NFC Wildcard Playoff Preview: Green Bay At Washington
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 – FOX 4:40 P.M. ET
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews, Chris Myers
The final game of the wildcard round will take place between the Washington Redskins and the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay will travel to Washington despite having the better record of 10-6 compared to the Skins 9-7. The Redskins are currently 1-point favorites in a sort of pick em style game. Let’s look at the keys of the game.
WHY Green Bay Will Win:
- Can We Doubt Aaron Rodgers
R.E.L.A.X., when everyone doubts Green Bay this team always rises to the occasion. Aaron Rodgers is a Super Bowl winner quarterback. Have we really talked ourselves into taking Kirk Cousins over Rodgers? Even though Green Bay didn’t win the NFC North this year they may have done themselves a huge favor. Would you rather play Seattle or Washington right now? Don’t over think this one take the future hall of famer. His tight end Richard Rodgers is starting to become a valuable weapon for him.
- Washington Hasn’t Beaten A Quality Team Yet
Green Bay’s defense has been an efficient group all season long. Furthermore Washington hasn’t beaten a quality team all season. Washington lost to the Patriots 27-10, lost to the Jets 34-20, and lost to the Panthers 44-16. Washington’s best win of the season is arguably against the 8-8 Bills. Green Bay has been battle tested all season long. When the adversity of the playoff starts to set in I believe Green Bay is more suited to handle the pressure.
3. Playoff Experience
Head Coach Mike McCarthy will be coaching his 14th playoff game with numerous wins on the road. Coach Jay Gruden will be coaching his 1st. Not to mention Washington’s last playoff run came by the hands of RG3. While Green Bay doesn’t exactly have a lot going for them at the moment them have been better since McCarthy took over the play calling duties. We have see teams riding cold steaks right the ship during the playoffs.
Green Bay’s X Factor: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
For Green Bay to win the defense will need to create turnovers. Clinton-Dix is an up and coming safety and was the man who made a crucial interception of Russell Wilson during last years NFC title game. Green Bay’s secondary is young and could be the deepest group of talented corners and safety’s in the league.
WHY Washington Will Win:
1.” YOU Like That”
Since the “You Like That” game Kirk Cousins has tossed 23 touchdowns compared to 3 interceptions, a stat that would have boggled your mind before the season started. Cousins has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks all season and has been steadily improving all season long under the tutelage of Jay Gruden. One could make the argument that you would rather have Cousins right now. Part of the reason that could be true is there is extreme turmoil between Aaron Rodgers and his head coach. His teammates have also revealed in the past Rodgers is not the easiest man to get along with. In terms of who’s playing better down the stretch there is no reason to pick against Washington.
- Something Is Wrong With Green Bay
Everyone realizes this isn’t the same Packer team but no one expected this. You can argue Green Bay’s best win all season came via a hail mary in which they should have lost. The running game stinks and the receivers simply are not getting open. The Jordy Nelson injury has simply crippled this team. Green Bay has yet to find a suitable replacement for Nelson. By the way Washington has better weapons. DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, an improved offensive line makes the skins the favorites. Defensively the Packers will have a tough time gaining traction against a defensive line that features pot roast Terrance Knighton.
- Jordan Reed Will Keep The Chains Moving.
Reed has been one of the games best tight ends this season. During this game there figures to be moments where quarterback Kirk Cousins will be rattled. During those times it will be important for Reed to get open especially on third downs. In his last 4 games Reed has 5 touchdowns. In the red zone look for Reed to be the go to man in the offense. I expect Green Bay to double team him early and often.
Washington’s X-Factor: Jordan Reed
Def Pen Staff Picks:
Rob Lopez – Washington Redskins
Charlie Taylor – Green Bay Packers
Honi Ahmadian – Green Bay Packers
When picking a winner I just couldn’t convince myself to roll the dice with Kirk Cousins. This Redskins team just seems to good to be true doesn’t it? I can see a scenario where Washington is down by ten and the camera oddly enough directs itself to RG3. If this happens turn the game off immediately, Green Bay advances here.
PREDICTION:
Green Bay Packers defeat Washington Redskins 31-17
