Redskins Jump on Packers Early Win 31-17 (Week 3 NFL 2018)

By:Jay Quimby

Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network

Week 3 of the NFL season looked to be a tough test for the Washington Redskins. Hosting Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. The Pack coming in this game with tie to the Vikings and the Skins off a disappointing lose to the Colts in Week 2.

The weather set the stage, none stop rain made for a slick field and for what looked to be a ground pounding type of day. But Jay Gruden and the Skins had different plans. Alex Smith and the offense pushed the ball down the field on 4 plays, 3 passes, for 75 yards. Capped off with a 46 yard bomb to Paul Richardson for 6 points. This drive set the tone for the first quarter. Green Bay got the ball, this is where the Skins defense said no sir to Mr. Rodgers. Jonathan Allen sacked Rodgers for a 7 yard lose which lead to a punt. The defenses for both teams put up a couple nice stands before the Skins started to push the ball again. 13 plays later and a lot of Adrian Peterson and some big time help from the defense. Three pass interference penalties totaling 37 yards and a taunting penalty for another 15 yards. Helped the Redskins push the ball in the end zone on an Adrian Peterson 2 yard touchdown run. Making the score 14-0 Redskins. On the down side the Redskins did lose Offensive Tackle Morgan Moses for the game on this drive to a concussion. He is day-to-day in concussion protocol, but the Redskins do have a bye this week so it gives him time to come back.

At the beginning of the 2nd, the Packers were able to get on the board with 9 plays and a 22 yard pass interference penalty top off with a 41 yard Mason Crosby field goal. On the very next series Alex Smith made his only mistake of the day, throwing a pick to HaHa Clinton-Dix. Which gave Green Bay the ball at their own 45. The Packers offense would do nothing with this great opportunity, and would end up punting the ball back to the Redskins. The ensuing punt would place the Redskins offense at their own 2 yard line. Alex Smith would drive 98 yards in just 8 plays using just over three minutes for a 9 yard touchdown to Jamison Crowder. This putting the Skins up 21-3, the Packers getting the ball back knew they had to make points on this drive. With 4 minutes and some change left Aaron Rodgers found Geronimo Allison for 64 yards and a touchdown. Making it a two score game with 2:11 left on the clock 21-10. On the very next offensive play Packers Defensive Lineman Mo Wilkerson was injured and looks to be gone for the season. Washington was able to March down the field and put up another Adrian Peterson touchdown before the end of the first half. Making the score 28-10 Redskins.

The start of the third quarter gave the Packers fans hope. Rodgers and the offense marched 75 yards on 15 plays , connecting with Devonte Adams for 2 yard Touchdown. The third quarter for the Redskins offense was very slow. Mustering only one first down in the entire quarter. Green Bay was moving the ball on their second possession but Randall Cobb dropped a 4th down conversion pass to give the ball back to the Skins. The Packers has a couple of opportunities to turn this game around one of them coming in the third quarter. Clay Matthews sacked Alex Smith for 17 yard lose but again for the third week in a row was called for roughing the passer.

Another missed opportunity happened in the fourth quarter where Aaron Rodgers had Geronimo Allison wide open down the right side of the field and Allison was on able to secure the catch. With these two missed opportunities and a costly fumble with five minutes left in the game by Randall Cobb. And let’s not forget to factor a great defensive performance by the Redskins. Who coming into the game had the #1 ranked defense in the league. Late in the 4th the Redskins where able to eat up 3:30 minutes honey please after the fumble recovery to add on another three points. This make the score 31-17 and putting the game out of reach for the Pack. 

Couple of big things I took from this game the Redskins looked very prepared for every facet of this game. Offensive line gave up zero, the defensive line had 4 sacks. Winning the battle in the trenches and my player of the game, Adrian Peterson looked like it was 2011 again. 19 carries for 120 yards and two scores. These two scores helping him move up the touchdown list putting him two touchdowns away from the great John Riggins. Wow!!!

This win and coming up on a bye week. The Redskins have a long season still but the battle of the NFC East is theirs for the taking.