NFL
Redskins Outplay the Packers to Grab the Win at Home
The Washington Redskins were the underdogs of the game, even though they were at home. The Packers are a strong team. Few receivers drop passes. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers gets them out of tough situations and the defense has been better in the first two weeks of this season then they have in years. Their good start came to an end, however, when they traveled to D.C. to face Alex Smith, Adrian Peterson, and the Redskins.
Are the Washington Redskins a Team to Fear?
The Redskins might be 2-1, but they remain a formidable force in the NFC East. Alex Smith is new to the Redskins way of life, but he had a outstanding last season with the Chiefs before his trade to Washington. Adrian Peterson is starting to look like the old Peterson from his days with the Vikings. Two rushing touchdowns and 120 yards for him this week proves that much. Smith threw for 220 yards and two touchdown passes. The Redskins defense also held Rodgers and the Packers to only 10 points in the first half. The Redskins’ only loss so far came from a strong Colts team enjoying the return of Pro-Bowl QB Andrew Luck.
Is It Over for the Packers?
It is way too early in the season to say if it is necessarily over for a team. However, defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is now out for the season and linebacker Nick Perry is in concussion protocol. Cornerback Kevin King has also been ruled out and Rodgers is looking increasingly strained with his knee injury — likely forcing him to sit out a couple of games down the stretch. Now the Packers are 1-1-1 with a a couple of tough games coming up. Fans might worry, but the Packers are known to somehow always make it through.
Their division is a tough one this year. The Lions started 0-2 and looked like a non-threat until they came out in Week 3 to beat the Patriots in primetime. The Vikings have the same record as the Packers, but with a significantly better running game and a higher-ranked defense, the Packers should be worried. The Bears were also never a main topic of conversation — until this year. Khalil Mack’s arrival has reinvigorated the Bears and they now lead the division.
Roughing the Passer
Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews III has been called on the controversial roughing the passer penalty each week of the season so far. The flag during the Vikings game arguably cost the Packers a 2-0 record. The penalty against the Redskins was more even more controversial. Many have stated that it is simply not fully possible to stop a 6’3″ 255 pound man from putting all their weight on a quarterback when running full speed. Matthews stated after the game: “The NFL is getting soft.”
Photo Credit: Keith Allison via Flickr
Don’t forget to follow TSJ101Sports and your favorite writers like me(Savannah) on Twitter!
