Pack look to get groove back
Rodgers and Co. hope to shake doldrums of three- game skid
LANDOVER, Md. — After losing back- to- back games to end the regular season, the Green Bay Packers had no trouble sharpening their focus on the Washington Redskins when they met in the playoffs in January.
It’s their intent to do that again and pull themselves out of their current tailspin before it’s too late.
The Packers ( 4- 5) return to the scene of their NFC wild- card victory last season with hopes that facing the Redskins ( 5- 3- 1) can turn their fortunes around after a three- game skid.
‘‘ This game is important because it’s the game this week, so that’s what we’re focused on,’’ Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. ‘‘ We clearly understand where we are in our season and understand how we’ve played the last couple of games, so it’s about improving each and every week.’’
Another loss would make the Packers’ path to an eighth consecutive playoff appearance more difficult. But the margin of error is also small for the Redskins, who would fall to last place in the NFC East if they lose and the Philadelphia Eagles win.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said the Packers are ‘‘ not far away from being the Packers that we know.’’ Injuries haven’t helped, but the mere presence of two- time NFL most valuable player Aaron Rodgers makes them formidable.
‘‘ The fact that the Packers have lost a couple of games here really is irrelevant when you have him as the quarterback and some of the other great players that they have on defense,’’ Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins said.
‘‘ You realize you’ve got to come ready to go because they’re going to be hungry and they’re going to be ready.’’
The Redskins seem to be better than they were when they lost to the Packers 35- 18 on Jan. 10. Cornerback Josh Norman gives the defense a different look, and undrafted rookie Robert Kelley has shown evidence he can be a capable starting running back.
‘‘ A similar scheme that they ran last year,’’ Rodgers said. ‘‘ They’re just doing a little bit better, I think. You have some guys who weren’t big contributors last year who are kind of stepping up and being more of an impact player this year.’’
Some things to watch when the Packers visit the Redskins:
Sacks in bunches
One reason things fell apart for the Redskins in the playoff game last season was that their initial pass rush on Rodgers was neutralized by the Packers’ running game. The Redskins have had at least three sacks in five consecutive games, including two big ones by Preston Smith in a victory last week against the Minnesota Vikings.
‘‘ It’s a lot of guys trying to find ways to get to the quarterback,’’ Smith said. ‘‘ And, of course, it’s a competition to see who can get more sacks by the end of the year.’’
Maintaining a consistent pass rush was a goal from training camp, and this is another big test.
Run it out
In the span of a few days, Christine Michael went from being the Seattle Seahawks’ leading rusher to being cut to becoming the Packers’ potential backfield savior.
The Packers have only three rushing touchdowns this season, all from Rodgers. McCarthy wants to balance the offense, which has been pass- heavy since Eddie Lacy went down with an ankle injury. Any semblance of a consistent running game will help the Packers extend drives, which would rest a defense that has been on its heels the last few weeks.
Off to see the ‘ wizard’
Norman relishes matchups against top receivers and top quarterbacks. On a conference call Wednesday, he referred to Rodgers as a ‘‘ wizard.’’ Rodgers has Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson as targets, and Norman is eager for the challenge.
‘‘ Facing a cerebral assassin in that guy over there,’’ he said of Rodgers. ‘‘ I know how he works, so I’m looking forward to it.’’