Sep 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The week two matchup between the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers will be nationally televised on Fox this Sunday. Having lost last weekend, both teams will look to avoid an 0-2 hole at the start of the season.
Here is a complete breakdown of Sunday afternoon’s game.
Where: Lambeau Field
When: September 15, 2013, 1:00 PM ET
Watch: Fox
Live Stream: NFL Mobile with Verizon
Redskins Player to Watch: Brandon Meriweather
July 30, 2012; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins defensive back Brandon Meriweather (31) walks to the field during training camp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Meriweather will start at safety for the first time since tearing his ACL last November. He’s also been hampered by a groin injury.
He and his fellow Redskins secondary players will need to find a way to slow down Aaron Rodgers and that explosive receiving corps.
Packers Player to Watch: Randall Cobb
Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) during warmups prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s face it: the Redskins secondary is not very good, even with the return of Meriweather. The unit is unproven. Cobb could get the best of matchups against DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson, and possibly rookie corner David Amerson.
Cobb is an underrated receiver who could break out this year. He could start that against Washington.
Matchup to Watch: Redskins Front Seven vs. Packers Offensive Line
Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Stephen Bowen (72) lines up against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay’s offensive line has dealt with injuries over the past year that has slowed down the effectiveness of the offense, even if Aaron Rodgers may not make that seem true. In reality, he’s been sacked more than any other quarterback since 2008.
Washington’s front seven of the 3-4 defense is a solid unit that can take advantage of matchups and possibly get to Aaron Rodgers on a consistent basis. Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo will be trouble for Green Bay’s offensive line.
Prediction
Despite the holes the Packers offensive line may have, Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and will exploit a mediocre Redskins secondary. Packers 31, Redskins 24