Ranking every Redskins game from least to most difficult for 2018
3. Week 3 vs. Green Bay Packers
This may seem a bit high for the Packers. Last season, they were just 7-9 and they decide to retool their coaching staff under Mike McCarthy as a result. That said, the numbers from last season are obviously skewed by one big factor.
Last season, the Packers were without Aaron Rodgers for most of the year. The long-time Packers starter suffered a broken collarbone and missed 9-of-16 games. Without Rodgers, the Packers were just 3-6 and struggled to compete on offense.
Rodgers is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL when healthy. He has excellent mobility, a very strong arm, great accuracy, and very good instincts. He is the player that makes the Packers offense tick. And that offense could have a mini-renaissance with him back.
Though they parted with Jordy Nelson, the Packers still have Randall Cobb and Davante Adams. They also added Jimmy Graham in free agency and spent three picks on wide receivers. This infusion of youth and experience should give Rodgers some quality offensive weaponry. And if the running backs can chip in too, the offense should be well-balanced for the first time since Eddie Lacy was effective.
On defense, the Packers have made some big improvements to what was an underwhelming squad for the better part of five seasons. Mike Pettine will be the defensive coordinator, and that should really help their 3-4 defense start to improve. Also, by adding Muhammad Wilkerson to the defensive line and spending draft picks on Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, and Oren Burks, the team has ensured that all three units of their defense have been upgraded. So, they’ll stand a better chance of keeping opposing offenses in check.
The Redskins have the personnel needed to matchup with the Packers defense. Since they will be squaring off in Week 3, Pettine’s unit may not have gelled yet. For that reason, Gruden and the coaching staff should focus on developing a well thought out offensive gameplan to keep the Packers on their toes.
On offense, the effort will be much harder. The goal will be to limit Rodgers. You can’t fully stop him but if the offense can be slowed down, then the Redskins will have a chance to win. Thankfully, this tough test is a home game before the bye week, so the Redskins can feel free to pour everything they have into this contest to survive their first real test of the season.