The Packers have their home opener at Lambeau Field against the Washington Redskins. The defending NFC East champions lost to the Philadelphia Eagles last night . But how do they match-up with the Packers?
- QB Robert Griffin III struggled mightily in the 1st half Monday night both in the box score and with his footwork. He looked like a guy who, well, missed the entire preseason and almost all of training camp. Griffin did improve noticeably throughout the game, but was it because of the Eagle’s defense playing more conservative as the game progressed, Mike and Kyle Shanahan figuring out the Eagles’ looks, or Griffin shaking off some of the rust? It’s probably a combination of the three, but Griffin will undoubtedly provide the Packers defense with another challenge.
- The Redskins defense played extremely poorly in the first half on on the second half’s first drive, but did hold the Eagles’ offense scoreless over the last 28 minutes. The front 7 isn’t as good as San Francisco, but Philadelphia with rookie Lane Johnson and Jason Peters have one of the best offensive tackle combinations in the game and Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan were in the backfield all night. Tackles Don Barclay and David Bakhtiari will have their hands full once again.
- Alfred Morris didn’t have his best game, but similar to Griffin, he seemed to get better as the game went on. He isn’t the most physically gifted runner, but his strong frame and exceptional vision still make him a capable back. The Packers did a nice job in lane discipline against SF and will have to do it again to contain the Redskins’ rushing attack. Roy Helu Jr. has also emerged as a solid 3rd down back and on passing downs.
- The Redskins don’t have a physically-imposing Vernon Davis in their passing game, but Pierre Garcon is one of the most underrated WR in the league. The depth of the Redskins receiving core is also fairly deep. There isn’t a requisite 2nd weapon, but Josh Morgan, Leonard Hankerson, Aldrick Robinson and Fred Davis are all competent options for Griffin. Also keep an eye on rookie TE Jordan Reed out of Florida.
- The Eagles used read-option and pistol looks with Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy to open up throwing lanes for Vick, but the Eagles were able to routinely get DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek and Jason Avant in space. The Packers receivers are significantly more talented than the Eagles’, so if Brandon Meriweather is again out this Sunday look for the Packers to exploit the Redskins inexperienced safeties like rookie Baccari Rambo time and time again.
Packer Breakdown 