The Packers are coming off back-to-back losses in the regular season for the first time under Matt LaFleur. The losses have raised plenty of questions throughout the week. What will the coaching staff do with the offensive line? Do the Packers need to add a weapon? Does Aaron Rodgers have too much control over playcalling? Regardless of how the Packers answer these questions, they have to find a way back into the win column against the Washington Commanders, led by Taylor Heinicke, in week seven.
1. Pass Rush
The pass rush matchup in this game is as favorable for the Packers as it gets. The Commanders have allowed a league-leading 23 sacks through six weeks. Rashan Gary is tied for second in the NFL in sacks with 6.0. Gary had two sacks called back against the Giants which would have put him in the league lead. Gary has been a dominant force this year and is bringing constant pressure to opposing quarterbacks. On the other side, Preston Smith has 3.5 sacks of his own so far this season. Both guys will have a chance to put together big games against a weak offensive line.
2. Taylor Heinicke
Earlier this week it was announced that Carson Wentz would miss four to six weeks. As a result, Taylor Heinicke will get the start on Sunday against the Packers. Even though Heinicke kept Washington close against the Packers last year he still turns the ball over quite a bit. Last season he threw 15 interceptions. Against the Packers last season, he led his team to 10 points and threw an interception. He is making his first start of the season against a vicious Packers pass rush behind a bad offensive line. He’s going to have to outduel a determined Aaron Rodgers to pull of a win this week.
3. Aggressive Secondary
After the loss to the Giants, Joe Barry mentioned how his secondary has the talent to play more aggressively and that it will be a point of emphasis moving forward. Well, against the Jets, Jaire Alexander and company did just that. They held Zach Wilson to 110 passing yards on the day. The defense has some work to do against the run, but their new aggressive style is hopefully something that continues to be successful moving forward.
The Packers will host the Commanders for a 12 p.m kickoff on Fox.
As Always
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