Going into Week 14, the Washington Redskins were in the midst of a nine-game streak logging less than 200 yards passing per game. They wanted to change the narrative, though, and build on the identity the team’s young talent had begun to establish. Even though they were competitive on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, the Burgundy and Gold were unable to secure a victory and lost to the NFC North division leaders 20-15 at Lambeau Field. Despite the loss, however, Washington RB and future Hall-of-Famer, Adrian Peterson, made a clear impact and continues to be a stabilizing force despite a movement to the young talent on the roster.
Rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins took some shots early but was unable to establish the explosive plays the ball club hoped he would against the Packers defense. Early on, the Redskins offense could not get anything going gaining only three yards on six plays. The defense played well at times but struggled at getting the Packers off the field on third down resulting in 14 points given up in the first quarter.
Honestly the #Redskins defense played well on that first drive. However when you have an opportunity to bring Aaron Rodgers down you have to close. If this D can close out on third down Washington will be able to make this a battle early. #WASvsGB
— Dujunnea Bland (@NotBland21) December 8, 2019
Once again, it was the rushing attack of the Redskins that kept the score close. After an early injury to RB Derrius Guice, Peterson carried the load, making a significant impact in stabilizing the offense and allowing Haskins to make some timely throws; especially in the second half of the football game.
Redskins Game Notes from 20-15 Defeat to the Packers
The commitment to the run also had a positive effect on the play of the offensive line. Once the ground game got going — while Guice was in the game and with Peterson — you could see the pass protection improve. A seven-time Pro bowler, Peterson finished the day with 20 carries for 76 yards and a 3.8 yards-per-carry average. Peterson was also responsible for securing one of the Redskins’ two touchdowns.
The four-time All-Pro not only continues to show that he is still a productive running back in the NFL; he also continues to make history. The 13-year pro has 16 total rushing touchdowns against the Packers making him second all-time, trailing only the late, great Walter Payton; who had 19.
Factoid: Adrian Peterson’s 16 total rushing TDs against the Packers is second all-time trailing Walter Payton who had 19 #Redskins
— Diane Chesebrough (@DiChesebrough) December 8, 2019