The Green Bay Packers look to get their season back on track this week when they take on the Washington Commanders in the nation’s capital on Sunday.
Despite being away from home and struggling in the past couple of weeks, the Packers still come into this week as heavy favorites. It shouldn’t be hard for the Packers to beat this Commanders team. But we have learned in recent weeks that to underestimate your opponent is to invite defeat.
Here are three things the Commanders do well that the Packers need to look out for.
Spread the Ball Out
The Commanders have an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position — must be nice! — and they know exactly how to use them. We all know how good Terry McLaurin has been since entering the league. He is on track for another superb season with 367 yards despite having inconsistent quarterback play from Carson Wentz. McLaurin’s chemistry with backup Taylor Heinicke can only be seen as a positive, as Heinicke tends to look McLaurin’s way often.
McLaurin isn’t the only threat the Commanders have at pass-catcher anymore. Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson have alleviated some of the pressure. Samuel has had an incredible bounce-back season after only catching six passes for the Commanders last year. This season, he has proven himself as a reliable No. 2, racking up 287 yards on 34 catches. Dotson is Washington’s first-round pick this past draft, but he has dealt with some injury issues. However, he’s an impact player when healthy. He already has four touchdowns in just five games this season.
Rush the Passer
The Commanders lost Matt Ioannidis this offseason, and Chase Young has yet to return from the torn ACL he suffered last season. But Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen have picked up the slack, and Washington’s defense continues to be excellent at rushing the quarterback.
Sweat has been the heart and soul of Washington’s pass rush. He’s been incredible off the edge, recording 26 pressures and three sacks. Unfortunately, the pass rush has to hit the quarterback early and often to cover for their secondary and subpar coverage.
Allen has also been a game-wrecker from the interior, recording 21 pressures and five sacks. Last week, the Packers saw how a dominant interior lineman could single-handedly wreck a game. If they aren’t careful, Allen could replicate what Quinnen Williams did last week.
Protect the Edges
Though the Commanders’ offensive line has been a weak spot, that is mostly due to the interior. Both tackles have done an excellent job protecting the quarterbacks from edge rushers.
Charles Leno has seen a resurgence in his career since leaving the Bears. This season, he has excelled in the passing game, posting an 85.2 pass-blocking grade. Leno has allowed just three sacks and 12 pressures on 422 offensive snaps. While this may seem like a lot, it is important to remember that the Commanders have been in more obvious passing situations, given they have trailed for most of the season.
Right tackle Cornelius Lucas has also played well in the limited amount of snaps he has seen, allowing just three pressures and no sacks. If Green Bay’s front four wants to get pressure, they will have to attack the interior offensive line, much in the same way the New York Jets did to them last week.
