Rodgers ready
Packers QB sharp in 21-17 win over Washington
LANDOVER, Md. – Scrambling before the third snap of Saturday night’s preseason exhibition, players from both teams reacted to the kind of madness that has become an Aaron Rodgers’ special.
With Washington’s defense trying to substitute before the initial third down of Rodgers’ surprise start, the Green Bay Packers quarterback’s sixth sense kicked into gear. That internal sonar, hibernating all off-season, detected a blip. Defensive tackle Stacy McGee was late reaching the sideline, leaving an extra defender on the field.
Rodgers doesn’t miss such mistakes. Not even in August.
The Packers hustled to the line of scrimmage. Washington scurried aimlessly. Officials needed a review to confirm Washington indeed had 12 defenders on the field, but Rodgers already knew. It was preseason for everybody else.
On Saturday night, Rodgers took no time to show he’s ready for the regular season.
Introducing two new tight ends and an inexperienced backfield, coach Mike McCarthy wanted to see how the Packers' new-look offense operated with its starting quarterback. After playing only in the third exhibition last August, Rodgers debuted a week earlier this year. McCarthy couldn’t have gotten better results.
Rodgers conducted a 15-play drive that lasted half of the opening quarter, highlighting a good first half for the Packers' offense and defense in a 21-17
victory over Washington at FedExField.
He finished 6 of 8 for 37 yards, one touchdown to tight end Martellus Bennett and a 123.4 rating, but those numbers don’t entirely describe his sharpness.
On a trio of third downs during the Packers' opening drive, Rodgers showed his versatility. He converted each in a different way.
His mind caught Washington’s defense in transition on third-and-5, forcing that 12-man penalty. His arm rifled a slant to receiver Davante Adams, picking up 6 yards on third-and-3. His legs picked up 13 yards on third-and-6, crossing the red zone.
A drive that started on the Packers’ 25-yard line soon concluded in the end zone.
Rodgers’ six completions were to four different targets, including each of his top three receivers. Jordy Nelson, also playing one possession after sitting out the preseason opener, led with two catches for 19 yards. Randall Cobb had two catches for nine yards. Adams’ lone reception was the third-down catch, and Bennett’s lone reception was the touchdown.
The Packers used their two-tight end package heavily on the opening drive, exposing Bennett and Lance Kendricks to how quickly the offense runs under Rodgers’ management. With running back Ty Montgomery sitting out with an injury he has described only as a “soft-tissue” ailment in his lower body, rookie Jamaal Williams started alongside Rodgers.
Williams found little running room, finishing with 12 yards on seven carries. Fellow rookie Aaron Jones was next in line and finished with 14 yards on three carries. Rookie Devante Mays was third to receive snaps and finished with 13 yards on five carries.
Jones also flashed his receiving potential out of the backfield, catching a 5-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Brett Hundley in the right flat. Jones didn’t run as far after his three other receptions, finishing with 11 yards on four catches. After struggling last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers' screen game still needs work.
Following a solid preseason debut against the Eagles, Hundley had an even better showing in Washington. Behind a shaky backup offensive line, Hundley was sacked three times but managed to complete 9 of 10 passes for 107 yards, one touchdown and a 144.6 rating.
Hundley engineered a seven-play, 73-yard touchdown drive that consumed just under four minutes midway through the second quarter. He had his best throw of the preseason on a 38-yard reception to Jeff Janis, dropping the football over his receiver’s shoulder down the right sideline. The duo also connected for a touchdown against the Eagles.
Janis led the Packers' receivers with three catches for 63 yards. Geronimo Allison had two catches for 32 yards, gaining yards after the catch with sharp juke moves following each.
The Packers' starting defense played only two series, but it dominated Washington’s starting offense. Its lone points allowed came after receiver Trevor Davis fumbled a punt, giving Washington possession at the Packers’ 16-yard line. The Packers held on three plays, forcing Washington to settle for a 34-yard field goal from Dustin Hopkins.
After the second series, outside linebackers Clay Matthews and Nick Perry and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix were done for the night. Washington kept its starters on the field, including quarterback Kirk Cousins. As more and more backups joined the Packers' defense, it held almost the entire way.
Washington finally found the end zone for a 4yard touchdown pass from Cousins to receiver Jamison Crowder on fourth-and-goal 13 seconds before halftime.
The Packers will continue their preseason action Saturday when they travel to the Denver Broncos.