The offensive line of the Green Bay Packers is dealing with injuries coming out of Week 1, and an early test awaits in the new-look pass-rush of the Washington Commanders on Thursday night at Lambeau Field.
The Commanders pressured Russell Wilson on 22 of his 45 dropbacks in Week 1, per NFL Pro, and Washington had eight different players record at least two quarterback pressures. Leading the way was defensive end Dorance Armstrong, who had nine pressures and a sack. Newcomer Deatrich Wise had four pressures, including two quarterback hits, and 2020 first-round pick Javon Kinlaw — formerly of the 49ers and Jets — delivered two more quarterback hits. Veteran Daron Payne had a sack. Jer’Zhan Newton, a 2024 second-round pick, had four pressures. Von Miller, now a designated pass-rusher, added two more pressures. This is a deep defensive front coming to Green Bay on Thursday night.
Pro Football Focus credited Washington with pressuring Wilson on 17 of 45 dropbacks, but the pressure was meaningful. Wilson completed only 5 of 13 passes for 51 yards, took two sacks and had six throwaways under pressure in Week 1. As always, pressure is production because quarterbacks became drastically less efficient and productive when under pressure.
To be fair to both the Packers and Commanders, the Giants offensive line is not a good one. James Hudson started at left tackle in placed of Andrew Thomas and gave up six pressures, per PFF. Former Packers Jon Runyan and Greg Van Roten played guard and gave up multiple pressures. By overall talent, the starting five for the Giants without Thomas to open 2025 likely ranks as one of the NFL’s worst. The Packers, even with some injury question marks of their own, rank as one of the NFL’s best. So the Commanders have their own big challenge ahead on Thursday night.
As always, pass protection will be a key to victory.
Love was devastatingly effective from clean pockets in Week 1, completing 14 of 17 passes for 170 yards and two scores against no pressure. When under pressure for six dropbacks? Love completed 2 of 5 passes for 18 yards and had two turnover-worthy plays. The difference was drastic.
A short week complicates the matchup for the Packers. Tom and Banks have less time to recover from injuries, while Morgan, Kinnard and Belton have less on-field practice time to prepare to play.
The Packers are in a different realm in terms of offensive line play compared to the Giants, but Matt LaFleur’s starting five still needs to bring their «A» game to handle a deep Commanders front and get the Packers to 2-0 on Thursday night.
