Green Bay Packers 2022 opponent preview: Washington Commanders

A Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders begins a long run of road games for the Green Bay Packers.

Starting here, Green Bay will play away from Lambeau Field three weeks in a row.

What can the Packers expect from the Commanders?

Last season

In 2020, a 7-9 record was good enough for the Commanders to win the NFC East and host a playoff game. In 2021, a 7-10 record earned them just third position in the division.

Washington remained in contention after four straight victories left the team 6-6 entering the final stretch.

However, four straight defeats, all within the division, ended the Commanders’ hopes. Two of those losses were to the Dallas Cowboys, the other two against the Philadelphia Eagles.

When is the game?

The Packers-Commanders matchup is set for Week 7. The game kicks off at noon CT on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Offseason additions/departures

The Commanders traded for quarterback Carson Wentz, a move they hope will make them playoff contenders. A risky move, however, as Wentz joins his third team in as many years.

Washington got Wentz some help in the draft by selecting wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Dotson and Terry McLaurin can form a strong pair.

Where they haven’t helped their quarterback is by not re-signing five-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.

Have the Commanders done enough to become competitive in the NFC? I’m not so sure.

Last meeting with Packers

October 24, 2021: Packers won 24-10 at Lambeau Field

Player to watch

Carson Wentz: Which version of Wentz will turn up? The Packers will be hoping it is the Wentz that played at Lambeau Field in 2020 (6/15, 79 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs) and not the one who won at Green Bay in 2019 (16/27, 160 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs).

If the Commanders are to have any chance of winning this game, Wentz needs to put in a strong performance.