3 Questions to be answered as Washington Redskins take on Green Bay Packers

Week 1 of the preseason didn’t go the way of the Washington Redskins. The team is looking to bounce back in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers.

In a 23-3 loss to the Ravens, Washington’s first real in game action left much to be desired. Offensively they were pedestrian and struggled to get anything going and defensively there were players that shined. Overall it wasn’t a great outing for the unit under new defensive coordinator, Greg Manusky. Although it is only the first preseason game, much has changed with this team since they last played and it’s important that they are able to hit the ground running if they want to stand a chance in what is shaping into a competitive division. Looking forward to Saturday’s showdown with Green Bay, there is much that must be improved from Week 1.

3. Who will step up at outside linebacker?

In Week 1, Washington’s defense took a huge blow when outside linebacker Trent Murphy tore his ACL, and was lost for the season. With Junior Galette not having played for two seasons due to back to back Achilles tears and already being ruled out for Saturdays game, having depth at outside linebacker is important for Washington.

Going into his third season, linebacker Preston Smith’s development is big for Washington’s defense. In his rookie season the Mississippi State product was on fire with five sacks over the final three weeks of the 2015 season tallying eight total, but disappeared in his second year totaling 4.5. He was almost invisible for most of the year. However, Smith will be a game time decision this weekend, and should he play, his ability to sure up the edge and pressure the quarterback is important to see where Washington stands with options heading into the regular season.

Rookie Ryan Anderson flashed several times throughout training camp and Week 1 in Baltimore, as seen on this play below.

The Alabama rookie has a nose for the ball and is a physical player who should provide vital snaps on the defense this year. The young pass rusher has been limited in practice this week since suffering a stinger in the Ravens loss, and is listed as a game time decision, but says he feels fine. Assuming Anderson plays he stands a chance to cement himself as a main rotational piece when starters Ryan Kerrigan and Galette need a break.