Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins: 5 matchups to watch

4. Green Bay D-Line vs Washington O-Line

Last week, the Packers started generating some pressure with their front pass-rushers without having to send a ton of blites. This allows them to leave more guys in coverage and prevent more passes. The Redskins offensive line was abused by the Colts offensive line last week, and the Packers can do the same to them this week. Alex Smith works best when he has time to throw, but the Packers are generating more pressure in defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme.

Adrian Peterson has dominated the Packers in the past, as some of his best game performances have been against them. However, this is not the same Peterson that he was a few years ago. He’s a little older, and he’s running behind a line that isn’t built to operate only for him as the Vikings had been. This Packers defense is also built to stop the run with the pieces they have in place, and it all starts with the big guys down front.

If the Packers can generate pressure consistently, that will ease the burden on their young corners who need time to develop. If they can’t, Smith could pick them apart from a clean pocket all game long. He’s one of the most accurate passers in the league, and those check-downs add up over the course of a long game. This offensive line had a bad week last week, and the Packers need to make sure they have a second one on Sunday.