Green Bay Packers grade card: Position evaluation vs. Washington

Eric Baranczyk and Pete Dougherty
Green Bay Press-Gazette
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) runs the ball against Washington Sunday, September 23, 2018 at FedEx Field in Landover, MD.

Here's a position-by-position analysis of how the Green Bay Packers graded out during their 31-17 loss Sunday to Washington:

Quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers held the ball too much considering his compromised knee. There were also a couple throws on the move he just couldn’t put on the money because of his knee injury. Grade: C+

Running backs: Aaron Jones (six carries, 42 yards) looked quick as ever in his regular-season debut and he, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery combined for 5.8 yards on 15 carries. Grade: B-

Wide receivers: Geronimo Allison had a 64-yard touchdown, but Randall Cobb had two huge drops and lost a fumble, and Davante Adams got both hands on an off-target throw for a drop, too. Grade: C-

Tight ends: Jimmy Graham had an OK day (five catches for 45 yards), but Lance Kendricks’ drop on a deep ball was a backbreaker. Grade: C

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Offensive line: Justin McCray was overrun on one sack, and Jason Spriggs gave up several pressures replacing injured Bryan Bulaga before he settled down. Allowing Rodgers to be sacked four times is never a good day for this group. Grade: C-

Defensive line: Adrian Peterson had too many big holes on his way to rushing for 120 yards. The interior rush had no sacks and didn’t collapse the pocket often. Grade: C

Inside linebackers: Blake Martinez (nine tackles) was alert and did nothing to hurt the Packers’ cause, but he doesn’t get home much on the blitz. Grade: B-

Outside linebackers: Especially after Nick Perry left because of a concussion, this group gave up the edge too much against the run. Kyler Fackrell played a lot but was washed out a few times. Except for Clay Matthews on a couple plays, the outside rush was nearly non-existent. Grade: C-

Cornerbacks: This group contested passes more often than not, but three big interference penalties (on Jaire Alexander, Tramon Williams and Davon House) played a huge role on one Washington touchdown drive. Grade: C

Safeties: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix had an interception, but he and Kentrell Brice each bore the bulk of the responsibility for a touchdown pass allowed. Grade: C-

Special teams: JK Scott punted well again (46.4-yard gross, 44.6-yard net on five punts), and the coverage units didn’t allow any big plays. The return game (Cobb on punts, Montgomery on kickoffs) didn’t make a play. Grade: B​​​​​​​