Packers Host Commanders in Intriguing Week Two Matchup
The Green Bay Packers turn the lights back on in Lambeau Field for their Week Two matchup against the Washington Commanders. After opening the season with a dominant divisional performance against the Detroit Lions, the Packers now look to build momentum in front of their home crowd against a young Commanders team looking to build off of last year’s success. With Green Bay balancing big new additions and young talent, this game provides another chance to show just how the Packers' roster is coming together early in the season. In what could be a potential NFC Championship Game preview, the Packers will look to shut down Washington in primetime.
Quarterback Jordan Love enters his second start of the season, now looking to build consistency with his receivers, throwing to over eight receivers in the win on Sunday. Rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden drew much-earned attention after his NFL debut and will once again be a player to watch this week as he will line up alongside veteran receivers Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks. All of whom had great starts to the season on Sunday. Washington’s secondary, which has shown to be inconsistent in recent seasons, will be tested by Green Bay’s speed and depth throughout the wide receiver position. Love’s ability to establish a comfortable rhythm early in the game could give the Packers control of the game’s pace.
The offensive line will also have a big role to play. Also, building off momentum from last week, the OL did good work in protecting Love, allowing him to throw the ball more comfortably. Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan continue to maintain their starting spots and will again be held responsible for keeping Love protected against a Commanders starting front that still contains both size and strength despite some changes to the roster. Establishing the run and handing off the ball to running back Josh Jacobs early will be very important in this matchup, giving Green Bay balance and keeping Washington’s defense from disrupting the passing game.
Defensively, all eyes remain on newly acquired star Micah Parsons, who made his Packers debut last week, putting on a show, including one sack, and raised expectations for the unit immediately. Parsons’ speed and versatility will be very important against Washington’s young and improving offense, which is still searching for its rhythm. Alongside Parsons on the front line, Lukas Van Ness and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper look to bring a strong energy and aggressiveness to a front seven that will hopefully set the tone at the line of scrimmage. Green Bay’s secondary, anchored by league veteran and second-year Packer Xavier McKinney, will look to limit explosive plays and give the pass rush opportunities to make an impact. The defense is coming off an impressive start to the season and is only hoping to grow that momentum, adding to their interception numbers, which are already listed at one in part due to Parsons' pressure and a great read from Evan Williams.
For Washington, led by young quarterback Jayden Daniels, this game will represent an important test on the road for the team, as these teams could meet in the playoffs this season. With a young quarterback, a second-year coach, and a defense trying to regain its edge, the Washington Commanders hope to outplay the Packers at Lambeau. Their ability to pressure Love and force turnovers will play a key role if they hope to leave Lambeau with a win. While it is still early in the season, Week Two offers the Packers a chance to solidify their identity and earn another statement victory in front of their fans as strong favorites across the league. A win at Lambeau would not only add to their confidence but also lay claim to Green Bay’s position as the team to watch in the NFC.
