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Previewing the Washington Redskins vs. Green Bay Packers in NFL Preseason Week 2

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins walks on to the field during a time out against the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins walks on to the field during a time out against the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

Redskins defense vs. Packers offense

On the other side of the ball, the Redskins are going to get a major test early in the contest if the Packers elect to give Aaron Rodgers a series. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he will be one of the few passers that will test Josh Norman. That will be an intriguing battle to watch if both end up on the field early in the game.

Beyond Rodgers, the team has a couple of high upside young guys in Brett Hundley and Joe Callahan. Hundley was a former fifth round pick with arm strength, mobility, and upside. He has been working in the Green Bay system for a few years now, so he may be ready to make the leap soon like Rodgers did back in the day. Callahan, meanwhile, is a gritty competitor who is a fine depth quarterback. Hundley will be the bigger test for the Redskins defense.

In the running game, the Redskins are going to have to focus on stopping a handful of rookie runners. Jamaal Williams of BYU is the most notable name. But the real focus for the Redskins will be on the performance of their inside linebackers. Martrell Spaight, Josh Harvey-Clemons, and Nico Marley are competing for roster spots, so if one does well against the run, that could be a major tiebreaker for them.

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It’s unclear if Fabian Moreau and Montae Nicholson, two rookie defensive backs, will be ready to go by this week’s game. Both just returned to full action recently, but may end up seeing a bit of action. If they see the field, they will be tested early on. The Packers have a nice collection of depth at the receiver position, so both will get a chance to prove themselves. With Nicholson fighting for a roster spot, he may be the most intriguing guy to watch. If he’s not healthy, Joshua Holsey will be worth keeping an eye on.

Two more guys to keep an eye on: Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson. The Alabama duo were the team’s first two draft picks in 2017, and both have a chance to win starting jobs. Anderson has virtually nobody to beat for the starting rush linebacker job while Allen displayed solid all-around ability in Week 1 and could challenge Ziggy Hood for the starting spot. Hopefully both will continue to impress in Week 2.

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