Green Bay Packers-Washington Redskins: The Clash in the Capital with a 'Skins FC

The Green Bay Packers are thankfully 3-1 through the first quarter of their 2010 NFL season. In my opinion, however, I can't think of a more disappointing way the Packers could have started 3-1. That's another debate though. 

Speaking of debates and opinions, I asked Washington Redskins' featured columnist Brandon Keener five questions looking forward to the Packers and Redskins matchup this Sunday. 

For my answers to Brandon's five questions about the Packers, check out his article here.

Zach Kruse: Donovan McNabb obviously had a very emotional homecoming in Philadelphia last week. What’s your thoughts on a possible hangover game coming up this week for McNabb? Or does a win over McNabb’s old teammates inspire confidence moving forward?

Brandon Keener: McNabb did have a pretty emotional time last week in Philly, and it was good to see the fans that booed him at one time give him a standing ovation for everything he did for that franchise in his return.

All in all, McNabb is a true professional and he will take things one week at a time, but an emotional rush from beating his former team in the previous week is not out of the question. I can certainly see him needing a quarter or even a half to get back into his motions.

I truly feel that you’ll see the old McNabb back in action again this week, though.

Side note: A week after Brett Favre's emotional homecoming in Green Bay last season, he completed 20-of-29 passes for 344 yards and a touchdown against the Lions. The Packers' defense is better then the 2009 Lions', but an interesting comparison.

ZK: A lot was made throughout the offseason about Albert Haynesworth and his unhappiness with the organization. Do Redskins’ fans understand his grievances with the Redskins’ brass, and how has he played so far this season despite all the off the field drama?

BK: Certain groups understand certain things about “Fat” Albert and his problems with the management.

As Skins fans we really didn’t care what his problems were at the time. The only thing we saw was a $100 million contract going to a huge cry baby that could not pass a conditioning test because he did not work out as much as he should have over the spring break.

I take nothing away from Haynesworth’s ability as a player because, when he is at his best, he is still one of the best. But to be completely honest with you, a lot Redskins fans don’t think Haynesworth is worth his contract and wanted him traded off for someone who wanted to put forth the effort.

However, we also did not want to see him leave and become dominate again like it seems to happen quite a bit with Washington.

ZK: Watching the Redskins-Eagles game a week ago, it was clear to me that the ’Skins running game had clearly elevated its play. With McNabb only completing eight passes, Clinton Portis and Ryan Torain seemingly took that game over. Would you expect the Redskins to attack the Packers in a similar manner this weekend?

BK: With Mike Shanahan as coach and his love of the running game, I would be willing to bet he is going to test the run early.

The Packers have a really good defense, and I’m a linebacker fan, so looking at the Packers linebackers is a little intimidating because there are four really good, really young and really fast linebackers. I think the running game will struggle a bit against the Packers linebackers.

I also look for at least one linebacker to be playing spy at all times waiting for a hole to open up and shoot into the backfield. Fortunately, Clinton Portis is one of the best pass blocking running backs in the game, but drive after drive will only make everyone more tired.

I believe you will see a little more of the passing game this week because there will be many more third and five plus situations this week than last week. In a situation like that I could see McNabb looking to his tight ends, Chris Cooley and Fred Davis, quite a bit just past the line to keep the chains moving.

McNabb loves throwing to a willing tight end. Ask Brent Celek the difference a year and three different quarterbacks make.

Interesting outsiders' take on the Packers linebackers. I think all Packers fans adore Clay Matthews, but there has been definite grumbles about the other three. I think we all like to hear the Packers defense getting respect, however.

ZK: When looking at the Washington defense, there seems to be a lot of talent on that side of the ball. Haynesworth, Brian Orakpo, London Fletcher, DeAngelo Hall and LaRon Landry are all skilled defenders. The group seems to be inconsistent so far this season, however. What have been the ’Skins problems in games the defense has struggled?

BK: You are 100 percent on the money with that one. The names on paper, talent wise, are all there. The Redskins have a lot of great pursuers and run stoppers.

The reason for the inconsistent play is pretty simple. The entire preseason was spent trying to get the passing game going because everyone thought they could trust the running game so Jim Haslett was left on his island to coach the defense as he desired.

Now that the regular season is in full swing and defensive ideas between Haslett and Shanahan are coming together, it is essentially like learning one system in the preseason and then another one as you go during the regular season.

As much as the Redskins would like you to believe Haslett gets to call the plays, the power that was given to Shanahan gives him final call on everything. Once those two works things out between each other and go with one system it will begin to click right again.

Until then, the Redskins need to play a little bit tighter zone and not be worried about hitting so hard after the catch was made and try to prevent the pass from getting there. The main reason for the Redskins defensive failures so far is that when dropped into zone the field awareness is not there yet to help each other out. That’s how Matt Schaub was able to pick them apart a few weeks ago.

Packers fans know all about a zone getting picked apart. That Lions game was sure frustrating last week watching Shaun Hill impersonate Tom Brady and destroy the Packers' zone coverage.

ZK: An area the Packers have struggled mightily the past two weeks is special teams. Are the Redskins primed to win that battle this weekend? Give me the low down on the ’Skins special teamers we should know about heading into Sunday.

BK: Special teams has been a touchy situation for the Redskins since Brian Mitchell left.

A true kick returner has not shown themselves in D.C. for some time now. Antwaan Randle El showed signs for the Steelers that he was capable but came here and did more sideline to sideline running than downhill.

Santana Moss was a speedy return option but as he gets older and more valuable as our No. 1 receiver it makes it tough to put him back there.

Philip Buchanon and DeAngelo Hall were both decent return guys at one point, but those years have passed them and they are needed in the secondary (which is weak) more than returning.

Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright were doing the returning for the past few season but they did not do an overwhelmingly good job either.

This season the Skins may have listened to me for once and they are now having Devin Thomas return kicks. Thomas was our “Receiver of Tomorrow” when he was drafted along with Malcolm Kelly, who is on IR, in the early rounds of the draft a few years ago.

Thomas’ ability to run routes is still a little shaky, but he has explosive speed. His first step after his cut is something to watch on YouTube. If there was one special team guy on the Redskins I would kick away from it would be Thomas.

Our punter, Josh Bidwell, is average at best. I’ve been riding him all season.

Our new kicker, Graham Gano, is very similar to your Mason Crosby and shows a lot of potential to become a very good kicker. He also has a decent leg on him so watch for your return game to get pinned deep on kickoffs, which hopefully he’ll be kicking a lot of. He has touchback quality strength.

Packers fans know all about Josh Bidwell. It's a shame he's had a rough start to his Skins career because he had a few good years with the Buccaneers after the Packers let him go. On second thought, it's good to hear other teams are having special teams problems. The Dolphins game Monday night was also reassuring to watch.

Thanks again to Brandon for all his help. 

For more coverage of the Washington Redskins, be sure to check out Brandon's page.