Green Bay Packers vs Washington Redskins: 5 Matchups to Watch

1. Packers Run Defense vs Redskins Run Offense

If Washington wants to have a shot in this game, they have to get the running game going and keep the ball out of Rodgers’ hands. They took down the Panthers last week thanks to several big plays in the running game. As a team, they totaled 30 carries for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Green Bay has been susceptible to the run at times this season, and this offensive line is talented enough to cause those problems again.

Callahan’s mentality is that of an offensive line coach. He wants to take the ball out of his young quarterback’s hands because he’s got two talented running backs that can make his life easier. Adrian Peterson is the greatest running back of this generation, and Derrius Guice has looked electric when he’s been healthy. Allowing the two to spell each other also keeps them healthy late in the game when the defense is getting worn out.

Blake Martinez has been a tackling machine as usual with 118 already on the year, but the rest of the team has to pick up the slack. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine would be wise to stack the box with extra safety help and force Haskins to beat them. These running backs aren’t small, and it’s going to take a team effort to take them down. If Washington gets out to a quick lead and Green Bay’s offense sputters, they could easily take control of the clock with these backs.