Commanders vs. Packers preview

The first week of the NFL is in the books, and the Commanders and Packers are set to kick off Week 2 with a Thursday night matchup at Lambeau Field.

The Commanders hit the road to Green Bay after a 21-6 season-opening win over the Giants. In the win, reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels threw for 233 yards with one touchdown and a 63.3 completion percentage. Additionally, Daniels had 11 carries for 68 rushing yards.

Washington also saw some good offensive production from new faces. Deebo Samuel had a strong debut in his new home as the team's leading receiver with seven receptions for 77 yards. Also making strides was rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who had 10 carries for 82 yards and one touchdown.

Daniels and the Commanders face a tough task against the Packers' defense, which includes a familiar face in former division rival Micah Parsons.

Green Bay’s defense shone in the team's 27-13 victory against the defending NFC North champion Detroit Lions.

The Packers defense accumulated a total of 84 tackles, as opposed to the Lions' 51. This was highlighted by a 12-tackle performance from linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Green Bay totaled four sacks, including Parsons’s first as a Packer, and safety Evan Williams added on an interception.

If the Commanders hope to get past the strong Green Bay defense, they’ll need another strong performance from Daniels and Samuel, as well as a bigger contribution from veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin, another key piece of the offense. Whereas, Croskey-Merritt can put himself on the map if he performs well against an NFC favorite.

Washington’s defense also had a good opening week, keeping the Giants out of the end zone. However, this could’ve been a result of New York’s poor offense, as the Commanders didn't necessarily put up extremely staggering numbers.

The Commanders totaled 61 tackles, led by linebacker Bobby Wagner’s 10. Washington’s defense also recorded two sacks.

The Packers defense put up significantly higher numbers than their opponent, but the same didn't go for the Commanders, as the Giants recorded 10 more tackles and one more sack.

Washington’s defense will have a much bigger task ahead of it against Green Bay.

Jordan Love had a solid first outing, throwing for 188 yards with a 72.7 completion percentage and two touchdowns.

Against the Lions, the Packers' receiving was spread pretty evenly across the board, with Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed recording the most yards. Doubs had two receptions for 68 yards, and Reed registered three receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown.

On the rushing side, Josh Jacobs produced 19 carries for 66 yards and one touchdown.

This Thursday night matchup features two of the best teams in the NFC, but only one will have the chance to add a big-time win to their resume.

Gianna Dowling is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email gmd5738@psu.edu.