Packers: Five players to watch vs. Washington in Week 3
By Jesse Fry
Five players to watch for the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.
After a thrilling yet disappointing tie, the Green Bay Packers (1-0-1) turn their attention to the Washington Redskins (1-1).
The Redskins are coming off a 21-9 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and will look to rebound.
Right now the Redskins are a mixed bag. They won their Week 1 meeting against the Arizona Cardinals, 24-6, but could not outplay the Colts.
Washington currently has the number one defense overall in the NFL, only allowing 494 yards through two games, yet only have three sacks. The ranking probably has more to do with the quality of teams the Redskins played more than their talent of defense. However, Washington has added quality players — Jonathan Allen and Da’Ron Payne in the first round of the past two drafts.
Washington has only scored three touchdowns so far this year, with all three coming in the first game. On paper this looks like an easy matchup. However, the Packers cannot overlook this team.
The Redskins offense is led by veteran quarterback Alex Smith. Smith is patient and does not force throws. He will not give the defense an easy shot at interceptions and will take the check down to live another play.
At running back the Redskins are relying on an aging Adrian Peterson and the very talented Chris Thompson. Peterson is not who he once was but can still be a factor in the run game. Thompson, meanwhile, is the shiftier runner who is the threat out of the backfield in the pass game.
The Redskins just signed veteran receivers Breshad Perriman and Michael Floyd this week. Neither should be much of a factor, but free agent acquisition Paul Richardson is someone they will look to get going.
On defense, the Redskins have former Pro Bowler Josh Norman leading the secondary. While Norman is not on the level he once was, he is still a good corner and will likely match up against Davante Adams.
Ryan Kerrigan is the defense’s main pass rushing threat on the outside, while Greg Manusky tries to use his three young studs (Payne, Allen, Matt Ioannidis) in the middle to push the pocket.
We should see a good game against a team looking to make a move in the NFC East.
Here are five Packers players to keep an eye on.