GREEN BAY – The Packers’ defense continues to impress.
After a standout performance against Detroit, they showcased their strength again, beating Washington 27-18 on Thursday night at Lambeau Field. The defense’s mix of a powerful pass rush and a tight secondary kept the Commanders from finding their rhythm, especially against last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Jayden Daniels.
Daniels struggled, completing just 24 of 42 passes for 200 yards. He faced four sacks and was hit 12 times. Even on the ground, he only managed 17 yards on seven attempts. Rashan Gary, a defensive lineman, noted, “We focused on rushing together. We wanted to keep him in the pocket because he’s good at escaping.”
The Commanders’ offense started slowly, gaining only 82 yards and four first downs in the first half. Micah Parsons, who increased his playtime from the previous game, was relentless, making key plays that pressured Daniels. This included a significant sack alongside linebacker Edgerrin Cooper that pushed Daniels back 10 yards.
Washington’s attempts to score were thwarted when a 52-yard field goal bounced off the upright, crucially keeping the Packers ahead at 14-3.
Xavier McKinney, a safety, expressed confidence in the defense’s future as Parsons continues to earn more snaps on the field, stating, “As he gets more time, we’re only going to improve.”
Despite the light workload, the secondary had moments to shine. Cornerback Keisean Nixon had an impressive five passes defensed, marking the most by a Packers player since 2018. He managed to neutralize Washington’s receivers, who combined for only two catches for 11 yards.
Even with some late-game air yardage from Washington, the Packers held a firm grip on the game, limiting their run game to just 51 yards on 19 carries—hardly a repeat of their previous 230-yard outing against New York. This marked the second-lowest rushing yards given up by the Packers in the first two games since 1970, trailing only the 78 yards from 2016.
Parsons pointed out their game plan, mentioning how their consistency forced Washington to earn their points and highlighted the importance of minimizing big plays.
In addition to strong defense, wide receiver Malik Heath made a spectacular sideline catch that initially confused the officials. After a review, the catch was upheld, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Running back Josh Jacobs managed to extend his franchise record with a touchdown, scoring in ten consecutive games. He acknowledged feeling he could’ve done more but was pleased with the win.
After an injury sidelined Jayden Reed early in the game, the Packers relied on their depth, with players like Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs stepping up to fill the gap. Wicks made four catches, while Doubs scored another touchdown. They even executed a clever trick play involving rookie Savion Williams, emphasizing their versatility and depth as a team.
Overall, the Packers’ defense and teamwork not only secured a win but also set a promising stage for the rest of the season.
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