All week Packers head coach Mike McCarthy talked about improving in two fundamental areas: tackling and ball security. The Packers handled both of those concerns in their 21-17 preseason win over the Redskins on Saturday night.
"Defensively in the coverage units we were all over the football tonight," McCarthy said after the game. "We took a step in the right direction."
Aside from a botched punt return by Trevor Davis and a fumble from third string quarterback Joe Callahan, the Packers ball security also took a step in the right direction.
Aaron Rodgers saw his first preseason action on the opening offensive drive of the game. Rodgers led the Packers 75 yards on 15 plays, capped off with a jump-ball touchdown pass to tight end Martellus Bennett.
"I threw it a little low, he's been calling for it up high," Rodgers said. "He had a great route, a nice release off the ball. He's going to be a big part of our offense."
Brett Hundley came in relief for Rodgers after that. He threw 9 for 10 with 107 yards and his second touchdown pass of the preseason, finding rookie running back Aaron Jones on a five yard screen pass.
"I thought Brett probably had one of his best nights as a Packer," McCarthy said.
Rookie undrafted quarterback Taysom Hill capped off the game in the fourth quarter with a game-winning 23 yard touchdown run, furthering his case for a spot on the 53 man roster.
"Taysom played really well, I feel like I've said that a lot," McCarthy said. "Most responsibility falls on the quarterback. He did a very good job managing that."
The Packers running game struggled for the second straight week. The Packers averaged only 3.8 yards on 29 carries. fourth string quarterback Taysom Hill was the leading rusher with 38 yards.
Linebacker Jordan Tripp left the game with a concussion and Dean Lowry exited with a knee injury. LaDarius Gunter and Derrick Mathews were both hurt as well.
The Packers will face the Broncos in Denver on Saturday, August 26 at 8:00 p.m. in week three of the preseason.
