3 things Packers must do to beat Commanders in Week 7

To beat the Washington Commanders in Week 7, the Green Bay Packers must do these three things.

If the Green Bay Packers are to end their losing run on Sunday, they have a lot to improve.

Despite entering Week 7 with a losing record, the Washington Commanders have talent on both sides of the ball. If the Packers don’t play better than last week, they will lose again.

So, for Matt LaFleur’s team to get back on track, they must do these three things.

1. Protect Aaron Rodgers

Last week’s offensive line performance was about as bad as we’ve seen in Green Bay for quite some time. Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times and the New York Jets made nine quarterback hits. Meanwhile, running backs had trouble even reaching the line of scrimmage at times.

Whether Matt LaFleur sticks with the same starting five or reshuffles the line, serious improvements are needed.

Like the Jets, the Commanders have an excellent front seven. They have made 19 sacks this season, tied for fourth-most in the NFL.

If the offensive line doesn’t significantly improve, it will be another long day for the offense.

2. Stop the run

Until the Packers show they can stop the run, they will keep getting tested.

Washington is starting a backup quarterback. Green Bay has to put the game in his hands and can’t allow the Commanders to lean on their rushing attack.

The Packers have the league’s sixth-worst run defense. This has to change for the team to get back to winning ways.

3. Remember they are allowed to score in the second half, too

Seven — that’s the number of points the Packers’ offense has scored in the second half of their past two games combined.

In the second half of their defeats to the New York Giants and New York Jets, their possessions have gone like this: punt, punt, turnover on downs, failed Hail Mary, punt, blocked punt for touchdown, touchdown, turnover on downs, turnover on downs.

It’s hard to win football games when you fail to show up in the second half. It’s even harder when the offense doesn’t show up in the first half, either, like last week against the Jets.

Unless the Packers have a 30-0 lead at halftime, they best remember to score some points in the third and fourth quarters on Sunday.