Concerns for Week 2 at Green Bay

By: Sam Myer 9/11/25

Washington travels to legendary Lambeau Field for the season premiere of Thursday Night Football in week two. Both teams are coming off of strong week one victories and are looking to establish themselves as a top team in the conference.

Javon Kinlaw described this matchup as a heavyweight bout in an interview on Tuesday. Commanders fans will be glad to hear that since he’ll play a key role in the game on TNF. Stopping the run was the strength in week one, but Josh Jacobs presents an entirely different challenge. Just three years ago, he led the league in rushing yards and was a major contributor for Green Bay throughout the 2024 season. Containing Jacobs will be a key factor in slowly down the prolific Green Bay offense. The other key factor to slowing down the Packers will be forcing Love off-schedule and into improvisational scenarios. He has a tendency for poor decision making when pressured into making something happen and Washington will need to exploit this. If not, Jordan Love, Jayden Reed, and Tucker Kraft will be able to pick them apart. Tucker Kraft in particular has a size advantage over the Washington linebackers and inside corners Mike Sainristil and Noah Igbinoghene. Kraft has emerged as a promising tight end in the league and will look to build on his strong start in week one.

Washingtons offense will face a very different challenge in the Packers defense. Establishing the run early is a must for the Commanders as it is the key to their offense operating as efficiently as possible. Green Bay bottled up the Lions rushing attack in week one and it allowed them to pin their ears back in the pass rush and get after Jared Goff. While Jayden Daniels is a far superior athlete than Goff, this doesn’t dismiss him from the potential havoc from Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary. Getting the ball out quickly may not be enough for Washington in this matchup. Jayden Daniels will need to be at his best extending plays and allowing his receivers to stretch the field. Speaking of stretching the field, Terry McLaurin will look to make a big impact after only two catches on four targets in week one. If Terry is able to win on quick routes against the Packers relatively inexperienced secondary, it will help the Washington offense tremendously.

One last thing to be concerned about for Washington is the kicking game. Tress Way was limited in practice after taking a big hit on Sunday, but is expected to play. Should anything happen mid-game, Washington will likely be attempting far more 4th down conversions. Additionally, something to keep and eye on is that kicker Matt Gay only attempted three extra points in week one.The

Commanders are a great team running head first into another great team in Green Bay. One thing is for sure, Washington will need to bring their A game on Thursday night in this heavyweight clash.