Packers: 3 key matchups vs. Commanders in Week 7
What are the top three matchups to watch in the Green Bay Packers’ game against the Washington Commanders in Week 7?
Coming off of defeats to the New York Giants and New York Jets, the Green Bay Packers aim to get back to winning ways on Sunday when they meet the Washington Commanders.
Last week, Green Bay’s inability to block the Jets’ pass rushers proved to be a game-changing matchup.
Which three matchups could define Sunday’s contest with the Commanders?
1. Packers offensive line vs. Commanders pass rush
Like last week, Green Bay’s pass rush gets a huge test.
The Commanders have made 19 sacks this season, tied for fourth in the NFL. According to Pro Football Reference, they also have 66 pressures this year, tied for third.
Washington’s defensive line could be a major issue for a Green Bay offense that couldn’t block anyone last week, allowing four sacks and nine quarterback hits against New York.
If the Packers don’t have the answer to the Commanders’ pass rush, it will be another rough day for the offense.
They will hope David Bakhtiari is available; he was downgraded to questionable on the injury report on Saturday.
2. Jaire Alexander vs. Terry McLaurin
When Jaire Alexander matches up one-on-one with a top wide receiver, he is often the winner.
Last week, Alexander followed Jets rookie Garrett Wilson for much of the game and dominated. The Packers should have Alexander shadow Terry McLaurin in this game.
Packers CB Jaire Alexander followed an opposing WR1 for the first time this season last week against Garrett Wilson, holding him to no catches on four targets with three PBUs.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 21, 2022
Does he hope to follow Commanders WR1 Terry McLaurin on Sunday?
"Yeah, that'd be cool to do."
McLaurin is Washington’s top wide receiver. If Alexander follows him one-on-one, it will be a crucial matchup in the game.
3. Packers run defense vs. Commanders run game
The only reason this isn’t higher on the list is because the Commanders are 24th in rushing offense. But that won’t matter if the Packers don’t improve up front.
The Packers have the 27th-ranked run defense this season. The only time they’ve had any success stopping the run was in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For reference, the Bucs rank 32nd in rushing offense this season.
Until Green Bay shows it can stop it, teams are going to keep running the ball.