Green Bay Packers v. Washington: 5 Big Questions Ahead of Matchup
By Paul Bretl
The 5-1 Green Bay Packers are back at the friendly confines of Lambeau Field to take on the 2-4 Washington Football Team this week. Washington has wins over the New York Giants and Atlanta but has lost their last two games behind a defense that is struggling mightily.
As part of my weekly preview, I of course have my five big questions facing the Green Bay Packers heading into their upcoming matchup.
Can the OL hold up once again?
Another week, another new offensive line configuration for the Green Bay Packers. David Bakhtiari is back at practice; however, it is unlikely that he will suit up this Sunday. The Packers will also be without Josh Myers, who suffered a knee injury last week in Chicago.
Yet despite all of the injuries and movement that has taken place upfront early on this season, the Green Bay offensive line unit continues to hold up, and they’ve done so against some very good defensive fronts, including San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Chicago.
By ESPN’s win-rate metrics, the Packers rank in the top-10 in both run-blocking and pass-blocking. For the most part, Aaron Rodgers has had the time he needs, and the run game has overall been effective.
Although this is a Washing defense that has not lived up to expectations this season, allowing 31.0 points per game — the most in football — this is a defensive front not to be taken lightly. Led by pass-rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat, this Washington defense is 10th in pressure rate and ninth in yards per carry allowed with Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Matt Ioannidis inside.
This Green Bay Packers’ offensive front is again going to be tested.