When I wrote my season preview for the Packers, I predicted the Packers to lose in Washington today.
I also predicted the Pack would be undefeated until this point.
And after today I think I will be wrong about both predictions after the Packers beat the Redskins in Washington today.
Here's why.
Washington has played very well so far in defeating NFC East foes Philadelphia and Dallas to sit atop the NFC East division, widely considered one of the best divisions top to bottom in the NFL.
However, what that doesn't say about the Redskins is that in transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 this year, their pass defense is one of the worst in the NFL after 4 games, allowing a whopping 301.0 ypg.
Now, the Packers offense hasn't exactly been clicking through four games. The Packers did not have an offensive scoring drive against the Lions, yes, the LIONS, in the second half.
However, a win is a win.
Rodgers through a career low 17 passes against Detroit, making it the first time in his career he had thrown fewer than 20 pass attempts in 36 starts.
With a lack of any sort of balance in the Packers offense whatsoever, I foresee McCarthy calling passing plays and lots of them.
Rodgers can easily carve up the Redskins defense with his plethora of weapons: Jennings, Finley, Driver, Nelson, Jones.
But what may be more important in this game for the Packers is their pass protection.
Both tackles, Clifton and Tauscher, are a little banged up, which means rookie Bryan Bulaga and T.J. Lang may need to step in for some relief on the offensive line.
The Packers will be lucky to not face nose tackle Albert Haynesworth, who is away on family leave after his half-brother was killed in an accident.
That being said, the Redskins still have pass rushing threats including Brian Orakpo, London Fletcher, and hard-hitting safety LaRon Landry.
The Packers will definitely need to be more productive on the offensive side of the ball to win at FedEx Field, and I think the banged up Packers defense does just enough to contain Donovan McNabb.
Look out for Goldilocks.
Packers 27, Redskins 17
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