Green Bay Packers v. Washington: Behind the Numbers
Here is a closer look at the stats and figures that you need to know from the Green Bay Packers' win over Washington.
By Paul_Bretl
The Green Bay Packers came away with thier sixth straight win, this time over Washington, to improve to 6-1 on the season.
It's a quick turnaround before they face Arizona on Thursday Night, but before we look ahead, let's take a look back at thier performance and go Behind the Numbers.
3
Dean Lowry's presence typically isn't going to show up on the stat sheet; rather, more often than not, he is going to be doing the dirty work that goes unnoticed. However, that hasn't been the case as of late.
After a slow start to the season, we really started to notice Lowry's presence against San Francisco. And since Week 5 in Cincinnati, Lowry has been showing up on the stat sheet with regularity as well. Against Cincinnati and Chicago, Lowry had tallied eight pressures along with two sacks, and now after this past Sunday's game, he has logged three consecutive games with a sack.
10
Rashan Gary didn't enter Sunday's contest with huge sack totals; in fact, he only had 1.5, but he was leaving his mark each week. According to PFF, Gary was ninth in pressures among edge rushers, consistently getting to the quarterback with that power of his. He's also been good against the run as well and setting the edge.
Then on Sunday, without Preston Smith alongside of him, Gary took over and was dominant. He finished the game with 10 pressures, two of which were sacks and a forced fumble. As Matt LaFleur put it, he was an impact player.
“It was great to see guys like Rashan Gary get two sacks," said LaFleur via Packers News. "He was an impact player on this game. We see it every day, just the energy, the effort, what he brings to this football team, how much he cares."
5
The Green Bay Packers are 6-1, but this upcoming five-game stretch could very well be viewed as their most difficult part of the schedule.
On a short week, they head to Arizona to take on the 7-0 Cardinals. The Packers then head to Kansas City, who certainly shouldn't be overlooked. Seattle comes to town, and Russell Wilson could be back at that point. They then finish this stretch at Minnesota and home against the 6-1 Los Angeles Rams.
9
This is the total number of carries that Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon had in this game. For an offense that derives much of what they do off the run game, rarely will this be a recipe for success.
However, against a secondary that has given up a lot of yards this season and a difficult Washington front to run on, Green Bay turned to the quick passing game--especially in the second half. Aaron Rodgers finished the day 27/35 for 274 yards and three touchdowns. Jones and Dillon posted 25 total rushing yards.
9
Speaking of the passing game, while Davante Adams typically gets the lion's share of the targets, that wasn't the case today. The distribution of the football in the passing game was about as equal as we will see.
Nine different pass-catchers had at least one target, and of those nine, five had at least four targets. Adams led the way with seven, but Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan were close by with six and five, respectively.
123
Let's just keep these smooth transitions rolling. Tonyan entered Sunday's game with 11 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown. Lazard entered the contest with 10 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. But as referenced above, both were focal points against Washington.
Big Bob finished the day with four receptions on five targets for 63 yards and a touchdown. Lazard had five receptions of his own and hauled in 60 receiving yards and a touchdown as well.
0/4 and 2/4
On both sides of the ball this season, the red zone ups and downs have been a point of conversation.
The Packers' defense entered the game Sunday, having allowed 15 touchdowns on 15 red zone trips. Fortunately for Green Bay, they've been very good at limiting red zone opportunities.
But against Washington, the Packers not only got their first red zone stop but three more on top of that as the Football Team went 0/4 in the red zone. Green Bay forced two turnovers on downs, an interception, and a field goal. This was a big reason why the Packers came away with the win.
On offense, the Packers entered Sunday's game ranked 22nd in red zone success, which was actually up from 27th after they went 3/4 against Chicago. However, they would struggle to find the end zone again, converting just two of their four red zone trips into six points.
5/15
Another area where this Green Bay Packers defense shined was on third and fourth downs. Washington would finish the day just 4/11 on third downs and 1/4 on fourth downs.
3
This is the number of punts Corey Bojorquez had, and with each attempt, we saw him pull a new club out of his bag. On the first punt, he once again showcased his directional ability as he pinned the return man along the sidelines, which forced a fair catch.
Bojorquez's next punt came from his own end zone and under pressure, where he was able to boot the ball 53 yards. Lastly, with some sick back-spin, he pinned Washington inside the five-yard line.
The Green Bay Packers have a punter.
13
I could talk about De'Vondre Campbell weekly, but after a brief break, we need to highlight his performance again. Campbell would lead the team in tackles -- a common occurrence -- with 13, and he was also very disruptive in the passing game as well.
Coming into the game, he was allowing only 5.5 yards per catch -- he is always around the football -- and he was PFF's highest-graded linebacker this season.
95
Taylor Heinicke is tough to bring down. He entered the game having been sacked just two times this season and his 222 rushing yards is the fourth-most among quarterbacks. Against Green Bay, Heinicke went on to record 95 rushing yards on plays that he was able to get out of the pocket. Outside of targeting Terry McLaurin, this was the next best way that Washington moved the ball.
Overall the Packers defense has been improving each week and have been playing particularly well as of late, but quarterback scrambles are something to keep our eyes on moving forward. As we saw, these types of plays can help the opponent extend drives.
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
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Comments (20)
LambeauPlain
October 25, 2021 at 11:25 am
AZ is going to be tough to pass on ranking 3rd in the NFL for yards given up per play. Stingy pass D.
However their run D is ranked 31st!
Pound the rock!
Coldworld
October 25, 2021 at 12:05 pm
And spy the QB.
PatrickGB
October 25, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Campbell mentioned his experience against Murray. He thought it’s more about lane discipline than using a defender to spy. But with Grey running the defense on Thursday, you might be right. Yet for me, I don’t like the idea of a spy. It means one less defender against the pass. I would rather give up a shorter run than have a long pass completed.
CoachDino
October 25, 2021 at 05:14 pm
I don't have a strong opinion as it often depends on the match-ups of personnel and scheme but the issue isn't short runs, its very long runs.
PatrickGB
October 25, 2021 at 12:06 pm
Well, our run game is just coming off a bye so there is that. I imagine they are rested up and ready to go. Dillon might be in the doghouse for his fumbles and I imagine that he really wants to make up for it. Jones will be a threat in the run and pass game and just might shock the Cards who will not expect that.
scullyitsme
October 25, 2021 at 12:25 pm
I’m not sure how we where supposed to run more when our online was getting manhandled. We didn’t run much in this game because we couldn’t, and it was obvious early. Do what you have to do to get the W. This game it was the pass.
Thegravedigger
October 25, 2021 at 11:01 pm
thank you for stating the obvious. lots of fans calling for more runs, but the backs were running into brick walls. i get the idea of running more, and its gonna be the attempted game plan this week, but if its not working, you adjust.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 26, 2021 at 01:02 am
Yeeesssss. I don't know that it was that bad, though. In the first half, the runs were 9,3,1,2 and 3 yards (not counting ESB's 13 yard jet sweep or AR's 2 scrambles for 17 yards). That isn't great but there are no negative yardage plays. It seems like a pretty quick hook to me.
ImaPayne
October 25, 2021 at 01:39 pm
I always compared Gary to Perry, two guys whose carrers I followed pre college and college being from Michigan Org.
Perry was a huge high school star from Michigan who thumbed his nose at U of M (go blue) and went to USC. He had a good career playing next to three future pro bowl defensemen who made him look better then he was.
Gary came to Michigan with a similar cant miss nominclature and was un impressive overall. He seemed to always miss the big games with a nagging little injury. He was lights out against a Rutgers but was lost against Ohio State or didnt play.
To me both are gold bricks who look good when they need to and for sure the contract year is when to shine to get da money. After that forget it. Your getting average jo from there on.
Both Perry and Gary were never rated as first round picks either. Both were considered second rounders and one was even and early third round steel.
Gary should have done ten times more than he has to date for being a 12 pick but like the analyst said, he lacks upper body power and bigger linemen can handle him.
He had a nice game against Washington, lets hope it continues and he doesnt go missing against Arizona. No one on our defense can keep up with Murry. He should have a very big run and pass day.
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 25, 2021 at 05:05 pm
Ranking 9th in total pressures indicates Gary is far above average and it's not a contract year for him. He was very young coming into the league, and much like Kenny Clark, had to grow into the game. I always thought it was a bit ridiculous to expect an impact from Gary right away give that they had the Smith Bros ahead of him and he was learning a new position. By his third year, Clark was having a real impact, same as Gary. As far as Perry, he was impactful in the two seasons where he was healthy and played in enough games to make an impact. His issue was injuries. Gary's been pretty available. Let's all hope Rashaan proves your comparison completely wrong. They don't look the same to me at all.
Since'61
October 25, 2021 at 01:57 pm
If the WFT game was pass heavy I'm expecting the Cardinals game to be run heavy based on the Cards run defense so far this season. The key issue is whether our OL can meet the challenge to sustain the ground game. Our OL was not effective blocking for the run against the WFT, although we still should have had more than 13 rush attempts.
The Cardinals defense is only allowing 16 PPG through their first 7 games. The Packers are averaging 18 PPG on defense since the Saints game. Adding in the Saints the PPG average moves up to 21 PPG. The defenses are pretty closely matched at this point. However the Cardinals offense is averaging 32 PPG while the Packers offense is averaging 24 PPG, but nearly 26 PPG since the Saints game.
IMO the packers would be wise to slow this game down with a run more/pass less approach. Hopefully wear down the Cards D and keep their offense off the field. We should take the ball if we win the toss and drive for a score to take the crowd out of the game early. If our defense hangs tough and we can control the game with our ground attack we can take this game and hand the Cardinals their first defeat of the season. They are due to stumble, it might as well come against us on TNF. GPG! Thanks, Since '61
10ve 💚
October 25, 2021 at 03:40 pm
I like your strategy Since'61. May your words come true!
Thegravedigger
October 25, 2021 at 11:06 pm
they are most definitely going to try and run. that is a fact. but with adams and mvs most likely out, i would also say that the cards might put 8 in the box. if that happens, rodgers is going to start chuckin the rock, regardless of the play call. i hope to see alot of aaron jones, at back and wr. 2 back sets. slow it down, then flank the backs out. id imagine with 17 not playing that rodgers will throw to aaron jones a bit more.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 26, 2021 at 01:06 am
I agree with all of this.
Look for the Packers to promote JuWaan Winfree as a Covid replacement elevation if Adams can't play.
Swisch
October 25, 2021 at 04:04 pm
I sense that Rashan Gary is entering beast mode as a premier defender in the NFL.
I wouldn't be surprised if both him and Campbell make the pro bowl this season.
jurp
October 26, 2021 at 07:40 am
But wait! How can this be? All I've been hearing from certain members of this board is that Gary is terrible and a wasted draft pick? Do you mean that these guys are terrible, horrible analysts who don't know their ass from a hole in the ground?
MarkinMadison
October 25, 2021 at 08:32 pm
10 effing pressures. And without an elite player on the opposite end. That is just awesome. Gary haters. Own it.
Good thing that Lazard was found this week. Adams on the COVID list. Yeah. Arizona is not going to be fun without Adams. Rodgers might have to run the ball, or maybe even actually not throw the ball to Adams. Maybe.
Thegravedigger
October 25, 2021 at 11:07 pm
i bet davante gets at least 2 targets. while hes home in isolation.
dobber
October 26, 2021 at 08:01 am
It's Tuesday and I think he already has 4.
Savage57
October 26, 2021 at 07:22 am
The Packers got this.
I seent a stat they're 6-0 when playing without Adams, 27-6 with during LaFleur's tenure.