Washington @ Green Bay: What to Look For

After a tough loss at San Francisco to open the season, the Packers look to rebound and avoid an 0-2 start. According to NFL.com, only 11.6% of teams that started 0-2 have qualified for the postseason since the playoff expansion of 1990. Fortunately, the visiting Washington football club find themselves in the same position, having failed to recover from a slow start against the Philadelphia Eagles and dropping to 0-1.

This is the Packers home opener. Thanks to a recently completed renovation, Lambeau Field has given birth to 7,000 new seats in the south end zone. The excitement will be palpable.

Here are a few key points to keep track of throughout this game.

RGIII: Coming off a devastating knee injury, the young Washington quarterback looks rusty and a long way from 100%. That said, Robert Griffin III is a qualified passer and decision maker. Pegged as a 'read-option quarterback,' it's unlikely we'll see a single option snap in light of his ongoing knee rehab. Last week against the Eagles, RGIII started slow and wasn't leveraging his lower body in the passing game. He wasn't stepping into his throws. As the second half wore on, however, he appeared to become more comfortable, and his throws more accurate. The Packers would be wise to plan for and expect the RGIII from the second half of last week's game rather than the first. Robert Griffin III  will look to expose Green Bay's young secondary, specifically M.D. Jennings, Jerron McMillian, and Micah Hyde. All three were guilty last week of allowing Anquan Boldin to have his way with the middle of the field—he accounted for over 200 yards of offense for the 49ers. Morgan Burnett would help bolster the secondary, but his status will likely be a game-time decision as he works his way back from a hammy.

Alfred Morris: The second year running back for Washington is coming off a disappointing opener—45 yards on 12 carries—but that's no reason to sleep on the crafty rusher. Alfred Morris exploded onto the NFL stage last year, logging 1,613 rushing yards in his rookie campaign. He's Washington's primary ball-carrier, and should see at least 20 touches unless the Packers build an early lead. The Packers unveiled an improved run defense last week in San Francisco, holding the powerful Frank Gore and gazelle-like Colin Kaepernick to just 90 total rushing yards on 34 attempts.  Morris represents another early test for the Packers, who appear to be taking on DE Johnny Jolly's on-field persona and playing with an edge.

Orakpo and Kerrigan: Washington boasts not one but two top-end linebackers in Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. The tandem has notched 26 total sacks in the last 2 seasons combined, and that's with Orakpo missing all but two games in 2012 with a pectoral tear. That injury appears not to be fully healed, as Orakpo looked apprehensive at times last week in Philadelphia. He's still an elite athlete, and combined with Kerrigan, they really don't surrender much in the middle of the field, and are quality pass rushers.

Sloppy Seconds: As poor as Green Bay's secondary looked at times last week, Washington may have it worse. DeAngelo Hall is their best corner, but he's over the hill and can be exposed. The safety tandem of E.J. Biggers and rookie Bacarri Rambo has to be among the leagues worst. In last weeks opener, they accounted for 6 missed tackles between them, and that's excluding the plays where they were beaten so badly there was no chance to even attempt a tackle. Certainly Green Bay quaterback Aaron Rodgers has to be licking his chops to feast on Washington's famine. If Rodgers can take advantage in the air and build an early lead, Washington will be forced to abandon the run and rely on their rusty quarterback and passable receivers—their wheels will fall off.

More from the Daily Dope Sheet:

• DDS Podcast, Episode One: 9.12.13 - Brian and Zach discuss the loss to the 49ers, Clay Matthews' clothesline, the upcoming game against Washington, and the phenomenon of the out-of-markert fan.

• Packers Humbled in Opener, fall 34-28: Some quick hits after the opening day loss to the 49ers.

Packers Humbled in Opener, Lose 34-28

The visiting Packers were again humbled by the home-team Niners to open the season—a highly touted rematch of last year's playoff rout. With a final score of 43-28, this latter contest was much more competitive than the prior, but San Francisco continues to be the Achilles heel on an otherwise formidable Green Bay football team. I had the pleasure of watching this game at the abode of some Niner fan friends. Wait—let me rephrase. My viewing experience was less than optimal. Here are some quick takeaways.

Photo credit: 49ers.com

Eddie Lately: The Packers seemed poised to unveil a new balanced attack on the back of rookie rusher Eddie Lacy. But those who expected great things from the get were foolish to ignore San Francisco's epic run defense. With a stingy defensive front lead by Smith & Smith (that's Justin at DT and Aldon at LB), not to mention LB's Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis just to name a few, it was another long day for the Packers offensive backfield.

Lacy ended the day with 14 carries for 41 yards (a mere 2.9 YPC average), but did score on a goal line leaper—a game highlight for the young back. On the flip side, Lacy's lowlight came in the second quarter when LB Navorro Bowman dislodged the ball from the rookie's grip, forcing a fumble that lead directly to a Niners touchdown. The Packers had chances to make up for that, but it was ultimately the difference in the game.

Fans would be remiss to bemoan Lacy so soon, though. When it all shakes out, the 49ers will finish the season with a top three run defense, and the Packers will not face such a threat for the entire balance of the season.

Photo credit: 49ers.com

Second Thought Secondary: Simply put, the Packers need
Casey Hayward and Morgan Burnett. With the defensive line and linebackers wholly occupied with containing Colin Kaepernick, the secondary minus the two starters was routinely exploited in the middle of the field. New Niners weapon Anquan Boldin may be slow, but he caught everything thrown his way, bowling forward with a kinetic energy that left the secondary constantly on their heels. Such is the threat of Boldin, a giant body with great hands who is constantly moving forward.

Notably smoked in this contest were safeties M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian, who just could not keep tabs on San Francisco's wideouts for as long as QB Colin Kaepernick tends to linger with the ball in his hand.

Photo Credit: Packers.com

Jolly's Return a Spark: With most fans focusing on a new-look Packers rushing attack, it's worth noting that the return of DL Johnny Jolly appeared to give the team something they've lacked in his three year absence: attitude and a consistent pass rush. Green Bay twice wrangled the nimble Kaepernick for sacks, no small feet when you consider the strength and competency of San Francisco's offensive line, not to mention Kaepernick's incredible elusiveness. Jolly himself was credited with one of the two sacks, corralling the gazelle-like quarterback out of bounds for a loss.

The imposing defenseman could be seen many times on the sidelines firing up the squad for the occasion, including the frequently exploited young safeties.

Packers "Win" "Game" Over Rams, 19-7

Fans despondent over last week's all-around flop, a 17-0 preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals, have reason to feel comforted after an improved effort from the Green Bay Packers last night in the Edward Jones Dome, where they handled the St. Louis Rams 19-7. The offense was sharper, and the defense looked more cohesive as well. Here are few players that stood out.

Eddie Lacy saw his first action on Saturday.

Eddie Lacy: The rookie running back finally got to show his mettle, facing an opposing team's starting defense for the first time. Lacy looked like he belonged and appeared to really resent being tackled, routinely carrying one or two defenders along for the ride after first contact. Overall he received 8 carries and totaled 40 yards for a 5 yard-per-carry average. His first two runs of the game went for 7 and 15 yards respectively. If he can keep this up into the regular season, the very real threat of a capable back could potentially expose opposing secondaries to the wrath of Rodgers.

Jermichael Finley: Is the reformation complete? The imposing tight end has historically irked fans with his brash talk, excessive celebration, and generally not living up to the hype. Finley is reported to have rededicated himself. He has put his nose to the grindstone and is letting his play do the talking. The tight end took hits and grabbed yards after the catch, showing an aggression that's been lacking in the past. He displayed his quickness, slicing through the Rams zone defense for 25 yards on the third play from scrimmage. His extra prep-time spent with Aaron Rodgers appeared to pay off later in the quarter when, after the QB called an audible, Finley knew to look for the quick pass and turned it into a 33 yard gain, absorbing some hits along the way. And no shark-fin dance this time. Maybe Finley knows it's only preseason. Maybe he knows it's a contract year. Whatever the reason, it means positive things for the Packers offense.

Jolly had a batted pass and
an interception on Saturday

Johnny Jolly: Speaking of reformation, DL Johnny Jolly showed glimpses of his old self and reminded coaches and fans of his great instincts for the game. A Jarrett Bush interception can be credited to Jolly batting a pass at the line of scrimmage, something the big man was known for in his past life. Later, cornerback Loyce Means batted a pass, and it was Jolly who came down with the a goal-line interception after he had dropped into coverage. Without missing a beat, he plowed forward and even executed a spin move for a few extra yards. All this excitement in only 15 snaps for Jolly. He's starting to build a strong case to be a 6th DL on this team. He just knows football.

Micah Hyde: Taking more snaps than anyone else on the team (52) Hyde showed his versatility. He played the corner position left, right, and worked in the slot, breaking up 2 passes and collecting a sack and 5 tackles. Hyde did surrender a 57 yard catch and run to Rams WR Chris Givens, exposing a slight lack of speed, but an argument can be made for blown coverage over the top. The real surprise of the night was a chance to return a punt in which Hyde recovered 17 years. Hyde returned punts at Iowa and said after the game, "I feel comfortable doing it." If WR Jeremy Ross continues his bobbling ways, Hyde could see more action on special teams as coaches should be anxious to relieve the dynamic and valuable WR Randall Cobb from his returning duties.



Did you see anyone that stood out? Anything you liked or didn't like? Comment and let's chat about it.

Packers "Lose" "Game" to Cardinals, 17-0

There are differing opinions of the value of preseason football among Packer fans. Those that follow only to chart wins and losses are likely to be disappointed by the Packers ho-hum preseason opener, a 17-0 loss at home to the new-look Arizona Cardinals. But to be sure, preseason games are not about winning at all. Rather, it's important to focus on individual performances. Depth charts are nebulous at this point. The game is largely a televised job interview for tens of players on every team. Coaches and execs look for translation from the practice field to the fight bell. They look for flashes from players previously hidden among the ranks. Most importantly, they pray to the football gods that their guys arise unscathed from every scrum. With that in mind, here are a few thoughts on last night's action...

Datone Jones Sprains Ankle: Tests are pending, but an injury to a first round pick in the first preseason game is a huge blow. Jones was pulled at the slightest hint of injury—later reported as a sprained ankle—and didn't even emerge from the locker room after half-time. It brings to mind a certain first-round defensive lineman named BJ Raji, who also sprained his ankle in his first preseason and missed the majority of the year as a result. Ted Thompson has to be pleading with those aforementioned football gods right now.

DL Johnny Jolly.
Photo credit: totalpackers.com

Johnny Jolly Gets Push: The walking human-interest-story that is Johnny Jolly performed admirably, while seeing snaps for the majority of the contest. Given his extended stay from the game, and the team's massive DNP list (17 players did not participate), Jolly seemed to take advantage of what he well knows might be his last chance ever to make an NFL roster. He was aggressive and got push into the backfield more than a few times, showing that his tank may still have some fuel left after all. Some of his swings and spin moves lacked the obvious savvy of his former
days, but it was encouraging enough to see the big man making his presence felt on the line.

Bakhtiari Shines: With left tackle Bryan Bulaga out for the season already, it was up to rookie David Bakhtiari to show fans why coaches have been so thrilled with the newbie. Bakhtiari blended in, and faded into obscurity. That is to say, that's exactly what an offensive linemen should do— become an invisible wall. His footwork and technique never in doubt, Bakhtiari displayed the strength side of his game, holding up quite well against an opposing team's starting d-line.  

RB Stable Full of Horses: The team erred on the side of caution, sitting RB Eddie Lacy due to a slight hamstring pull. As expected, DuJuan Harris also sat. Johnathan Franklin and Alex Green split the majority of the early snaps. Between the two, it seems the team has a back for every occasion. Alex Green showed encouraging shimmy on the line, cutting like a guy who is no longer favoring a troublesome knee. While Johnathan Franklin struggled to power through the middle of the pack, he was supremely slippery on the outside and in space, darting to and fro like a point guard moving toward the hoop. He showed that he could be most valuable as a screen player, and possibly also as an option at kick returner, if WR Jeremy Ross continues his muffing ways.

No Contest For Kickers: The team would have liked to have a few shots at the uprights to continue their kicking competition. Instead, Mason Crosby and Giorgio Tavecchio were merely spectators. The sole trip to field goal range ended in a turnover on downs at the goal line, as coach McCarthy decided to opt for some fourth-and-goal rehearsal early in the first quarter, and the team never saw another opportunity.

Left to right: Vince Young, Aaron Rodgers
Photo credit: packersnews.com

Backup Bonanza: For only knowing about 12 plays, new arm Vince Young sure seemed poised and out to prove his worth. His series fell flat, but he appeared more in control than the timid Graham Harrell or overzealous BJ Coleman. That's not to say the latter two didn't have their moments, but the battle at backup quarterback still appears to be a game of pick your poison. The word 'yuck' comes to mind...