Green Bay Packers v. Seahawks: 5 Big Questions Ahead of Matchup
By Paul Bretl
Can the Green Bay Packers secondary hold up against explosive Seattle offense?
Who is going to blink first? This is a Green Bay Packers defense that has been very good at limiting the big passing play this season, ranking sixth in explosive pass rate, but they’ll be up against a Seattle offense that ranks fourth big-play ability, according to Sharp Football.
Wilson is one of the best deep-ball throwers in the game — although it is fair to wonder if there will be some rust to shake off — ranking second in deep-ball yards per attempt with 20.2. He also has four touchdowns on passes of 20+ yards, which is the third most despite missing the last few games. Wilson’s completion percentage of 50 percent ranks third, and his passer rating of 135.4 is the best in football on downfield attempts.
At receiver is Tyler Lockett, who ranks top-5 among all receivers in deep-ball targets, receptions, total yards, and touchdowns. Across from him is DK Metcalf, who can hold his own as well downfield, with five receptions of more than 20 yards, including 36.6 yards per catch on those passes, two touchdowns, and a passer rating that ranks 11th in football per PFF.
Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos are going to play key roles in this game in trying to limit this explosive offense, and I imagine we see a lot of cover-2 shell from Green Bay in an effort to limit the big play and to provide their cornerbacks with some help.
Eric Stokes is listed as questionable after missing last week’s game, but having him and his speed back to match up with Lockett would be a big boost. Kevin King, Rasul Douglas, and Chandon Sullivan have all played very well as of late, but this group is going to be tested downfield on Sunday.
Aaron Rodgers will play, right?
From Matt LaFleur to Davante Adams to Aaron Rodgers himself, and even Jordan Love–the expectation within the building is that Rodgers will play on Sunday.
Saturday marks the first day that he is eligible to return from the reserve/COVID list, but it’s not as simple as placing him back on the 53-man roster. Rodgers has to undergo several medical tests, including one checking in on his heart, to make sure that he is ready to play. And he cannot return until Dr. McKenzie, and the Packers medical staff have cleared him.
Now, if everyone mentioned above sounds confident that he will be back, then I am too, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not a guarantee either.
Assuming Rodgers is back on Sunday, he will have the potential for a big day against this Seattle secondary. This is a Seahawks’ pass defense that is allowing 273.9 passing yards per game, the fourth-most in football, and they rank 26th in coverage, according to PFF.
If the Green Bay Packers offensive line can give Rodgers time, he should have some success picking this Seattle secondary apart.