Pete Dougherty and Dominique Yates recap Packers’ win over Commanders
Pete Dougherty joins Dominique Yates to recap the Green Bay Packers’ 27-18 win over the Washington Commanders to move to 2-0 on the season.
The Green Bay Packers defense held the Washington Commanders to 18 points, starting the season 2-0.New pass rusher Micah Parsons made a significant impact, recording seven pressures and drawing three penalties.Tight end Tucker Kraft had a career-high 124 receiving yards and a touchdown, emerging as a key target.Running back Josh Jacobs extended his franchise-record streak to 10 consecutive games with a rushing touchdown.
GREEN BAY − If there was any lingering doubt after their dominant opener four days earlier, the Green Bay Packers showed a national prime-time audience their defense is no fluke.
The Packers suffocated a Washington Commanders offense that has known mostly success with young quarterback Jayden Daniels, never letting them up for air in a 27-18 win. It tied for the fewest points the Commanders have scored in his 22 career starts, counting playoffs.
Playing two games in four days, the Packers’ new-look defense with All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons dismantled two of the NFL’s best offenses. They outscored the Commanders and Detroit Lions, last year’s NFC runner-up and NFC North champion, respectively, by a combined 54-31.
The Packers’ defensive dominance against the Commanders was even more impressive than their opener. They forced the Commanders into four punts, including three three-and-outs. They also forced a turnover on downs midway through the fourth quarter, preserving a 24-10 lead. To that point, the Commanders averaged an anemic 3.1 yards on 49 plays, outgained 405-150 against the Packers.
It’s the first time the Packers have opened their season 2-0 since 2020. That year, they beat the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, two teams that ended their seasons with losing records. What the Packers did the past four days against two teams considered fellow contenders in the NFC sent a different vibe.
Micah Parsons’ impact on the game is as advertised
In 50 snaps, Micah Parsons constantly got chips, double-team blocks, and at least once was blocked by three Commanders. It simply didn’t matter.
Parsons made a significant impact for a second straight game with his new defense. The All-Pro pass rusher had seven pressures, including three quarterback hits, one of which was a split sack with linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Parsons drew a holding penalty on the play against Commanders right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., one of three penalties caused by Parsons.
Left tackle Laremy Tunsil also jumped backward on a false start lined up against Parsons. Right guard Nick Allergretti was called for an illegal hands to the face penalty on a third-and-7 rush from Parsons.
The Packers defense showed it has more playmakers than Parsons. Rashan Gary and Devonte Wyatt each had a sack for the second straight game. Lukas Van Ness crashed unblocked on a tackle for loss, showing impressive recognition in the run game. Cornerback Keisean Nixon was sticking in coverage, finishing with five pass breakups. But the impact Parsons has on a game is as advertised.
Parson’s presence seemed to rattle Daniels, who finished 24 of 42 for only 200 yards, an 85.4 rating.
Tucker Kraft stakes his claim as Packers top receiving target
On his first target, Tucker Kraft caught a checkdown in the left flat with the Packers backed up at their own 4-yard line and ran it out for a 15-yard gain, giving the offense some cushion.
It looked a lot like the type of play for which Kraft has become known. The self-ascribed YAC specialist has emerged as a star tight end stretching short throws into big gains. A major focus this offseason was how to diversify Kraft’s playmaking, unlocking him downfield.
Two plays later, the Packers showed they’ve made some progress. Kraft got lost down the right side on a blown coverage, catching a Jordan Love pass 17 yards past the line of scrimmage. Kraft scampered for 57 yards, the Packers’ longest reception in their first two games.
Kraft finished Thursday night staking his claim to be the Packers top receiver, catching six of his seven targets for 124 yards and one touchdown. It was the first 100-yard game of his young, three-year career, though unlikely to be his last 100-yard game this season. He’s simply too important – and, specifically, too versatile – in the Packers passing game to not be featured more.
In big moments Thursday, Love made sure to turn to Kraft. The tight end converted a key third-and-6 in the fourth quarter with an 8-yard reception on a play he also drew defensive holding against Commanders safety Will Harris. The drive ended with Kraft leaking open into the end zone for an 8-yard score. It was his second straight game with a touchdown to open the season.
With Kraft at the focal point of the offense, Love completed 19 of 31 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, a 113.9 rating.
Josh Jacobs extends franchise-record streak to 10 straight games with a rushing touchdown
It wasn’t always smooth with the Packers offensive line missing starting right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks, but Josh Jacobs powered through enough contact to find production.
Jacobs gave the Packers a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter with a 2-yard run. It was the 10th straight game with a rushing touchdown dating to last season, extending his record for the longest streak in franchise history. He finished with 84 yards on 23 carries, a 3.7-yard average.
The Packers split their drives with rookie Anthony Belton and veteran Darian Kinnard at right tackle. Belton had the start, while Kinnard rotated off the sideline after finishing Sunday’s game replacing Tom. The Packers traded a sixth-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles late in training camp for Kinnard, a deal made to bolster their depth.
Jordan Morgan, the Packers’ first-round pick in 2024, started at left guard replacing Banks.