The Packers walked all over the Redskins in the first half, despite an early concussion to Packers starting tailback Eddie Lacy.
Green Bay began the third quarter kicking off, and the Redskins' first offensive possession of the second half didn't show much improvement. Another three-and-out handed the Packers the ball after just a minute and a half - and a penalty on Niles Paul on the return tacked an extra 15 yards on to the start of Green Bay's drive.
Washington's defense came out with intensity, stuffing James Starks on first down, forcing an incompletion and then sacking Rodgers on third down to force a punt almost immediately. The sack, Washington's fourth of the day, was concerning in light of the better pass protection Rodgers had in the second quarter.
Luckily for the Packers, the complete lack of chemistry between Griffin and his receivers once again muffled Washington's offensive output. They made it just far enough into field goal range for Redskins kicker John Potter's first career FG attempt, but Potter started off 0/1 after shanking his 50-yarder wide right with 10:09 left in the quarter
Starting at his own 40, Rodgers found Jermichael Finley on first down, and Finley danced through three tackles along the sideline on his way to a 27-yard pickup. Two 9-yard rushes by James Starks later, Rodgers found Jordy Nelson in the end zone, and Nelson laid out for a beautiful catch to put the Packers up 31-0.
The ensuing Washington drive was their best so far. Redskins tailback Alfred Morris had been their lone bright spot in the first half, averaging 6.6 yards per carry, and after he moved the chains Griffin finally looked on the same page as his receivers. Griffin put together four straight completions (three to Pierre Garcon), and the last of those Garcon caught at the goal line and spun around to put the ball over the plane of the end zone as he stepped out of bounds. Although he was originally ruled out of bounds on the play, a challenge revealed that the ball had crossed the plane and Washington finally got themselves on the board.
James Starks continued his excellent play on the next drive, and his 32-yard touchdown run with 2:41 remaining in the quarter could vault him above Eddie Lacy on the depth chart even after Lacy returns from his concussion.
The third quarter ended with Washington driving out of their own territory, and Green Bay leading the Redskins 38-7
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