5 Packers to watch vs. Commanders in Week 7
The Green Bay Packers [3-3] enter Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders [2-4] desperate to snap a two-game losing streak. In their previous two games, the Packers have scored 32 combined points in losses to the Giants and Jets.
In last week’s loss to the Jets, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times and hit nine times. Rodgers was frustrated after the Packers’ loss and mentioned that the offense needed to be simplified.
Rodgers backed off that statement later, but it’s clear there is some frustration coming from the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback.
What do the Packers need to do to win? Which players are key to a Green Bay win?
We’ve named five Packers that Washington players should keep an eye on in Sunday’s Week 7 game from FedEx Field.
QB Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is hit by New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91). Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
You didn’t think we would make this list and not include Rodgers, did you? Anytime you play the Packers, Rodgers is the No. 1 player you must prepare for. Rodgers isn’t having a season up to his typical standards, but he’s still capable of singlehandedly leading Green Bay to a win over anyone. The Packers struggled with protecting Rodgers last week, particularly against Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. The Commanders have a terrific pair of defensive tackles in Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. If Rodgers stays clean in the pocket, one of his younger wide receivers could have a breakout performance.
RB Aaron Jones
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Jones is good. No, Aaron Jones is really good. In six games this season, Jones has rushed for over 100 yards twice and has over 400 rushing yards in total. However, he has only reached the end zone once on the ground. Part of the issue with Jones is head coach Matt LaFleur sometimes goes away from him too soon. The Packers have an excellent 1-2 punch in Jones and AJ Dillon, but Jones is the more complete back. Chicago’s running game had plenty of success last week against Washington, so don’t be surprised if the Packers follow a similar blueprint.
WR Romeo Doubs
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) against the New England Patriots place kicker Quinn Nordin (13). Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
One thing is certain; there is no Davante Adams on this roster. That’s part of the issue for Rodgers this season. He’s still trying to figure out who his best wide receivers are. Tight end Robert Tonyan leads the team with 27 receptions but is averaging eight yards per catch. Next is rookie wideout Romeo Doubs. Doubs has 26 catches but is only averaging nine yards per reception. With Rodgers’ favorite Randall Cobb likely out this week, don’t be surprised if Doubs becomes a popular target for Rodgers. Rodgers trusts Allen Lazard the most, but someone else needs to step up. Washington’s secondary could provide Doubs a chance at a career game.
LT David Bakhtiari
Green Bay Packers David Bakhtiari (69) looks to Blok New England Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (58). Syndication: Journal Sentinel
How healthy is All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari? He did practice all week last week and played the entire game against the Jets. So far this week, Bakhtiari has been on the practice field. That’s good news for the Packers and Rodgers. Washington defensive end Montez Sweat has been playing at an elite level recently and could be matched up with Bakhtiari at different times in the game. Bakhtiari is one of the NFL’s most accomplished offensive linemen, and his presence is huge for the Packers. Not only is he still a great player, but he stabilizes the Green Bay offensive line. Bakhtiari was PFF’s top pass blocker in Week 6.
Best pass blocking OTs in Week 6 🧱 pic.twitter.com/ToxD1pL6RS
— PFF (@PFF) October 18, 2022
EDGE Rashan Gary
Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) celebrates getting a sack against the New York Jets with teammate linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (59). Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Rashan Gary has improved in each of his first three NFL seasons. Last season, he recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks. In six games this season, Gary already has six sacks. Washington has struggled in pass protection this season but was much better last week. Gary is the latest challenge. How the Commanders account for Gary will be critical for new quarterback Taylor Heinicke Sunday.
