Official Packers vs Redskins Previews & Predictions Thread

[TOPHAT]

KEYS TO GAME

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=30197

Redskins-Packers: 4 Keys to the Game

OFFENSE

Jason Campbell vs. Packers' Secondary

The Redskins' pass protection unit has been solid so far this season--Jason Campbell has been sacked just five times. Plus, he is able to use his scrambling ability to escape pressure. That should put Campbell in position to find open receivers downfield against a Green Bay Packers defense ranked 17th overall and 23rd against the pass. The Packers have one of the best cornerback tandems in 8-year veteran Charles Woodson and 10-year veteran Al Harris. Strong in coverage, they often force quarterbacks to look to tight ends and running backs in the passing game. Campbell is coming off his best game as a pro, but his wide receivers are still nicked with injuries. Santana Moss is expected to return to action, but Antwaan Randle El is a question mark due to a hamstring injury. Tight ends have had strong games against the Packers' defense--the Bears' Greg Olson and Desmond Clark combined for seven catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday. So look for Chris Cooley in the Redskins' passing game.

DEFENSE

Redskins' Pass Defense vs. Brett Favre

Green Bay has the NFL's top-ranked passing offense, thanks to Brett Favre's re-emergence at quarterback. He has completed 67.1 percent of his passes, with nine touchdowns and four interceptions. Favre has developed a strong rapport with wide receivers Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones, who have combined for six touchdown catches. The Redskins' pass defense is ranked eighth in the NFL. The success in shutting down the Detroit Lions--formerly the top-ranked passing offense in the NFL--last Sunday was a team effort. The secondary, at full strength with the return of Fred Smoot, was solid in coverage, giving pass rushers time to record six sacks. Favre tries to make plays when nothing is there, and the result can sometimes be spectacular. It can also result in big plays for the secondary. Shawn Springs has four career interceptions against Favre and Smoot has three.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Redskins Punt Coverage vs. Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson can be a dangerous punt returner. With his 9.0-yard return average, Woodson is ranked sixth in the NFL among punt returners with 10 or more attempts. Danny Smith's punt coverage unit is ranked sixth in the NFL. Tacklers have been swarming to the ball, allowing just 5.8 yards per return. It helps that Derrick Frost has been solid so far, averaging 44.5 yards per punt and a net average of 40.1 yards. Last Sunday, Frost's kicks required Lions punt returner Kevin Walter to call for four fair catches.

1-on-1

Chris Samuels vs. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila

The Packers appear to use Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila as a pass-rushing specialist now, and the eight-year veteran has responded with a team-leading 4.5 sacks so far this season. Chris Samuels has struggled against Gbaja-Biamila in the past, yielding four sacks in three games. Playing against some of the top speed rushers this season, including the Dolphins' Jason Taylor, the Eagles' Trent Cole and the Giants' Osi Umenyiora, Samuels has responded with solid performances. He'll have another challenge in Gbaja-Biamila, who is now the Packers' all-time sack leader.

 

[TOPHAT]

Favre's Role

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_7152625?source=rss

THE HOT SEAT: ***** in the armor

This was shaping up to be a magical year for Favre, who turned 38 on Wednesday. His magic was back and the Packers were controlling the NFC North with a 4-0 record. However, Favre and his team finally encountered some adversity Sunday night when they blew a home game to Chicago. The Pack would have had total control of the division with a win. But the loss proved that Favre and the Packers are not in total control. Now it's time for Favre to regain the magic. If there is a knock on Favre it is that he presses in crunch time. The Packers will have to come out and beat a solid Redskins team.

 

[TOPHAT]

PREVIEW

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/story/2007/10/13/1191/7725

This would be the marquee matchup in many weeks, with 3-1 Washington visiting the 4-1 Packers, but it is overshadowed by the big battle between 5-0 Dallas and 5-0 New England.

Mike Tanier thinks it will be a low scoring affair because Washington's defense is playing great and Washington's offense is likely to struggle with injuries. One area that Michael David Smith saw as a weakness in Washington's defense is against multiple receiver sets overloaded to one side. WRs Donald Driver, James Jones, and Greg Jennings play together a lot, not just on 3rd down, so that should be an area Mike McCarthy will exploit. He also noted that Washington struggled when Detroit ran straight at them with RB Tatum Bell, which is another thing McCarthy has been willing to do, especially last week with RB DeShawn Wynn.

The two players that the Packers have to contain are TE Chris Cooley and RB Clinton Portis. Chicago's tight ends and running backs killed the Packers on passing plays last week, and that is the area Washington will try to exploit since WRs Santana Moss and Keenan McCardell are unlikely to have any success against CBs Al Harris and Charles Woodson.

After last week's fumble clinic, turnovers have now become a major concern for the Packers. As best as I can tell, Washington only has 6 turnovers in the first 4 games, which nearly matches the Packers output of 5 turnovers last week against Chicago. It doesn't appear that Washington is creating a lot of turnovers either, but that can change at any moment. If the Packers can shut down TE Chris Cooley, hold onto the ball, and get all their wide receivers involved in the game, they should win what should be a tough, low scoring game

 

[TOPHAT]

PACKERSNEWS.COM PREDICTIONS

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com.../20071013/PKR01/71010187/1057/PKR&located=RSS

Packers, in another thriller

Redskins at Packers: Which Packers’ offense will show up? The one that put up 341 yards in the first half on Sunday against the Bears, or the one that stumbled in the second half and had trouble moving the ball across the street. Washington is a formidable opponent, but Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy is good at getting his team refocused after a devastating defeat. He did it several times last year and there is no reason to believe they can’t do it this year. Packers 28, Redskins 24.

Packersnews.com Poll: 78% Packers in close game or by 10 or more

op: op: op: op: op:

 

[TOPHAT]

PREDICTIONS

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/nflpreview?gameId=271014009

Scouts Inc.: Both the Redskins and Packers are one-loss teams playing very good football. That's why to watch! The Pack is back and the Green Bay offense is playing like it did a few years ago when QB Brett Favre won Super Bowl XXXI. It's not only Green Bay's offense that is playing well, the defense which has talented players all over the field. This is a matchup between two top teams, which are on track to play in the postseason. This game will be a test on how well each team can perform against a very good opponent.

 

[dhpackr]

Re: PREDICTIONS

i think this game will boil down to #4 and his WR's v.s. Washington's secondary.
&

GB defensive front 4 getting pressure on Campell

 

[TOPHAT]

OUTSTANDIND PREVIEW

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=674112

PACKERS' INJURY REPORT

OUT: CB Will Blackmon (foot), DE Mike Montgomery (knee), C Scott Wells (eye).

QUESTIONABLE: T/G Junius Coston (ankle).

PROBABLE: T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Bubba Franks (knee), CB Al Harris (back), WR Greg Jennings (shoulder), RB Vernand Morency (team decision), CB Charles Woodson (foot).

REDSKINS' INJURY REPORT

OUT: G Randy Thomas (triceps).

DOUBTFUL: LB Marcus Washington (hamstring).

QUESTIONABLE: WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring).

PROBABLE: DE Phillip Daniels (shoulder), WR Santana Moss (groin), RB Mike Sellers (heel), CB Fred Smoot (illness).

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

DEEP HELP: FS Sean Taylor went to the Pro Bowl as an alternate last season even though he gave up way too many long passes. "Heck, he would be in 'quarters' and you'd give a play-fake and he was 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and you're over the top of him one-on-one with a corner," remembered an opposing offensive coach. "We even got him in two-deep a couple times with some double moves. Now, he's not taking any bites. He's just playing it real straight. He's less of a box player now so you can't get to him as much. What he has been the past couple years is over-aggressive. He is a hitter." Taylor is paired with rookie SS LaRon Landry, who is off to an impressive start. "He brought a little juice to them," the coach said. "Because he's very aggressive. Very confident guy. He's real good. The inexperience may show up at some point."

ON THE RISE: Jason Campbell, who will be making just his 11th start, is coming off probably his best game. "Going in, I thought he was still a rookie in terms of looking things off," a defensive coach for a Redskins' opponent said. "He'd stare at one receiver and hit the ball in there rather than try to look you off. But he had a lot more poise than I thought. He made good decisions against us. He's not a real fast guy but he will take it down and run on you, too." Campbell was drafted with the pick after Aaron Rodgers in 2005. Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins' personnel chief, said Friday that Washington was taking Campbell all the way over Rodgers. "I didn't think Campbell could really play," a personnel man for a Redskins' foe said. "I thought he had a great arm. He has good size. He's not a big-time scrambler but when he does get out he can get you some yards. He's not a (Daunte) Culpepper or a (Donovan) McNabb. He can run straight-ahead. They keep it simple for him and he was on fire (against Detroit)."

RUSHING AT YOU: The Redskins are running the ball on 53.5% of their plays with Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts alternating at RB and massive Mike Sellers at FB. "Portis is still running hard," a defensive coach said. "He can outrun you but he's more of a downhill guy. He's bigger than you think he is. And he's a ferocious pass blocker. Most backs in the league will cut you. He will try to take your head off. He will go after your face mask." Betts had (1,154) yards last year. He's more of a power guy." Sellers, a player admired by coach Joe Gibbs, is starting to get the ball more. "He's the stud," one scout said. "They featured him (against Detroit). He can run the ball. He gets great push. He's a great blocker and he catches fine." The coach compared Sellers to Minnesota's Jim Kleinsasser. "He's good because he's big and tough, but he is stiff," another scout said.

LITTLE BIG MAN: The Redskins have lavished millions on a slew of free agents that didn't pan out over the years. On the first day of free agency in March, they appeared to get it right by signing MLB London Fletcher away from Buffalo for $25 million ($10.5 million signing bonus) over five years. "He's playing as well as when he was in St. Louis," one scout said. "He's 5-9 and he still runs well. Smart. Instinctive. And gets to the ball." Fletcher, 32, played in two Super Bowls for the Rams before spending five seasons in Buffalo. A starter since 1999, he has never missed a game. "He brings a little bit more than just his ability to that defense and the team," an offensive coach said. "Fiery guy. He appears to be a pretty good leader."

LATE MOVER: When the Redskins gave DE Andre Carter $27.9 million ($9 million in bonuses) over six years in March 2006 to leave San Francisco, they were gambling that the disappointing former first-round pick would start to come on. Carter didn't do much until the final month, but after a big game in Detroit Sunday he has eight sacks in his last eight games. On one play, he trashed Lions LT Jeff Backus. "The thing he did to Backus, when he threw him away for the safety, I've never seen Andre Carter do that in my life," one scout said. "He's usually just a speed guy. That was impressive. He's a little stiff but he can run. It's just turning that corner he has a little trouble." Carter had one sack and no pressures working against Chad Clifton in '03, his last game against Green Bay. "Real physical guy," an offensive coach said. "He's a tall, angular guy but he's got good speed and long arms."

VIEWS OF THE GAME

McGINN: This is an appealing matchup of contrasting organizational philosophies, solid defenses and surprise teams. The Packers have the edge at quarterback. The Redskins have the edge at running back. The performance of the offensive lines might very well decide the outcome.

SILVERSTEIN: This will be a game similar to last week's. Washington is tough and determined to run the ball. The Packers would like to think they're tough, but they haven't proved it yet. It probably comes down to a field goal. Washington 20, Green Bay 17.


BEDARD: Two good, ol' boys from Mississippi, Brett Favre and Jason Campbell, face off for the first time at opposite stages of their careers. And while they have been two of the best stories of this young season, they'll get a dose of reality against these two tough defenses. Packers 13, Redskins 10.

HUNT: Now is the opportunity for Mike McCarthy to show that he is a coach worthy of a long-term extension. If he can get the Packers off the turf after last week's stinker against Chicago, then it's getting close to the time for Ted Thompson to make the offer. Packers 24, Redskins 21.


NICKEL: There's no reason to think the Packers will lose two in a row at home, not if they want any home-field advantage later for the playoffs (veterans, please explain it to the young guys). Going into the bye week with a victory would also be a plus. Packers 24, Redskins 17.

 

[MajicMan]

23-20 Pack.

This game scares me.

But seeing that it's at home, I'll say we take it down.

 

[Greg C.]

As I said in another thread, I expect this to be a very physical, hard-fought game. I think the Packers will show that they learned some lessons from their loss to the Bears. This is a great matchup.

Packers 20, Redskins 16

 

[CalifPacker]

I am looking for a tough defensive battle. GB should establish the run early and use the Wynn-Morency team all game long.

Green Bay 17
Skins' 13

 

[vike4life]

I see the Pack bouncing back after last weeks disappointing loss. I think they will shut down Portis. They will pick off Campbell 3 times.

Packers 27

Redskins 13

I know I am supposed to root against the Packers because they are our biggest rivals. I know that if the Packers lose it could somehow help us win the division. Help us win the division, ha ha, yeah right. We will be lucky to win 6 games this year. Hopefully, we can do better next season.

The thing is I cannot root for a team owned by Daniel Snyder. The little rich boy who thinks he can buy himself an NFL Chamionship. For what it is worth, my opinion only. I think Green Bay is a class organization. I think Washington is a classless organization.

Do us all a favor. Kick the crap out of the Redskins today!

 

[4thand26]

I see the Pack bouncing back after last weeks disappointing loss. I think they will shut down Portis. They will pick off Campbell 3 times.

Packers 27

Redskins 13

I know I am supposed to root against the Packers because they are our biggest rivals. I know that if the Packers lose it could somehow help us win the division. Help us win the division, ha ha, yeah right. We will be lucky to win 6 games this year. Hopefully, we can do better next season.

The thing is I cannot root for a team owned by Daniel Snyder. The little rich boy who thinks he can buy himself an NFL Chamionship. For what it is worth, my opinion only. I think Green Bay is a class organization. I think Washington is a classless organization.

Do us all a favor. Kick the crap out of the Redskins today!

My perspective is that Snyder is living the dream. Dude owns an NFL team. He can do whatever he wants. I laugh at most of the moves he makes, but I certainly wish I could do what he is doing. Unless of course I could be Mark Cuban. That guy is king.

 

[Hammer]

I see the Pack bouncing back after last weeks disappointing loss. I think they will shut down Portis. They will pick off Campbell 3 times.

Packers 27

Redskins 13

I know I am supposed to root against the Packers because they are our biggest rivals. I know that if the Packers lose it could somehow help us win the division. Help us win the division, ha ha, yeah right. We will be lucky to win 6 games this year. Hopefully, we can do better next season.

The thing is I cannot root for a team owned by Daniel Snyder. The little rich boy who thinks he can buy himself an NFL Chamionship. For what it is worth, my opinion only. I think Green Bay is a class organization. I think Washington is a classless organization.

Do us all a favor. Kick the crap out of the Redskins today!

I might do the same if the Vikes were playing the Foreskins and it didn't affect the Packers. I went to school in La Crosse and most of my best friends were Vikes fans from La Crescent. We had a lot of fun watching the MN/GB tilts. We'd often watch the game outside, and much beer was thrown at one another. I haven't lived in WI since 1981, so I don't harbor the angst towards that Vkes that I could.
On the flip side, I live in NC now, and there are a lot of Skins fans here, fans before the Panthers were born. They are damn good fans, and I used to like the Skins until prickboy bought them. Most Skins fans that I know can't stand the little ****** either.

 

[vike4life]

I see the Pack bouncing back after last weeks disappointing loss. I think they will shut down Portis. They will pick off Campbell 3 times.

Packers 27

Redskins 13

I know I am supposed to root against the Packers because they are our biggest rivals. I know that if the Packers lose it could somehow help us win the division. Help us win the division, ha ha, yeah right. We will be lucky to win 6 games this year. Hopefully, we can do better next season.

The thing is I cannot root for a team owned by Daniel Snyder. The little rich boy who thinks he can buy himself an NFL Chamionship. For what it is worth, my opinion only. I think Green Bay is a class organization. I think Washington is a classless organization.

Do us all a favor. Kick the crap out of the Redskins today!

I might do the same if the Vikes were playing the Foreskins and it didn't affect the Packers. I went to school in La Crosse and most of my best friends were Vikes fans from La Crescent. We had a lot of fun watching the MN/GB tilts. We'd often watch the game outside, and much beer was thrown at one another. I haven't lived in WI since 1981, so I don't harbor the angst towards that Vkes that I could.
On the flip side, I live in NC now, and there are a lot of Skins fans here, fans before the Panthers were born. They are damn good fans, and I used to like the Skins until prickboy bought them. Most Skins fans that I know can't stand the little ****** either.

Sounds like great times Hammer. I am going to watch the Vikes now with friends and family. Misery is better in numbers, lol. :lol: :lol: I am going to roll. Good Luck to the Pack!