The packers will have a tough task this week attempting to beat the defending Super Bowl Champion Seahawks at Century-link Field, where the noise alone will be deafening and Rodgers & Co. will be facing the best defense in the NFL in the “Legion of Boom”.
Aaron Rodgers, while not at 100%, will be tested by one of the best pass rushes along with the best secondary. The O line has come together as a unit since their first meeting and will have to be on top of their game to protect the MVP QB for 60 minutes which I believe they will. Bulaga got injured early in the game in the first meeting and Derek Sherrod stepped in at right tackle and was soon out classed giving up 2 sacks with one leading to a safety, but with Bulaga back and playing at a high level this game will be a lot different, Corey Linsley was in his first game as a rookie having replaced JC Tretter at center so the O line was not playing as a unit, This game they will be!
Watch for Lacy to have a much better game also, He went out the first game with a concussion. Hopefully he does not have a asthma attack like he did last week and can perform at a high level like he has been since the bye week, This O line will keep Rodgers protected longer for him to work his magic, Rodgers knows this is a win or go home moment and has shown he is as tough as they come by playing at a MVP level with a torn calf muscle. Lacy seems to like lining up behind Rodgers with him in the pistol, he gets the handoffs faster so he can spy his holes and hit them at full speed and when he is running like that it is very hard to bring him down, If he gets through the front seven then like he said earlier this year the linebackers and safeties have to make a business decision which most are reluctant to do on their own. Seattle has Lynch but the Packers have the Hulk and he will have his best game of the season. I have a feeling we will see McCarthy dig deep in the playbook this game and break out some screens to Lacy and short crossing routes to Adams/Cobb. After running these types of plays it will open up that big play down field to Nelson. Also watch for R.Rodgers and Quarless to get involved a lot more with 3rd down conversions.
Now about the defense. Since the move of Matthews and Barrington getting more snaps in the middle the run defense has improved by leaps and bounds, Hopefully they leave B. Jones in Green Bay for this game because the man can’t play football, he has done nothing but collect penalties that give the other teams points, I am not a big Hawk fan but even he can play better than Jones. They will need to stop Lynch first and foremost but Capers will also have to dial up plays to contain Wilson who is very dangerous with his legs. In my opinion they need to make him win with his arm keep him in the pocket with Peppers and Neal/Elliot on the edges and D. Jones/Giuon/Boyd/Daniels shoring up the middle.
As long as the Packers come to play aggressive football and DO NOT ignore half the field, Meaning Sherman has to be attacked also this game unlike their first meeting. Nelson has shown he can beat the best corners in the league so they need to go after Sherman as well to keep the whole field in play. The last time they played the Legion of Boom got into McCarthy’s head early and made him avoid the right side so they knew they could stack the left to cover the Packs receivers. McCarthy has said over and over that he did not plan it that way but the whole world saw it on prime time TV and came to the same conclusion that he did. So this time around lets hope he brings his A game to be aggressive with all his personnel.
I believe the Packers are a much better team this time around and for the most part have stayed healthy. So they will surprise and prove the odds makers and the nay-sayers alike that are not giving the Pack a chance this game WRONG!
Tell us what you think will happen this game in the comments section below.
Go Pack Go!
Jeff
Tight game. Packers 20, Seahawks 17.
I am worried about Lacy’s knee now though! Not just the asthma, which is a concern for sure! DEFENSE will make a HUGE difference in this game… I’m calling for a pick-6!!
I say, the Packers will come out ahead and shut those Seahawks fans up!! Green bay 23 Seahawks 19
I couldn’t agree more with what’s been said here, especially with leaving Brad Jones out of this game- he sucks!! Yes, the offense needs to change it up and the defense needs to contain Lynch and Wilson!! Packers 24, Seahawks 20!
Protect Rodgers and we win 22-20. Don’t and it will be a long day. That said I believe with all my heart that this IS OUR TIME!!! Leave all on the field GO Pack!!!!
I’d start with a big play on the first snap from center, they will be looking for Lacy, as will the rest of the world
Throw in some quick timing plays to get Rodgers inn tje groove earlier this game. Lord knows he jasnt been practocing much and we can’t afford the ball sailing on him early in the game. That should open up the run game with the Hulk.
Defensively, we had a great game plan the first time around. We stopped them several times on 3rd downs only to have Jones get a penalty and keep their drive going. We should have had at least 4 more offensive series in that game for sure. High hope Dom remembers that and keeps Jones on the sidelines as you suggested.
Go, you Packers Go, Fight Fight Fight!