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Redskins vs. Packers: 5 Bold predictions for NFL Week 3

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football after a reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Redskins defeated the Cardinals 24-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football after a reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Redskins defeated the Cardinals 24-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Outside Linebacker Preston Smith #94 and strong safety Deshazor Everett #22 of the Washington Redskins celebrate after recovering a fumble in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinalsat FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Outside Linebacker Preston Smith #94 and strong safety Deshazor Everett #22 of the Washington Redskins celebrate after recovering a fumble in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinalsat FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

2. Preston Smith records 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

The Redskins have to get something out of their pass rush. Preston Smith and Ryan Kerrigan have been invisible to start the season and what was once looking like a strength for the team appears to be a weakness. Against the Packers, that has to change.

It won’t be easy to get exterior pressure on the Packers. David Bahktiari is one of the better left tackles in the NFL while Bryan Bulaga is solid on the right side…when healthy. They will do everything they can to keep Rodgers upright, which is especially important given the leg injury that he’s dealing with.

Part of me feels like the Redskins edge rush is too good to be shut out in three straight weeks. Sure, they didn’t take advantage of two weaker matchups, but perhaps the edge guys were just rounding into form. That may be an optimist’s take, but with just two weeks in the books, I’m not ready to give up on these guys yet.

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For some reason, this game just feels like one that Smith is going to show up for. Every so often, he puts forth a monster game where he demonstrates the potential to be a top edge rusher. Against the Packers, I could see that happening because of his excellent athletic ability and the fact that Rodgers won’t be able to escape the pocket if Smith can collapse it early.

I don’t think Smith will post a massive stat line, but logging a sack and a half and forcing a fumble should be enough to rattle the Packers a little bit. His athletic prowess and great length will be an asset in this game for sure, and if he shows up, the ‘Skins will definitely have a chance to emerge victoriously.

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