Packers defense faces another major challenge

By GERY WOELFEL

Something has to give.

When the Green Bay Packers host the Washington Commanders Thursday night at Lambeau Field, it’ll feature one of the NFL’s best running games and one of the league’s best run defenses.

While highly-touted quarterback Jayden Daniels is the straw that stirs the Commanders’ drink, they got a surprisingly strong showing from relatively unknown running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their 21-6 victory over the New York Giants last Sunday.

Croskey-Merritt, picked in the seventh and final round of the 2025 draft, rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries versus the Giants.

Croskey-Merritt’s 82 yards, along with the athletic Daniels’ 68 yards, helped the Commanders pile up an impressive 220 yards in the game. That was the second-most rushing yards by a team in Week 1.

But the Commanders aren’t likely to post such a gaudy rushing number against the Packers – especially if the Pacers’ D-Line performs like it did in the team’s eye-opening 27-13 triumph over Detroit last Sunday.

The Packers’ D-Line, which features recently acquired star Micah Parsons and veteran Rashan Gary, limited the Lions to a paltry 46 yards. Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ gifted running back, managed a measly 19 yards on nine carries.

The Packers’ linebacking corps also delivered a big-time performance against the Lions: Edgerrin Cooper totaled a game-high 12 tackles and Quay Walker registered nine tackles.

If the Packers’ comes anywhere close to replicating its outstanding defensive performance against Detroit, it could be a painfully long game for the Commanders.

WHAT THE ODDSMAKERS ARE SAYING: Packers by 3 points.

GW’s PREDICTION: Packers 27, Commanders 20.