EAGAN, Minn. — It's uncommon for so much change to occur in the 21st chapter of a book.
But the story featuring Vikings safety Harrison Smith facing former-Packers-now-Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is getting a rewrite – with a unique setting, a different jersey number for the QB and a host of new characters.
The shade of Rodgers' jersey has changed, switching from Hunter Green to Gotham Green; but in many ways, he's the same QB who spent 18 seasons with Green Bay, earning four First-Team All-Pro and four NFL MVP honors.
Rodgers and Smith, whom the Vikings drafted 29th overall in 2012, are two extremely smart players who hold a high level of respect for one another and often have engaged in chess matches within the Border Battle.
Smith said Rodgers has everything an NFL quarterback needs.
"That's why it's a challenge against him, because it is everything. It's not just talent; it's preparation, years of reps and gettin' on the same page with his guys, being able to put the ball wherever he wants it. Getting his protections right, using the play clock, the cadence – it's everything," he explained. "If you're playing a guy that's just raw talent and makes kind of freestyle plays, it kind of eliminates some things where you can get him. But if you've got the total package, it's tough – and he's definitely got it."
"There definitely is [a mutual respect]," Smith continued. "And sometimes as much as we want to talk about the cat-and-mouse game, there's still 11 guys on each side of the ball, which can override that most of the time. There's a balance between it and getting to your assignment and playing that cat-and-mouse game. It's all a balance."
The longtime opponents now have the opportunity to face one another on international soil for the first time.
Smith has played in London three times previously, helping the Vikings go 3-0 in those contests against the Steelers (2013; 7 tackles), Browns (2017; 7 tackles, 1 TFL) and Saints (2022; 6 tackles). Rodgers played his first game in the U.K. in 2022 while with the Packers, who lost 27-22 to the Giants.
Though Smith has logged six of his 35 career interceptions against Green Bay, only two have been from the hands of Rodgers (2012 and 2022 seasons).
Will he add to that number Sunday in the 13th all-time meeting between the Vikings and Jets?
Smith is 3-0 in three regular-season starts against the Jets and has snagged an interception in each of the past two games: one by Mike White in December 2022 and one by now-teammate Sam Darnold in October 2018, which he returned for 52 yards.
In those contests against New York, Smith has also recorded a sack, 22 tackles, one tackle for loss, one QB hit and five passes defensed.
Smith is fifth in Vikings history in interceptions, with two to go to tie Joey Browner (37) in fourth place. His 19.5 career sacks, 1.5 of which have been against Rodgers, are the most in team history by a defensive back.
He will look for another takedown of Rodgers, who last week was blitzed on 49 percent of drop-backs in a loss to the Broncos according to Next Gen Stats. The Vikings under Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores have had a 41.3 blitz percentage through the first four games, which is second highest in the NFL behind Denver. Rodgers posted season lows of 57.1 completion percentage, 5.4 passing yards per attempt and a 72.0 passer rating in Week 4.
Sunday will mark Smith's 180th regular-season start and 181st game, the most by any Vikings DB in franchise history.
Asked if preparing for this game against Rodgers feels any different than the previous 20 times, he paused for a moment.
"I guess it's a little different, but not necessarily because he's on a different team or we're playing in London," Smith said. "There's still a lot of carry-over to what he likes to do and does well.
"It's a big challenge, but it's always a fun, competitive experience to go against the best," he added. "I always look forward to it."
Check out the Vikings 2024 Bye Week.
