GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Green Bay Packers (1-1-1) weren’t able to overcome two first half rushing touchdowns by Adrian Peterson, two passing touchdowns by Alex Smith, and another key roughing-the-passer penalty against Clay Matthews in a 31-17 defeat at the Washington Redskins.
The Redskins (2-1) jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and entered halftime on top 28-10. Alex Smith found receiver Paul Richardson for a 46 yard touchdown on the fourth play of the game.
Adrian Peterson came into sole possesion of the seventh most rushing touchdowns in NFL history (102) after his two touchdown afternoon put him past Marshall Faulk and Shaun Alexander (100).
Aaron Rodgers finished 27 for 44 with two touchdowns, a 64 yard strike to Geronimo Allison and another 2 yard slant to Davante Adams, but was sacked four times.
In the third quarter Clay Matthews was flagged for roughing Smith, which caused a baffled Matthews to place his hands on his helmet and an enraged Mike McCarthy to throw down his play calling sheet and chase an official down the sideline.
Defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was carted off in the second quarter with an ankle injury and offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga left the game with a back injury.
Next week the Packers will host the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field.
