Green Bay will kick off Week 2 of the NFL season when it hosts the Washington Commanders on Sept. 11.
Packers’ offense vs. Commanders’ defense
Washington’s defense was a turnover-happy bunch a season ago. With Dan Quinn at the helm, the Commanders’ defense improved to a point to get them to the NFC Championship game, where they ultimately fell against the Philadelphia Eagles.
They added some reinforcements this offseason, including pass rusher Von Miller. He’ll pair with last season’s trade deadline acquisition Marshon Lattimore, who they’re hoping to have a clean bill of health.
Overall, however, this group is one that can be had. Lattimore struggled when he was traded to Washington. Trey Amos was a second round pick who could be projected to start early in the season.
Mike Sainristil had some nice moments and has a nose for the football dating back to his college days at Michigan.
The middle of the defensive line is led by Daron Payne, who has been a good player in Washington.
Taking care of the ball is paramount against this team. They were +1 in turnover margin a season ago in the regular season, but that moved up to +6 in the postseason.
Quinn’s teams are almost always opportunistic.
Packers’ defense vs. Commanders’ offense
Micah Parsons joins a front that should have its work cut out for them against Jayden Daniels.
Remember a year ago when they faced Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson and they kept talking about keeping them in the pocket?
This is not as simple, because Daniels is an ascending star at the quarterback position. But he’s just as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. The front will need to keep him under wraps.
Washington’s offense is built largely around Daniels.
Terry McLaurin is a star, and he recently received a contract extension.
He was a thorn in Green Bay’s side the last time these two teams met at Lambeau Field. McLaurin caught a deep touchdown pass over then-rookie Eric Stokes for Washington’s only score of the day.
Along with McLaurin, the Packers will have to deal with the ever reliable Zach Ertz. Ertz emerged as a go-to target for Daniels last season and is especially a big target for Daniels on key downs.
In addition to those guys, old nemesis Deebo Samuel was acquired by the Commanders this offseason. He will be a slot receiver for the team and likely find himself in a gadget role that he saw a season ago.
This Washington offense is incredibly diverse, and the Packers will have their work cut out for them.