level, Amon-Ra St. Brown as one of the best wide receivers in the league, and a top-5 offensive line. The addition of Za’Darius Smith gives them a balanced roster that can compete with any team in the NFC.”

Smith highlighted that while the offense has been exceptional, the defense is the key to taking Detroit’s playoff hopes to the next level. The Lions’ pass rush had taken a hit with Hutchinson’s injury, but now with Smith’s experience and ability to pressure the quarterback, the Lions’ defense just became a lot more dangerous.

The Lions’ Defense: Strengthened for a Playoff Push

Before the trade, Detroit’s defense had shown signs of vulnerability, especially in terms of pressure on the quarterback. Hutchinson’s absence was felt, and the Lions needed to make a move to keep pace with the top teams in the NFC, especially with offenses like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers on the horizon. Za’Darius Smith immediately fills that role.

Smith has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the league over the past few seasons, ranking among the leaders in both sacks and quarterback pressures. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt passing lanes is exactly what the Lions needed. Whether it’s rushing from the edge or playing in various defensive schemes, Smith is versatile and can impact the game in a multitude of ways.

Mad Dog Russo and Jeff Saturday Weigh In

As usual, Christopher Mad Dog Russo and Jeff Saturday had their own take on the trade. Mad Dog agreed with Stephen A. that the Lions were already a good team, but the addition of Smith makes them the most well-rounded squad in the NFC.

Jeff Saturday, on the other hand, pointed out that while the Lions’ defense has certainly improved, the team’s offense is what truly makes them dangerous. “I mean, you’ve got Jared Goff playing lights out, the running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and a dominant offensive line,” Saturday said. “Now you add Smith on the other side of the ball? Watch out, the Lions could go all the way.”

Why This Trade Matters for the Lions’ Super Bowl Hopes

Stephen A. Smith noted that Detroit is not just a team on the rise—they’re now one of the most complete teams in the NFC. The Lions’ offense has been one of the best in the league, with Goff playing at an elite level, St. Brown emerging as one of the top wide receivers, and a running back tandem that’s been terrorizing opposing defenses. However, the defense had been a question mark, especially with Hutchinson sidelined.

By adding Smith, the Lions now have a formidable pass rush to go along with their improved secondary and defensive front. The balance between offense and defense makes them a serious threat to teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys. This move ensures that Detroit can compete at the highest level for the NFC Championship and a potential Super Bowl berth.

The Lions’ Path to the Super Bowl: No Weaknesses

Stephen A. Smith emphasized that the Lions now have no weaknesses. “From top to bottom, they’re stacked,” he said. “You look at the offensive line, the running back duo, Jared Goff’s play, and now the addition of Za’Darius Smith to their defense. This is a team that can compete with anyone in the league, especially when you factor in the culture that Dan Campbell has built in Detroit.”

With the NFC North looking like a two-horse race between the Lions and the Minnesota Vikings, and with the Lions now improving their defense, Detroit is poised to be a real threat in the postseason. The Smith trade has filled the gap on defense, and with their potent offense, they are ready to make a deep playoff run.

Conclusion: A Super Bowl-Caliber Trade for the Lions

In summary, the acquisition of Za’Darius Smith by the Detroit Lions is a game-changer. As Stephen A. Smith put it, this trade solidifies Detroit’s status as the NFC favorites. The Lions are now one of the most balanced teams in the NFL, and with Smith in the fold, they have a legitimate shot at going to the Super Bowl. Watch out, because Detroit’s playoff push just got a lot stronger.