Green Bay Packers: Getting to Know Seattle, Takeaways & Predictions
By Paul Bretl
If there’s a part of this team or an area that they struggle with, what is it?
Lee: The Seahawks can’t consistently rush the passer. Sure, they got 7 sacks against the Eagles, but 6 of them were coverage sacks and those sacks combined for a loss of 15 yards. If a quarterback gets the ball out quickly and in rhythm, he will have no problems avoiding Seattle’s pass-rush.
Seattle doesn’t like to blitz much either so a quarterback can sit back and eat up yards. Seattle ranked just 29th in the league with 28 sacks. This is the biggest issue the Seahawks will have to address this offseason and could be the one main reason they get beat in the playoffs.
Takeaway: I mentioned this during the last question, but this is a huge advantage for the Green Bay Packers and although the passing game has been inconsistent this season, Aaron Rodgers and company have a great opportunity in front of them on Sunday.
With on time throws, behind the stout Packers’ offensive line, Rodgers should be able to avoid any pressure and pick apart the Seattle secondary that has allowed the 6th most passing yards per game this season. And oh yeah, they really struggle with covering running backs in the passing game. Hello, Aaron Jones.
On the flip side, what does Seattle do really well?
Lee: Before the losses of Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, I would say the Seahawks run the ball well. But now, no. Seattle is a strange team and changes a bit from week to week. Russell Wilson can do nearly anything, of course, but besides him there are games when Seattle can throw well and some where they don’t.
The biggest reason Seattle wins is it has Wilson, Bobby Wagner, Jadeveon Clowney and the team believes in each other. That will get you an 11-5 record but not a Super Bowl probably. Of course, that is the thing. Any given game, Seattle can beat no matter who they are playing but they can also lose to nearly anyone as well.
Takeaway: There are certainly holes on this Seattle team that the Packers can exploit but to their credit, they are a resilient bunch and of course, you can never count out any Russell Wilson magic from happening.
But with that said, the Packers are the more talented team and especially with the game being at Lambeau Field, they should win because as Lee pointed out, with no run game Seattle doesn’t do too many things very well.