Mike’s Mid-Week Chat: What Changes Are the Packers Planning for Week 2 Against the Commanders?
The Green Bay Packers are poised to face the Washington Commanders in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season, aiming to build on their promising 1-0 start. With a solid showing in Week 1, including a defensive effort that held the high-scoring Detroit Lions to just 13 points and an effective pass-rushing performance from new acquisition Micah Parsons, the Packers are analyzing what adjustments are needed to maintain their momentum and secure a second win.
In their Week 1 victory, the Packers showcased a balanced team effort, ranking sixth in scoring defense and eighth in scoring offense last season, complemented by a strong turnover differential (third-best in the NFL). Their dominance in the trenches was evident, as they limited the Lions’ running game to just 2.1 yards per carry. Parsons, a key offseason trade acquisition from Dallas, demonstrated his impact by recording a sack despite limited snaps, highlighting his disruptive potential for the defense.
Heading into the Thursday Night Football matchup against the Commanders, who also entered Week 2 with a 1-0 record, the Packers are expected to leverage their running game and reinforced defense to control the pace. Key to this strategy will be capitalizing on the home-field advantage at Lambeau Field, where quarterback Jordan Love has led the team to four consecutive double-digit home wins in his starts and finishes.
Mike, in his Mid-Week Chat, speculates that the Packers will focus on refining their offensive balance, improving timing and execution particularly in passing plays, and tightening coverage to neutralize the Commanders’ key receivers. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry will likely continue to emphasize pressure on the quarterback and containment against the run to exploit Washington’s relatively weaker offensive line.
The Packers’ roster changes also figure prominently in their planning. Trading Kenny Clark for Parsons and the absence of longtime cornerback Jaire Alexander, who signed with Baltimore, signal a transitional defensive phase. How well the team adjusts to these personnel shifts will affect their performance against the Commanders.
In summary, the Packers appear committed to evolving from their Week 1 performance by enhancing their defensive pressure, executing a balanced offensive attack, and leveraging their home crowd energy to secure a crucial win in Week 2. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how Matt LaFleur’s squad manages these adjustments against a motivated Washington team.
As the Packers prepare, key indicators such as Parsons’ continued effectiveness, the offensive line’s protection of Love, and the secondary’s adaptability under new personnel will shape the outcome of this critical early-season clash.