The Green Bay Packers were not about to start this season 0-2, not with a team many of their players think is good enough to win it all. So the Packers offered no mercy while destroying the Redskins 38-20 in front of the largest crowd in Lambeau Field history.
Coming off a game in which they played fairly well in a losing effort the Packers were sharp almost from the get-go. They were able to get a field goal on their opening drive despite three sacks and a holding penalty. When Aaron Rodgers hit Randall Cobb for a 35-yard touchdown on fourth down two drives later the rout was on.
Rodgers was simply amazing once again. If you only had one game to use to teach future quarterbacks how to play in this league it would have to be this game or Rodgers’ shredding of Atlanta in the playoffs three years ago. The pin-point passing of Rodgers is what makes him far and away the best in the game. It doesn’t really matter if the receiver is covered or not, the ball will be where the defender can’t get it. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.
This was how the Packers’ offense was supposed to look with rookie Eddie Lacy running hard and taking the pressure off Rodgers. With Lacy out after one play by a cheap shot from Brandon Meriweather, James Starks took the bull by the horns and rushed for 126 yards. He was decisive, he was patient and he looked like the James Starks that helped carry the Packers to the Super Bowl title. He even avenged the cheap shot on Lacy when knocked Meriweather out cold when Meriweather attempted another head shot.
On defense the Packers had a goose egg going until late in the third quarter and after that it was all garbage time with the Packers up 31-0 and then 38-7.
While there were no glaring mistakes the Packers certainly need the services of Morgan Burnett and Casey Heyward. Ninety percent of the damage done by Robert Griffin III was done down the middle. Once that is shored up this has the makings of a good defense. A stout defensive line, good cornerbacks and linebackers, just need Burnett to get healthy.
I must say I feel much about the Packers chances in Cincinnati next week. The Bengals’ defense was ranked sixth in the NFL last year and look good tonight against the Steelers. We might find out if the Packers can win a close, low-scoring game.