×

Washington Redskins make first-ever December trip to Lambeau Field to face Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers’ Jamaal Williams takes a break between plays in the falling snow during the first half against the New York Giants on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP photo)

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Washington Redskins this week prepared to face Aaron Rodgers by having backup quarterback Case Keenum try to do his best imitation of the two-time MVP in practice. Even mimicking the voice inflections and cadences Rodgers often uses to draw opposing defenders offside and earn free plays.

“We try to mirror that,” interim coach Bill Callahan said.

The Redskins (3-9) look to extend their winning streak to three games Sunday when they face Rodgers and the Packers (9-3) in their first-ever December trip to Lambeau Field, a place Rodgers has been absolutely dominant over his career.

Rodgers has led Green Bay to a 16-3-1 record in his last 20 starts at home, with a passer rating of 100-plus in 11 of those games, including his only career perfect passer rating (158.3) vs. Oakland in a Week 7 win.

Rodgers has been especially good in the cold. He has a career passer rating of 111.2 in regular-season home games in December and January, ranking No. 1 in NFL history (minimum 200 pass attempts).

“The cold is a factor,” he said. “It’s not like we’re a bunch of Wisconsin folks who were raised here, but I think you just learn to deal with the elements a little bit better. You’re spending eight months a year here. When I go back to California, I laugh at all the Californians wearing long sleeves and coats in 60-degree weather. I’m thinking, ‘Man, this is shorts weather, short sleeves, you know? Get the Speedo out or something, baby.'”

The forecast in Green Bay on Sunday says it will be cloudy with a high around 40 degrees, which shouldn’t be an issue for Washington rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins, a New Jersey native.

“Having played in the Big Ten, I’ve played some cold games,” said Haskins, who will make his fifth career start.

—————-

FAMILIAR FOE

Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith was drafted by Washington in 2015 and played his first four seasons there, averaging about six sacks per game. This season, after joining Green Bay in free agency, Smith leads the Packers with 10 1/2 sacks.

“He’s had tremendous impact, obviously,” coach Matt LaFleur said of Smith. “You’re talking about a guy that’s got over 10 sacks, and just not only from his play, but from a leadership standpoint as well, I think he’s done a great job.”

—————-d

RETURNING TO FORM

Green Bay’s Davante Adams scored a season-high two touchdowns last week in his fourth game back from a turf toe injury. The two-time Pro Bowl receiver now has three scores in the last two games after being held out of the end zone in his first six games this season.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today