A lack of respect for your opponent can be the easiest way to find yourself on the losing end of a football game.
The Redskins defense knows and respects the Green Bay Packers offense, specifically All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Outside linebacker Brian Orakpo knows how dangerous Rodgers can be and what makes him so good.
"He's one of the best in the game, as far as what he brings to the offense," Orakpo said of Rodgers. "The number one thing we noticed is his accuracy. Getting the ball down to his big play receivers, timing routs, things of that nature.
"He makes plays happen when stuff breaks down. That's why they have been so prolific over the years."
It is a tough assignment for any defense in the NFL to try and stop Rodgers. Last week against a stellar 49ers defense, Rodgers had a 102.6 passer rating with 333 yards and three touchdowns.
Those numbers don't scare Orakpo, as this is not his first rodeo with No. 12. When they last met on the field in 2010, Orakpo had two sacks and helped lead the Redskins to victory.
He comes into Week 2 looking for an encore performance as he attempts to return to his Pro Bowl form.
In 2011 Orakpo led the team with 9 sacks, 66 tackles and three forced fumbles. He is confident that the Redskins will be ready to challenge Rodgers and the Packers offense.
"It's going to be two teams that want to get the first win of the season. We are going in with great enthusiasm, great intensity and a great game plan," he said. "So we are going to be prepared for this great challenge which is this offense."
This time around, Orakpo will have an elite pass rusher on the other side of the line, as fellow outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan looks to continue his hot start to the season.
While he has yet to step on the field with Rodgers, Kerrigan is aware of what he brings to the table.
"He's easily a top two quarterback. You've got make him uncomfortable," he said of Rodgers. "If you look at the Seattle game, they got a ton of pressure on him and their defense was able to have a lot of success because of it.
"He's got such a chemistry with his receivers. They are all on the same page. They can adjust to different alignments and coverage's. They synergy they have is what makes them great."
Both Washington and Green Bay were division winners last season and both teams look to avoid an 0-2 start.
Kerrigan and the defense knows the importance of Sunday's contest and expect a great game.
"We are going to get the same out of them as they are getting out of us and that's our best and their best," he said. "They have been one of the best teams in the NFC the past couple years so to be the best you got to beat the best.
"We want to be 1-1 after this week, and that's their mindset too, so something's got to give."
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