The Packers lost many of their best players to injury on Sunday, and then they lost to the Redskins in overtime 16-13.
Tight end Jermichael Finley was carted off the field with a knee injury early in the game. His backup Donald Lee also left the game with an injury. Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett left with an ankle injury and didn’t return. But the injury that seemed to sap the team most was linebacker Clay Matthews’ hamstring injury in the second half.
After Matthews’ injury, the Redskins finally started to move the ball. The Redskins scored ten points in the fourth quarter, including a 48-yard touchdown to Anthony Armstrong. Still, the Packers offense had a chance to win in overtime.
They punted on their first possession and Aaron Rodgers threw an interception on the second possession. Washington moved the ball 24 yards, largely on penalties, to set up Graham Gano’s 33-yard game winner.
The Redskins and Packers are both 3-2, but they certainly feel different about their records. Washington is finding a way to win ugly and beat expectations. The Packers have two losses against a very soft schedule, and their offense hasn’t been as explosive as expected.
And the losses to injury on Sunday could prove far more important than blowing the lead in Washington.