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Redskins: 3 standout performers from Week 3 victory over Packers

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after rushing for a first half touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after rushing for a first half touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen of Alabama looks on during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen of Alabama looks on during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. DL Jonathan Allen

One of the keys to Sunday’s game was getting pressure on Aaron Rodgers. The Redskins had issues pressuring the opposing QBs in the first two games of the year, but against the Packers, they were able to perform very well. And the interior defensive line was a part of that.

Allen, Matt Ioannidis, and Daron Payne all were able to notch sacks on the day, and part of that was because they kept attacking the Packers interior offensive line. Because Rodgers’ mobility was compromised, due to the knee injury he suffered in Week 1, the team was able to stop him in the backfield on multiple occasions. And Allen played a part in that.

Allen showed a well-rounded skill set that saw him perform well against the run but also take advantage of his pass rushing skills. He pushed his way into the backfield on many occasions and was helped by his teammates as well. He cleaned up, didn’t miss opportunities, and showed great technique. And getting that from the team’s former first-round pick was crucial.

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Allen standing out proved one important thing about this Redskins team. If they are going to get to opposing quarterbacks, it’s going to be from the inside. Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith are still solid starters, and Smith had seven tackles in the contest, but the young talent on the interior D-line just looks better. Greg Manusky should look to continue to scheme around getting interior pressure while the exterior rushers look to clean up the QB when he’s forced to exit the pocket.

Overall, the defensive line looked like a strength. It was entirely different than the Week 2 game where they looked more like an inexperienced liability. It will be interesting to see what they can accomplish moving forward and if they can develop some consistency after the bye week.

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