The Green Bay Packers head into Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks looking to build on the two straight wins the achieved over Philadelphia and Houston. At 6-6, the Packers’ playoff chances are much improved from weeks ago. However, they still have little margin for error, which means that they need to minimize mistakes in this game and not let the Seahawks’ defense get under their skin.
Don’t Avoid Richard Sherman’s Side of the Field
Richard Sherman is one of the best defensive backs in the NFL, at least in terms of reputation. However, that doesn’t mean that the Packers can avoid throwing to his side of the field, as they seemingly have done in the past. Instead, they will need to design routes for Jared Cook and whoever is playing running back underneath to create space for the receivers or to provide additional options on a given pass play.
Christine Michael Must Play a Role
Christine Michael played most of the season for Seattle and was their leading rusher before being cut just a couple weeks ago. He was signed by the Packers, but has been largely a non-factor in the offense so far. However, playing his old team should provide the motivation necessary to get himself going and help the Packers run game control the ball and the clock.
Limit Thomas Rawls
Seattle scored five points against Tampa Bay, but then followed it up with a 40-point performance in a win over Carolina. Green Bay will be looking to duplicate the success Tampa Bay had when the two teams meet. Despite his 100-yard 2 TD performance last Sunday, Thomas Rawls has not been the player he was a season ago, which could spell trouble for Seattle both next Sunday and going forward. Green Bay must control Rawls and that, in turn, will limit what Russell Wilson and the Seattle passing attack can do. As we’ve seen, when Rawls is rolling, so do the Seahawks.
Coverage Must Hold Up
We already know the Packers’ defense has weaknesses that must be addressed in the offseason, but injuries at linebacker and cornerback continue to plague it. Keeping the speedy receiving corps of Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Jimmy Graham and Tyler Lockett in check will be no easy feat. Although they’ve been playing, it seems clear neither Damarious Randall or Quinten Rollins are at full strength. The Packers’ best cover linebackers are injured (Blake Martinez, Clay Matthews) or a total liability against the run (Joe Thomas). Graham and Baldwin are the biggest concerns and the Packers may have to get creative to limit them.
With the 2016 Packers, you never know which version of the team is going to show up. If the Packers revert back to the form they showed during their four-game losing streak, it will be a long day. However, if they play like they did in Philadelphia, there is no reason to believe that they can’t hang with Seattle and pick up a critical win.
The Pack should probably just spot the Seahawks 35points then play just the last 10 minutes with the Packers running the hurry up offense against a prevent defense making the score look a bit closer. That might eliminate the 2-3 major injuries that will come out of this game.
As for Christine Michael, while he physically has the talent, he’s a runner without good vision and can be forced to make bad cuts, the Seahawks know this and will bottle him up, no matter how much he might want revenge.
This team doesn’t have the balls to win this game
Four Keys for Packers’ Win Over Seahawks
1) Pray for snow
2) Pray for deep snow
3) Pray for an all out blizzard
4) Pray that is snows so much, that the Seahawks bus get stuck in the snow on the highway, and can’t get to the game on time.
love it
This game keys are simple.
“Some people try to find things in this game that don’t exist but football is only two things – blocking and tackling.” – Vince Lombardi
The Packers have by far the better blockers. The Seahawks by far have the better tacklers. The wildcard is how well the aggressive Seahawks can block and tackle on a slick Lambeau field. Lambeau field wins this one.
Just watch, Green Bay’s pass rush will be nonexistent. In a game where the team might actually have the ability to compete, MM’s logic will fail us. He will refuse to do anything it takes to win. And even if somehow gains a considerable lead, he will blow it.
The Packers are actually the more talented team, but they don’t match up well with the Seahacks at all. Nor are they nearly as competitive.
I gave them a chance, but I just don’t see 9-7 enough to make the playoffs. Packers better damn well ACE THE NEXT FUCKING draft and sign a damn good free agent!!!
THE FIRST KEY IS TO SIGN THE F – – – ING PETITION.
Sorry folks, I am a smart ass and I couldn’t stop myself.
enjoy these last four games of the season, then it’s off to something serious like ice fishing or hunting
Packers to not lose: Dont walk onto the field. Only chance. Glad I have to work.