Green Bay Packers v. Washington: 3 Big Things & Quick Hits
By Paul Bretl
The game may have been close through the first half, but it always felt like the Green Bay Packers were in control as they came away with the 24-10 victory over Washington. The Packers now move to 6-1 on the season after tallying their sixth straight win.
As part of my recap, I’ll be switching it up this week from my Quick Observations and discussing my 3 Big Things from this Green Bay Packers performance.
Rashan Gary Dominates
In an article last week, I discussed how Rashan Gary was still leaving his mark on games this season despite not having the huge sack totals. In fact, he entered Sunday’s game with only 1.5. But, of course, that didn’t tell the whole story–not even close. From an impact standpoint, he was having a big one.
Prior to the game against Washington, Gary’s 25 pressures were the ninth most among edge rushers, according to PFF ($$). As OLB coach Mike Smith is happy to tell you, sacks are great, but he cares more about pressures.
"“I care about pressure, affecting the quarterback, that’s the No. 1 thing. I’ll take a guy that does his job play after play after play after play, being consistent and have zero sacks, but does his job and affects the quarterback,” Smith said via Packers Wire. “If you got a room that believes the only way to get a pressure is to get a sack, you’re going to have a very disappointing room in the NFL. These (blockers) are good. I could care less about the sack stuff.”"
Admittedly, the Washington offensive line was able to give quarterback Taylor Heinicke just enough time during the first half, but Rashan Gary was close to getting home on a few occasions, and eventually, close turned into some big plays.
It was Gary who forced the fumble on the opening drive of the third quarter that allowed the Green Bay Packers to go up two scores–and really, from that point on, the game was out of reach for Washington. He would also add a sack later in the game as Washington was barely hanging on.
When it was all said and done, Gary finished with seven tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and PFF counted seven pressures — that’s a lot — in their game recap. Without Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith sidelined as well, Gary wasn’t just good; he was dominant on Sunday.
"“I thought our pass rush — specifically in the second half — really got going,” said Matt LaFleur via Packer Report. “[Gary] was an impact player on this game. We see it every day: the energy, the effort, what he brings to this football team, how much he cares — it’s awesome to see a guy like that get rewarded and go out there and make some key plays.”"