Not only did the Thursday Night Football game result in a sobering Commanders loss to the Packers, they also were hit with some key injuries. Washington suffered their first loss of the season in a dominant 27-18 victory by Green Bay at Lambeau Field. Washington fell to 1-1 and the Packers improved to 2-0.
Jayden Daniels Under Pressure
The Commanders offense experienced its worst output with Jayden Daniels under center. They managed just 18 points in what became a frustrating evening for the sophomore quarterback. Daniels completed 24 of 42 passes for 200 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked four times.
Green Bay also managed to hold him to just 17 yards on seven carries.
Daniels was under fire much of the game. He was pressured 21 times with the Packers recording 12 total hits on Daniels. This constant pressure disrupted Washington’s rhythm and prevented the explosive plays that made them successful in Week 1.
Micah Parsons Wreaks Havoc
The Packers’ defensive dominance was led by Micah Parsons, who lived up to his game-wrecker reputation throughout the contest. Parsons consistently disrupted Washington’s offensive line protection and made life miserable for Daniels all night long.
The former Cowboys star, now in Green Bay, demonstrated exactly why “You don’t let game-wreckers wreck the game,” as Daniels had said on Tuesday. “You’ve got to keep an eye on him. He got paid a lot of money for a reason.”
Just ask Josh Conerly Jr. and Nick Allegretti about Parsons. The two offensive linemen allowed SIXTEEN pressures between the two of them. Poor Connerly. Talk about baptism by fire.
Green Bay’s Balanced Attack
The Packers controlled the game from early on, out-gaining Washington 243-43 by the time they took a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. The Packers had 12 first downs while the Commanders managed just one during that dominant stretch.
Jordan Love went 19-of-31 for 292 yards, with tight end Tucker Kraft catching six passes for 124 yards. It was his first career 100-yard receiving game.
“I’ve never gotten over 100 yards before, not even in College,” said Kraft.
Josh Jacobs rushed for 84 yards on 23 carries.
Post-Game Reactions
Head coach Dan Quinn didn’t mince words about the performance. Quinn called it “a tough night,” crediting Green Bay’s red-zone efficiency as the difference. “Just starting off, just tough night, honestly, from an injury standpoint and in game.”
Daniels took responsibility for the offensive struggles, showing maturity beyond his years. “Like I said they executed their scheme, whatever it was. They executed really well because they won the game,” Daniels said. “We just didn’t make plays. It starts with me. It starts with everybody up front.”
The quarterback also kept perspective on the loss, stating “I think they played better than us. There’s not really much to say.”
Simple but true.
Season-Ending Injuries Compound Washington’s Woes
The disappointing loss became even more costly for Washington as they experienced two devastating season-ending injuries during the game. Commanders running back Austin Ekeler suffered a torn right Achilles. The look on his face told you all you needed to know. Serious.
The quad injury that DE Deatrich Wise suffered while trying to block an extra-point attempt in the first half, required him to be carted off the field. Tragically, he’s also gone for the year on what was a relatively innocuous play.
The loss of both players significantly impacts Washington’s depth, with Ekeler serving as a key offensive weapon and Wise being the best edge rusher on the defensive line.
What’s Next
The Commanders managed a late touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, but it was too little, too late. Washington must address their offensive line protection and third-down efficiency as they prepare for Week 3.
This Commanders loss to the Packers will hopefully serve as a reality check for a team with playoff aspirations. They still have a lot of work to do against quality opponents.
Washington head back home to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at 1pm.