Behind Enemy Lines: 5 questions to preview Packers-Washington

The Green Bay Packers (5-1) will welcome the Washington Football Team (2-4) to Lambeau Field for a Week 7 showdown between division winners from a season ago.

The two teams haven’t faced off since the 2019 season. The Packers won that game at Lambeau Field, but Washington won each of the previous meetings, both by double digits (2016, 2018).

To help preview the contest, Packers Wire asked five questions of Bryan Manning, the managing editor of Washington Wire. Here’s the Q&A.

How can the Washington defense get so much pressure on the quarterback but be so bad at preventing points?

Washington Wire: The defensive line has had good moments this season, but the group has underperformed as a whole. That’s especially true of defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat. While Young has recorded sacks in consecutive weeks, he’s failed to make game-changing plays. A bigger issue is the secondary. It’s an absolute mess. Washington allegedly upgraded at corner with William Jackson III, but he’s been terrible. Safety Landon Collins is now playing linebacker. The secondary is beaten deep every week.

Who is making the big plays on offense? Is there enough talent around a backup QB?

Washington Wire: Washington is battling several injuries. Antonio Gibson is banged up. Logan Thomas is out. Curtis Samuel has barely played. Terry McLaurin is the guy. Everyone knows he’s getting the ball, and he still makes plays. He can’t do it all himself, but he tries. Backup RB J.D. McKissic is also a player to watch. He should be more involved in the offense. He’s an outstanding receiver out of the backfield.

Has there been a common denominator in Washington’s losses this season?

Washington Wire: Yes, defensive struggles. As mentioned earlier, it is the secondary. It’s always the same mistakes – miscommunication in the secondary. I’ve never seen safeties and corners more confused about zone responsibilities.

Who needs to start stepping up for Washington?

Washington Wire: The obvious choices are the four starting defensive linemen: Young, Sweat, Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. But Allen is quietly dominating, as usual. The two players who need to step up are Jackson and fellow corner Kendall Fuller. These two get roasted weekly, and the defensive will never improve if that continues.

How can Washington pull off the upset?

Washington Wire: By surrounding Taylor Heinicke with a running game. Heinicke is dangerous off play-action; the running game only enhances that ability. Heinicke also needs to use his legs more. When he runs, it makes Washington’s offense more dangerous. Defensively, it’s all about pressure. Washington must force the Packers to drive the field by eliminating the big plays. If each of things happens, the WFT has a chance at pulling off the upset.

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