Packers Periscope: Week 14 vs Washington Redskins

Following back to back road games, the Green Bay Packers are back at Lambeau in week 14. On Sunday, a 9-3 Packers team will face the 3-9 Washington Redskins in their second game in a row against the NFC East. Last week, the Packers took care of business against the New York Giants pulling away in the second half for a final score of 31-13.

Once again, Green Bay will face a rookie quarterback, but this time in the form of Dwayne Haskins. Haskins has won his last two starts, both coming against teams the Packers have beaten this season in the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers. However, Haskins is only averaging 151.5 passing yards in those contests as the Redskins have benefited from strong rushing/defensive performances to come out on top.

A win on Sunday means Green Bay will have finished 3-1 against the NFC East in 2019. The Packers lead the all-time series over Washington 20-16-1 but have lost three of their previous five meetings. Luckily, Green Bay has won the last four games against the Redskins at home dating back to 2001. Also, Washington has never played at Lambeau in December.

The Redskins have struggled mightily this year and have only progressed slightly since the firing of head coach Jay Gruden after a 0-5 start. Their offense has been remarkably bad, ranking dead last in the NFL in many notable categories including points, total yards, and first downs. However, the Packers’ have to find a way to slow down running-back Derrius Guice who is coming off of a career-best 129 rushing yards on just 10 carries in last week’s game. Guice also added two touchdowns in his week 13 performance against the Panthers.

Outside of how they do in stopping the run, another matchup to keep an eye on while Green Bay is on defense is Terry McLaurin vs Jaire Alexander. The rookie out of Ohio State is up to 42 receptions for 646 yards and five touchdowns in 2019. McLaurin might be in the Rookie of the Year discussion if he were on a better team.

Meanwhile, the Packers’ offense got back on track somewhat last week thanks to a four-touchdown day for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers connected with Allen Lazard three times for a game-high total of 103 receiving yards.

Since his breakout performance on October 14 against the Lions, Lazard is now up to 330 yards on the year. He’s emerged as the second most consistent threat at receiver besides Davante Adams. On most teams, Lazard is probably a solid third option at best, but he has filled the void as the second man up for Green Bay more and more of late.

Washington’s defense has been average this year, ranking 19th in total defense. Still, that is nine spots better than the Packers. Rodgers and company should have plenty of chances to get points considering the state of the opposing offense.

Let’s hope Green Bay secures another convincing win.

 

 

 

Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.

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Comments (5)

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Lare's picture

December 06, 2019 at 02:05 pm

You would think this would be an easy win for the Pack, but you just never know. If they play like they can and not beat themselves they'll win. If they play like they did against the Chargers & 49ers they'll lose.

Hopefully, mistakes & poor officiating don't decide the outcome.

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flackcatcher's picture

December 06, 2019 at 02:35 pm

Classic trap game. Lose focus, lose the game. Still, let us not forget how thin the line is between winning and losing in this league. I expect the Packers to win, but...

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PeteK's picture

December 06, 2019 at 08:52 pm

Yes, Skins have played in some close games of late.

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stockholder's picture

December 06, 2019 at 02:38 pm

Just another big mouth Rookie who wants to beat Arron Rodgers. From Buckeye nut to Redskin Beer Nut. Bold and Clever won't work. His destiny is another Loss. It's time this defense rings his bell. The Nutcracker should be loud and piercing this Sunday. I see an early celebration.

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Flow49's picture

December 07, 2019 at 10:07 am

What’s sad but also a motivating factor for Washington is the NFC East is so bad they could probably make the playoffs if they win out. Rodgers, Jones and the D need to squash them early and kill their spirits.

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