A team is only as strong as it’s leader and for the Washington Redskins, their leader Alex Smith orchestrated an offensive attack that put significant pressure on the weaknesses of the Green Bay Packers defense.
After having a horrid offensive performance in Week 2, Washington allowed Smith to test the waters early on their first drive by using Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, and Paul Richardson to get the vertical passing attack going. Smith would put together a four play 75-yard opening drive that ended in a 46-yard touchdown to Richardson that set the tone for the rest of the day.
#Redskins come out and immediately go to their best weapon on offense, Jordan Reed.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) September 23, 2018
There goes your question about if the #Redskins coaches will be more aggressive in Week 3. They opened things up deep to WR Paul Richardson. 4 play 75 yard scoring drive over 2:06.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) September 23, 2018
The Utah product made smart decisions with the football giving his playmakers the opportunity to have success. The three-time Pro Bowler went 9 of 14 for 207 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the first half.
Smith’s ability to make off scheduled plays were also impactful in keeping key drives alive to help the Redskins control the time of possession. Smith would finish the day 12 of 20 for 220 yards and two touchdowns, along with seven rushes for 20 yards.
4 things we learned from Redskins 31-17 win over Packers
The precision passing enabled the Burgundy and Gold to get back to what is clearly the heartbeat of there offense, the running game. The Packers had to respect the dual-threat abilities of the Seattle, Washington native. This opened the door for running back Adrian Peterson to have a big day on the ground as he rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on 19 attempts.
The Redskins will have to continue to allow Alex Smith to throw the football which allows him to take advantage of the mismatches that their tight ends present in the passing game. If they can continue to do so, Washington could find themselves in the thick of the playoff mix as the season moves forward.