WR Randall Cobb vs. CB Will Blackmon
The Packers will play their three wide receiver sets more often than not, forcing nickel coverage from Washington.
When the Skins play in their sub-package, they move cornerback Will Blackmon, the former Packer, inside to take the slot receiver in this case Randall Cobb.
Blackmon has been in on seven turnover plays this season, but now in his 9th campaign. He relies on his savvy and experience rather than physical skills that have understandably waned over the years.
This is a matchup Cobb must win and is one of several on the perimeter of this game the Packers really feel good about.
Aaron Rodgers vs. Washington defense
If the Packers' banged up offensive line can keep Aaron Rodgers clean, he has a great opportunity to go after this Washington pass defense.
Washington plays a little softer on the perimeter than most teams. They use more zone coverages and their secondary is a mix and match of veterans, most of whom have seen better days.
Cornerback Chris Culliver went on the injured list earlier this season, former Packer Will Blackmon joined the team the second week of the regular season and now, he starts.
On the other side, second year player Bashaud Breeland is a bit undersized ,but he competes effectively in man-to-man with two interceptions and 16 pass breakups.
In the sub package, they lost Kyshoen Jarrett last week. When they go to nickel, Quinton Dunbar, a rookie free agent from Florida, plays outside with Blackmon moving into the slot.
Blackmon is a veteran playmaker, but he does not have ideal skills to beat a player of Cobb’s capability.
Overall, Washington plays soft in man-to-man, and as I said they use more zone coverages than most teams play, especially against the Packers this season.
Now that could change, and if it does, this is the worst secondary (talent-wise) the Packers have seen since Dallas and they should be able to take advantage.
Packers' pass protection vs. Washington pass rush
To take advantage of the secondary matchups that favor the Packers, they must keep quarterback Aaron Rodgers clean.
Rodgers has been sacked 13 times in the last two games, and the Redskins pass rush has recorded four or more sacks in three straight games.
Washington, in pass rush situations, likes to line up with outside linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith outside. They move defensive end Chris Baker inside with Jason Hatcher, the former Dallas Cowboy.
Kerrigan leads the team with 9.5 sacks while Smith, a rookie out of Mississippi State, has been red hot with five sacks in the last three games.
The Packers will probably not have David Bakhtiari at left tackle due to a persistent ankle injury.
It appears they will go with JC Ttretter at that spot this week and keep Josh Sitton, the all-pro guard, inside where he is at his best.
At right tackle, Bryan Bulaga continues to play with a sore knee and ankle.
The Packers will be stressed greatly at these spots. Kerrigan is a tireless worker and an outstanding rusher. Smith is long, athletic and quick.
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For the Packers to win this game ,they will have to control the Skins pass-rushing front. If they do, Rodgers and his receivers will turn the clock back to - oh, say 2014!
By Sunday night Packers fans might be partying like it’s 2010!!!!
