Washington Redskins' tilt at Green Bay features clash of QB styles

Redskins at Green Bay
Sunday | 1 p.m. | WFXR

ASHBURN - The more tape Washington Redskins defenders watch, the more effusive the compliments get.

This week's matchup pits the Washington defense against Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is regarded as one of the game's top signal callers.

Safety E.J. Biggers said he has seen plays where the defense does everything right, and Rodgers still manages a completion.

"He has those receivers, and they're on the same page all the time," Biggers said. "You might be thinking you have A-plus coverage, but the ball's still coming, and those guys make great catches, and he makes great throws."

Rodgers differs in almost every way from Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.

At no point, college or pro, has Rodgers been asked to be a mobile quarterback.

Even without that added threat, Redskins nose tackle Barry Cofield said Rodgers is plenty dangerous.

"He has that same pocket presence like a [Tom] Brady or [Peyton] Manning," Cofield said. "Just that cool, where they might as well be throwing to a receiver in their back yard. You look at him, the mechanics and pocket presence, it doesn't look like he's panicked whatsoever."

Rodgers also is known because he sat for three years behind Brett Favre before getting his opportunity to start.

"That would be tough," Griffin said this week. "But he handled himself well throughout that whole process."

Multiple Redskins this week referred to Rodgers as one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and he's going to face a Washington defense that gave up 24 first-half points to Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles last week.

Rodgers won't have the element of surprise - his offense is well known - but his talent is greater than anything the Redskins have faced so far, including preseason games.

"He can run, he's shifty, and he can make every throw," safety Brandon Meriweather said. "And he's got a good running game now."

Speaking with Washington media this week, Rodgers was equally complimentary of Griffin, praising the quarterback's feel for when to run and when to pass.

"I think some guys have it, and some guys need to work on it," Rodgers said. "Robert definitely has it."

He said he missed Griffin's performance against the Eagles, though, because he was watching the U.S. Open finals.

He'll get to see plenty of Griffin on Sunday, as the two quarterbacks duel at Lambeau Field.

Injury report

Safety Meriweather participated in Friday's practice at Redskins Park, and coach Mike Shanahan said he remains optimistic that Meriweather will start Sunday in Green Bay, provided there are no setbacks with his injured groin.

Kicker Kai Forbath is questionable for Sunday's game, Shanahan said. Forbath suffered a groin injury during this week's practice.

Forbath will decide this morning whether he is able to travel with the team to Green Bay. If he is not, John Potter will sign a contract and meet the team in Green Bay. He is currently at home in Buffalo.

Potter participated in training camp with Washington before being cut.

Forbath missed a 40-yard field goal Monday, but it was not related to the injury.

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