Final thoughts on Green Bay Packers matchup with Washington
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers begin the first leg of a three-game road trip on Sunday, taking on the 2-4 Washington Commanders. Although there are still 11 games to be played, given the Packers’ upcoming schedule, beating Washington, who is starting their backup quarterback, feels like a must.
Before the game kicks off, I have my usual brain dump, or final thoughts, on the Green Bay Packers’ upcoming matchup.
– If the Packers plan on moving Yosh Nijman to right tackle, it all hinges on David Bakhtiari’s availability. After not having an injury designation on Friday, he is now listed as questionable. If Bakhtiari can’t go, the Packers will either keep the right side of the offensive line as is or perhaps Zach Tom gets an opportunity at either guard or tackle.
– If Bakhtiari can play, my guess is that they go with Nijman at right tackle and Elgton Jenkins at right guard. Earlier in the week, I dove into five possible combinations we could see from the Packers.
– Regardless of who is lined up where the Packers’ offensive line is very much going to be tested against a Washington defense that has been one of the best at getting after the quarterback. If the offensive line play doesn’t improve, it doesn’t really matter what adjustments Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers make.
– The quick passing game is going to be key for the Packers. For one, that’s less time that the linemen have to sustain their blocks. Rodgers has been very efficient on pass attempts under 2.5-seconds, and it gives the Packers pass catchers YAC opportunities against a Washington defense that has struggled with tackling. Success on early downs with the quick passing game will also help set up manageable third downs, where Washington has been very good defensively this season.
– There’s no reason that Aaron Jones shouldn’t have at least 20 touches. Running the ball may not be easy against Washington, although they are allowing 4.7 yards per rush this season, then LaFleur needs to find other ways to get him touches, preferably in space, where he can make plays. This lack of touches just can’t keep happening.
– If Rodgers has time in the pocket, the Green Bay passing game could have the opportunity to make some plays. Washington has allowed the most passing touchdowns and the fourth-most passing yards. Cornerback Kendall Fuller has often been picked on by opposing quarterbacks.
– Hopefully, Sammy Watkins is available, and if so, he will provide a very thin Packers’ receiver room with some needed help. He brings a downfield threat that has been missing, a trusted presence for Rodgers, and his return could lead to more slot snaps for Allen Lazard.
– With Taylor Heinicke at quarterback, the Packers will have to contend with his mobility. He rushed for 95 yards against Green Bay in 2021.
– The Green Bay Packers pass rush should have the opportunity to pressure Heinicke, going up against the Commanders’ offensive line, who has allowed the most sacks and eighth most pressures. This will also hopefully lead to turnover chances. Heinicke was very turnover prone in 2021, throwing 15 interceptions and losing seven fumbles. Giving the Packers struggling offense more possessions is one way to help them out.
– Running backs JD McKissic and Antonio Gibson have been very active in the passing game, ranking third and fourth on the team in targets. Green Bay hasn’t had many issues against running backs in the passing game, but they also haven’t faced this duo–not to mention that tackling has been an issue all season.
– It will be interesting to see how the Packers’secondary handles the Washington receivers. Does Jaire Alexander match up with Terry McLaurin for much of the game? Or does he see some snaps from the slot against Curtis Samuel, who could give Rasul Douglas some issues from inside? As I wrote recently, what the Packers do want to avoid is Eric Stokes ending up on McLaurin.
– We saw the Green Bay secondary playing more aggressively last week against New York, and they should do the same this week. Heinicke has been very inconsistent with the deep ball, so shrink the field and do your best to take away the easy completions.
– The Green Bay Packers’ special teams unit, who had made a lot of progress, is coming off its worst performance of the season, where their blunders led to 10 points. For what it’s worth, Washington’s special teams unit has the third highest grade from PFF ($$).
– All week, Matt LaFleur discussed how this team needs to get back to having fun. Let’s see that energy on the field today.