Garcon: FedEx louder than Lambeau

They know the history. They’re just not choosing to get lost in it; nor are they about to let a venue – in this case Lambeau Field -- be a difference in the outcome Sunday. 

Green Bay definitely has a home-field advantage, though that stems as much from the players they have as the place they play. The Packers have won 20 of their last 21 home games, including seven straight, and 26 of their last 28. The addition of 7,000 seats, making the stadium fully enclosed, adds to the atmosphere. 

“It’s another stadium,” said Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon, whose only appearance at Lambeau came in 2008. “FedEx Field is louder. But the crowd noise won’t be an issue for us. They’ll be excited and pumped because it’s their home opener. Lambeau has history, but they don’t have the weather advantage. It’s going to be an even playing field, to tell you the truth.” 

Garcon said players “light up” when a trip to Green Bay is on the schedule. Not because of Lambeau as much as because of the elements. 

“You check to see if it’s early or late [in the year],” he said. “Green Bay always has a good team.” 

The Redskins last played the Packers in 2010, beating them 16-13 in overtime. They last met at Green Bay in 2007, losing 17-14. Late safety Sean Taylor intercepted two passes in that game and seemingly could have had two or three more. 

Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo understands the history of Lambeau but isn’t thinking about it that much. 

“We just think it’s another away game,” he said. “You have to stay focused and not get overly concerned where we’re playing and just go out ready to rock and roll.” 

Veteran London Fletcher might be making his final appearance at Lambeau. It will be the third time he’s played there. 

“It’s one of the great atmospheres in all of football,” he said. “For the guys who experience it for the first time they’ll be very impressed. It’s really like a college atmosphere. I can feel the tradition when you come into the place. The whole city shuts down and everybody is at the Packers game. It’s an awesome atmosphere.”