Preston Smith sacks Aaron Rodgers for a safety (Video)

Preston Smith earned Washington an early lead in the NFC Wild Card game against Green Bay. 

Preston Smith went after new starting left tackle for the Green Bay Packers J.C. Tretter early in the Washington Redskins’ NFC Wild Card game at home, sacking Packers quarterback in the end zone for a safety. Washington went up 2-0 early on the Packers in the No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup in the NFC.

Smith has come on in the last few weeks. The former Mississippi State Bulldog gave the Redskins with the early momentum in this game with his sack of Rodgers. The Green Bay offensive line has been a mess nearly all season, as Rodgers routinely has to scramble out of the pocket to try to extend plays behind a porous offensive line.

Deep in their own end zone, the Packers could not contain the pass rush of Smith from the blind side. Rodgers felt the heat from a collapsing pocket due to Tretter’s inability to contain Smith. He inadvertently stepped right up into Smith’s reach for the easy Redskins’ safety.

For Green Bay to win this road playoff game, the Packers will have to rely on their best player in Rodgers. However, with a weak offensive line, inconsistent play from the running backs, and a depleted receiving corps, Green Bay cannot afford to give Washington any points with offensive miscues.

The Redskins went 6-2 at home this season en route to winning the NFC East at 9-7 to earn the No. 4 seed in the NFC. Since starting the year out 6-0, the Packers stumbled down the stretch, finishing 2015 with a 10-6 record, losing the NFC North Championship to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.

Washington’s strong pass rush has been a big reason for the Redskins’ success in 2015 and that may end up serving as a great point of emphasis for Washington to continue to exploit Green Bay’s suspect offensive line.