6 observations from Packers’ win over Redskins

Six quick observations from the Packers’ 20-15 win over the Redskins on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay Packers stormed out to a 14-0 lead before holding on and beating the Washington Redskins during a mild December afternoon at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

The victory improved Matt LaFleur’s team to 10-3 after 13 games, making him the first Packers coach to ever win 10 games in his first season.

Here are six observations from the Packers’ 20-15 win over the Redskins:

1. Mistakes from Rodgers prevents blowout: Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers cost the Packers points on at least three drives. He overthrew Jimmy Graham on a would-be touchdown, lost on a fumble inside the 30-yard line and overshot on Aaron Jones on another potential touchdown. He also nearly threw an interception in Washington territory on third down. The offense was disjointed and lacking rhythm over the final three quarters, and the quarterback was a big reason why. With a better day from No. 12, the Packers probably win by 20 or more.

2. Fizzling out after a fast start: The Packers started fast, building a 14-0 lead with an efficient passing game based around the tight end position, but once the opening script was over, the offense fizzled out and accomplished next to nothing in the air. This has been a recurring theme for the Packers offense. The fast starts just don’t last. Matt LaFleur can certainly craft an effective opening 15-play script, but why can’t the Packers maintain it? That’s a question LaFleur and the Packers need to find an answer for over the final three games.

3. Alexander shadows McLaurin: The Packers haven’t had Jaire Alexander follow around receivers much, if ever, in 2019, but the second-year cornerback shadowed rookie receiver Terry McLaurin all afternoon Sunday. For the first 55 minutes, Alexander scored a decisive victory. His quickness and route-recognition ability really gave McLaurin problems, and not having McLaurin available as a first read was a big reason why Dwayne Haskins struggled in the pocket for most of Sunday. The rookie receiver eventually delivered on Washington’s final drive, producing three catches, 49 yards and an incredible touchdown, but the final scorecard still shows Alexander as the clear winner. McLaurin caught one pass for eight yards on Washington’s first nine drives.

4. Za’Darius, Clark dominate: The Packers’ defensive front is starting to dominate games, and a big part of it is Kenny Clark’s reemergence as a difference-maker. Together, Clark and Za’Darius Smith are wrecking the interior of offensive lines in the passing game. On the Packers’ first sack of Dwayne Haskins, Smith unleashed a wicked spin move on the left guard and Clark whipped the center almost simultaneously. Later, on 3rd-and-7, Smith beat the center, sliced past the left guard and forced Haskins right into the waiting arms of Preston Smith for another sack. Clark’s solo sack was also impressive. He beat the center and the right guard with consecutive moves before devouring Haskins in the pocket. No many teams are going to have good enough answers for No. 55 and No. 97 on the interior on obvious passing downs.

5. Blocking the gunners: Tyler Ervin’s no-nonsense returns certainly sparked the Packers’ punt return team on Sunday. There’s something really comforting to seeing a returner make a catch and decisively get the ball up the field, especially after the struggles of the first 12 games. But credit the Packers’ blockers, especially on the edges. The Redskins didn’t have gunners in Ervin’s face, and that allowed him to make easy catches and get north quickly. Special teams are a collective effort, even if the returner often gets the credit or blame for success or failures. It took all 11 to get the Packers back on track on punt returns Sunday. Ervin’s four returns netted 51 yards, and all four set up the Packers in prime field position, including both of the touchdown drives in the first quarter.

6. Run to win: The Packers were dominant in the run game, partly due to the individual genius of Aaron Jones but also thanks to a terrific effort from the offensive line and other blockers in the run game. The Packers consistently moved a very good Redskins front and created running lanes and openings. On Aaron Jones’ 42-yard run in the first half, the Packers blocked down the line and receiver Jake Kumerow sealed the lane with a perfect block on safety Landon Collins. Given how well they were playing, Matt LaFleur probably should have run the ball far more. At the very least, this was a confidence-building performance from the Packers offensive line. The Redskins are loaded with first-round picks up front and have only allowed 3.9 yards per carry since Week 6. The Packers averaged 6.2 per carry Sunday, including an 8.4-yard average from Jones.