Washington vs. Packers game recap: Everything we know

The Green Bay Packers improved to 6-1 after a 24-10 victory over the Washington Football Team in Week 7. The loss is Washington’s third in a row, and it falls to 2-5 on the season.

Washington and the Packers were tied at seven late in the first half when Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers engineered a last-second drive to give the Packers a 14-7 lead.

Washington would begin the second half with the football. Antonio Gibson ran back for six yards on the first play — more on this later. On the next play, Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke is sacked and fumbles the football, giving the Packers outstanding field position to open the half. A few plays later, Rodgers found tight end Robert Tonyan for a 20-yard touchdown to give Green Bay a 21-7 lead.

Washington would have multiple opportunities in the third quarter in the red zone and came up short each time.

Here’s everything we know from Washington’s 24-10 loss to the Packers.

Final score: Packers 24, Washington 10

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
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The game was competitive through three quarters, and Washington had a chance — even down 14 points — but the offense failed each time, leading to a relatively easy Green Bay victory.

Keys to the game

Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) breaks away for a long first-down run in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
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• Heading into this week, it was important for Heinicke to use his legs more. He did, rushing for 95 yards, and it helped Washington’s offense move the ball. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough to win the game.

• The defense sacked Rodgers three times in the first half. While Rodgers produced good overall numbers, he wasn’t making big plays down the field. He didn’t need to, obviously, but give credit to Washington’s defense. It played better — without cornerback William Jackson III.

• In this game, Antonio Gibson had two back-breaking plays: he tripped on the first play from scrimmage in the second half with nothing but green grass in front of him. He also fumbled inside the five-yard line, although Washington did recover. It was his third fumble of the season.

• Heinicke’s drive short of the goal line in the third quarter perfectly encapsulates this Washington team in 2021.

It was over when....

Oct 24, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) fumbles the ball in the third quarter after a tackle by Green Bay Packers linebacker Krys Barnes (51) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Gibson tripped on the first carry of the second half on a play that went for six yards. There was nothing but green grass in front of Gibson, who essentially tripped over his own feet once he got through initial contact. Washington turned the ball over on the next play, which the Packers converted into a touchdown, and a 14-point lead.

Washington would never recover.

Players of the game

Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
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• QB Taylor Heinicke: 25-37, 268 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception. 10 carries, 95 yards rushing.

• WR Terry McLaurin: 7 receptions, 122 yards, 1 touchdown

• DT Jonathan Allen: 2 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 3 quarterback hits.

Heinicke and McLaurin are on this list with asterisks. Heinicke had some good moments, he also had his share of bad moments. He was mostly responsible for Washington’s ability to move the ball — and keep it from scoring.

McLaurin dropped a touchdown.

Allen is the most consistent player on this team. On a defensive line loaded with hype, Allen is the only one who consistently delivers.

Defense was better

Oct 24, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Washington’s defense gave it a chance to win this game. Aaron Rodgers had a good game, but outside of one play, he wasn’t spectacular. Rodgers did what he had to do to win the game. The Packers have a tough schedule in front of them and simply wanted to get out of this game healthy with a win. That’s what happened.

Washington’s defense got to Rodgers three times. There were no back-breaking deep balls this week — that’s progress. Jamin Davis did get beaten badly on the Robert Tonyan touchdown, but overall, I was encouraged by what I saw from Davis.

William Jackson III did not play, while Landon Collins played in the box. That seemed to help Washington’s defense.

What's next

Jan 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates his interception in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Washington is back on the road in Week 8 with a trip to Denver. The Broncos won their first three games, but have lost their last four. Washington badly needs a win before its bye in Week 9. Tampa Bay comes to FedEx Field in Week 10.

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