Packers writer sets expectations on Micah Parsons playing on a short week, and knows they can shut down the Commanders’ run game
Getting a pulse on the Green Bay Packers ahead of Thursday Night Football.
The Washington Commanders have a quick turnaround this week after beating the New York Giants, as they travel to take on the Green Bay Packers for Thursday Night Football. Washington hasn’t won at Lambeau Field since 1986, and they’re looking to break the streak with franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.
It’s still early in the season, so I had to ask our Packers beat writer, Wendell Ferreira, a few questions to get a real pulse of what to expect on Thursday after they embarrassed the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Do you think Parsons gets an increased snap count on Thursday?
“Because it’s a short week, I would expect a limited role for him once again versus the Commanders, especially since he felt tired down the stretch in Week 1. Ideally, he would play the most important downs, and then be ready as a full go in Week 3 after the mini-bye. The most notable part of his impact, beyond the evident individual production, is how much he frees up defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to be creative. The Packers used something they call the “Cheetah Package,” with three natural edge defenders on the field at the same time, and one of them (usually Parsons himself or Lukas Van Ness) as an interior rusher. Eventually, Parsons could play some off-ball linebacker snaps as well, and Hafley proved last year he’s a very creative defensive mind.” – Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports Green Bay
This is great to hear for the Commanders’ offense, which struggled to get things going at times. Jayden Daniels also had his lowest single-game passer rating against the blitz on Sunday vs the Giants with a 43.3 rating.
Will RT Zach Tom play after suffering an injury on Sunday?
“The big problem for the Packers is that Zach Tom is not the only injured starting offensive lineman. Left guard Aaron Banks also left the Lions game with an injury, and that will stress the depth. If only one of them can’t play, last year’s first-round pick Jordan Morgan can play—he’s been the sixth offensive lineman at basically any spot besides center. But if both Tom and Banks are out, Matt LaFleur will have a tough decision to make. Morgan would probably play left guard. On Sunday, after Tom went down, recently-acquired Darian Kinnard (a former Philadelphia Eagle) got in at right tackle, but rookie second-rounder Anthony Belton finished the game there.” – Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports Green Bay
The Commanders’ defense took advantage of Andrew Thomas being out for the Giants and put on the best defensive line performance we’ve seen in a long time. They can do the same against the Packers, who might have to shuffle their offensive line on a short week.
The Packers’ run defense dominated the Lions. Are they the real deal, or just a Week 1 showing?
“It’s sustainable because the Packers were already a top 10 run defense last year, even with an underwhelming year for Kenny Clark and TJ Slaton. Former fourth-round pick Colby Wooden is stronger and played well, while the defense has bet on disruptors upfront, like Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks, to generate explosive plays against the run—which was something rare for the Packers when Mike Pettine and Joe Barry were the defensive coordinators. The off-ball linebackers have also been extremely efficient at closing gaps with speed. Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker, in particular, are big parts of what the Packers want to execute to be in favorable positions on late downs.” – Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports Green Bay
This was the most impressive thing I saw this weekend. Holding Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to only 46 yards on 22 carries is really hard to do, especially after trading your top defensive tackle. Washington needs to get a run game going somehow, and maybe Daniels is the key difference.
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The must-see game of the week is on primetime.
