Packers: Five players to watch vs. Washington in Week 3
By Jesse Fry
4. Justin McCray, G
This is the second week in a row Justin McCray has made this list. And it’s for good reason. McCray hasn’t looked as good this year as he did at the end of last season, but with each game he is improving.
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It’s likely McCray will be matched up against the Redskins’ best pass rusher so far this season, Matt Ioannidis. Of the three sacks the Redskins have this season, Ioannidis has accounted for two, one in each game.
Sheldon Richardson gave McCray everything he could handle in Week 2. While Ioannidis isn’t the same caliber of player, he is 6-foot-3 and over 300 pounds and gives maximum effort.
The Vikings were able to generate pressure on Aaron Rodgers through McCray. This will be the best option for the Redskins to slow Rodgers down as well.
In the run game, all three of the Redskins’ starting down linemen will be tough to handle. Allen and Payne come from Alabama and know how to hold the point. Both also come with a first-round pedigree. It’ll be important again this week for McCray to get the job done.
Aaron Jones’ return could bring a new spark to the offense the Packers have lacked over the past two weeks. But in order for that to happen, McCray and the rest of the offensive line will need to open holes against a stout Washington front.