Following an impressive Week 1 win for the Green Bay Packers against an NFC North opponent and a Detroit Lions team that is expected to be one of the best in the NFC, there's been little time to soak in that victory.
Coming to Lambeau Field on Thursday night is another NFC heavyweight in the Washington Commanders.
For this Packers team, preparation for Washington began almost immediately after Sunday's win. As is the case with every quick turnaround, it's a mad dash for the players to make sure they're fully recovered, or as close to it as they can get, and able to absorb the new game plan as fast as possible.
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"Instantly," said Edgerrin Cooper about when he turned his focus to Washington. "What we did, it's over with. Can't think about it, so it's the next page and that's how we think about it."
The Packers made a strong statement in Sunday's win over the Lions, but another win on Thursday would further cement them as one of the teams to beat in the NFC. However, to accomplish that, Green Bay will have to overcome these three challenges.
How to contain QB Jayden Daniels
With his arm and with his legs, Commanders' quarterback Jayden Daniels can hurt opposing defenses in a few different ways.
As the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, Daniels completed 69% of his throws for 3,568 yards, with 25 touchdowns to nine interceptions. He would also rush for 891 yards with six additional scores.
Oftentimes, when there's a dual-threat quarterback, particularly one as evasive as Daniels, that changes how a defensive front pursues. Rather than pinning their ears back, the defensive line may opt to take a, relatively speaking, more controlled approach in an effort to maintain the integrity of their rushing lanes in order to keep the quarterback in the pocket.
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The pro to this approach, if executed properly, is that the quarterback's ability to extend plays and pick up yards on the ground will be limited. But on the flip side of that, any potential quarterback pressures may not come as quickly with this more disciplined play style, which can put more stress on the secondary to maintain close coverage for longer.
So, as a defense, do you try to get to the quarterback, knowing a running lane could open up? Or prioritize containing the quarterback, which can, in turn, put more pressure on the cornerbacks?
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley says the answer is both to best keep the quarterback guessing. Surrendering chunk plays are going to happen; the key is limiting them.
"You’ve got to be super disciplined in your approach," coach Matt LaFleur said of defending Daniels, "because if you give him an edge or give him a gap up front he can take off and there’s too much evidence over the course of all of last season and then obviously one game this year of just him beating people with his legs."
Offensive line injuries and a fierce Washington rush
On a short week no less, the Packers' offensive line has its question marks heading into Thursday night's game. Adding to that challenge is a very good Commanders pass rush awaiting the Packers.
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The two sacks that the Commanders generated in Week 1 against the New York Giants won't garner a ton of attention, but don't be mistaken, they were extremely disruptive. The 24 pressures that Washington produced, including eight quarterback hits, were the fifth-most among any team in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus.
"They are really similar to Detroit in terms of they do a really good job of running stunts and using their linebackers to create pressure," offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said. "So it's going to be a big challenge again this week. They're really talented up front. They're really physical and they do a good job of attacking and trying to attack the quarterback and get pressure on him."
During the Packers' Week 1 win, Zach Tom and Aaron Banks would exit the game early. Through Tuesday, both players have been listed as non-participants on the injury report; Tom with an oblique injury and Banks with ankle and groin injuries.
"We’ll give them all the way up to game time to see where they’re at," LaFleur said of Banks and Tom.
If the Packers are without Tom, Darian Kinnard could once again see time at right tackle. Kinnard was acquired by the Packers in an Aug. 25 trade with Philadelphia. At left guard, if Banks can't go, the Packers could choose to start Jordan Morgan, or move Sean Rhyan over, allowing Morgan to line up at right guard, where he has more experience at the NFL level.
"It’s one of those things where you’ve just got to adjust on the fly," quarterback Jordan Love said of the offensive line injuries. "We’ve got to get those guys as many reps in these walkthroughs and things like that — hearing the calls, knowing the calls. But these guys are all pros. I’ve got confidence in them that they’ll be able to go out there and do their job and execute at a high level."
As was the case on Sunday, running backs Josh Jacobs and Chris Brooks will play key roles in giving Love time. On separate plays, both players picked up Detroit blitzers that bought Love time to find receivers downfield. Washington possesses a similar style of defense in that regard.
Can Packers' run defense slow Washington's run game?
One great performance, or a dud, doesn't define an NFL team over the course of a long season.
In Week 1, the Packers' run defense, against a very good Lions rushing offense, had a terrific performance, holding Detroit to just 46 total rushing yards. But one of the big questions, for a unit that no longer has Kenny Clark in the middle, is whether they can do it again?
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Washington recorded 220 rushing yards as a team against the Giants in Week 1, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt. The added challenge for the Packers that comes with defending this element is that the Commanders get numerous players involved in the ground game.
Contributing to that 220-yard performance were three different running backs who each had at least six carries. Daniels also carried the ball 11 times for 68 yards, while wide receiver Deebo Samuel had a rushing attempt that went for 19 yards and a touchdown.
"When the quarterback can run, that's probably the hardest challenge," Hafley said, "because now you have to account for him, not just on pass plays but if it's a designed quarterback run and they're gonna spread you out and try to create extra numbers."
Without Clark, third-year defensive tackle Colby Wooden started in Week 1 next to Devonte Wyatt and shouldered the defense's nose tackle snaps. The Packers have the 6-foot-3, 320-pound Nazir Stackhouse to handle running plays as well. However, as LaFleur mentioned before the season, stopping the run is a group effort.
A part of that effort is the Packers' own offense. Helping the run defense out against Detroit was Green Bay's ability to jump out to a quick multi-score lead, which contributed to the Lions' offense becoming more one-dimensional and pass-heavy at times.
Naturally, all eyes will be on newcomer Micah Parsons and the Packers' pass rush, but in order to have the opportunity to rush the quarterback, a defensive line has to eat their vegetables on early downs and stop the run. Failing to do so and allowing the offense to routinely operate from manageable down-and-distances often leads to a long day for a defense.
Photos: Packers open season with home contest against Detroit
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed catches a 17-yard touchdown pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold defends during the first half Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs catches a long pass against the Detroit Lions Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, right, rushes during a play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft catches a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown makes a sideline catch against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs catches a pass against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons rushes during a play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive players pose after a Evan Williams (33) interception against the Detroit Lions during the first half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is brought down by Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, left, and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Morry Gash, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons rushes against Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Morry Gash, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary tackles Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, pulling him out of the end zone, during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers' Jayden Reed runs past Detroit Lions' Jacob Saylors during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs stiff arms Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs for a 3-yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons celebrates sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, rear, during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws against the Green Bay Packers during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa catches a 13-yard touchdown pass as Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine defends during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, left, and his teammates celebrate his sack of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, not pictured, on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons celebrates his sack on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks runs against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur looks on from the sidelines on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell consoles quarterback Jared Goff on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, left, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff hug after Sunday's game in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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