Must win game for the Packers

Could the season be over already after Week 2? The Washington Redskins will head to Lambeau Field on Sunday to take on the Green Bay Packers in what will be a crucial game for both teams. Although it is only Week 2, this will be a must win game for the Packers who look to avoid starting the season 0-2.

It was a closely contested four quarters of football last week against the San Francisco 49ers, but the Packers could not hold the lead late and lost 34-28. The defense did an excellent job limiting the 49ers to only 90 yards on the ground, but they allowed Colin Kaepernick to throw all over them. In 39 passing attempts, he through for 412 yards with three touchdowns.

Not only did the defense struggle, but the Packers running game did as well. This offseason the Packers said they were going to be more committed to the run, and drafted Eddie Lacy to be the guy to lead their rushing attack. In only 19 carries the Packers running backs only rushed for 63 yards. This was a major disappointment, and needs to improve quickly if the Packers want to win.

Speaking of winning, the Packers need to win this week if they want to make the playoffs. While it is only Week 2, Green Bay has never made the playoffs after they started the season 0-2. Not only has the Packers struggled when they got off to a 0-2 start, but the entire NFL has as well. Since 1990, when the current playoff system went into effect, teams who started 0-2 have only made the playoffs 12 percent of the time. These numbers are not in the Packers favor, and with a team who struggles to run the ball, and plays below average defense, it will be a major concern if they Packers cannot secure a victory at home.

The Packers come into Sunday’s matchup between the Redskins needing to get a win to avoid a 0-2 start. Their running game and defense needs to be improved from last week in order to even have a chance at securing the “W” at home. Expect this game to come down to the wire with both teams trying to avoid an 0-2 start, but the Packers will have the advantage playing at home.