Green Bay Packers 2021 opponent preview: Washington Football Team
The Green Bay Packers take on the Washington Football Team at Lambeau Field in 2021.
Washington “won” the NFC East with an unimpressive 7-9 record last season, but they were the best team in the division and almost eliminated the soon-to-be Super Bowl-champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round, even with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback.
Ryan Fitzpatrick will take the reins for 2021, a good addition for Washington, as the team hopes to build on last season’s playoff appearance.
Last season
After starting the season 2-7, any hopes of reaching the playoffs seemed gone for Washington. However, with all four teams in the NFC East struggling to win games, the door was never slammed shut on the postseason.
Somehow, Washington went from winning two of its first nine games to finish the season with five wins out of the final seven games. It was good enough to finish with a 7-9 record and take the division crown.
As expected, they were one-and-done in the playoffs, losing 31-23 to the Bucs, but they put in a strong performance.
When is the game?
The Packers will host Washington in Week 7. The game is at Lambeau Field and takes place on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 12 noon CT.
Offseason additions/departures
Washington was busy in free agency making a number of good moves. Signing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick makes a ton of sense. He gets some help with the team also signing wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries. They strengthened the offensive line by drafting tackle Samuel Cosmi in the second round.
On defense, Washington signed cornerback William Jackson III in free agency then doubled-down at the position by drafting Benjamin St-Juste in the third round. They selected a potential future star in linebacker Jamin Davis in the first round.
Last meeting with Packers
December 8, 2019: Packers won 20-15 at Lambeau Field
Player to watch
Chase Young: The Packers’ offensive line will need to be ready for Chase Young. The NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler in 2020, Young was dominant in his first season with 7.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown. He should be even better in year two.