Packers v. Seahawks Preview: What to Watch For
The Green Bay Packers (7-2) are back at Lambeau Field this Sunday as they get set to take on the Seattle Seahawks (3-5).
After a tumultuous week in the news, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to action Sunday after testing positive for COVID-19 on November 3rd and missing last week’s game in Kansas City.
The Seahawks are also getting their pro-bowl quarterback, Russell Wilson, back from injured reserve after missing the last three games with a finger injury.
Both teams are looking for a big win on Sunday in a highly competitive NFC playoff race.
Let’s take a look at 3-things to watch for Sunday when the Green Bay Packers face the Seattle Seahawks.
A couple of star quarterbacks will make their return Sunday.
After a dramatic video all but announcing his return to action Monday morning, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has been cleared to play. He will get the start against the Packers Sunday.
For the Seahawks, Sunday could be as close to a “must-win” as there is for them. Currently sitting at 3-5, and in third place in the NFC West, a win Sunday could go a long way in the NFC playoff picture.
Watch for the Seahawks to play like they have nothing to lose—because they don’t.
On Sunday, a loss for Seattle could end their playoff hopes, so I imagine you’ll see a team doing anything and everything to win.
Don’t be surprised if you see them go for it on fourth downs, attempt some explosive plays downfield, and do everything they can to upset the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
For the Packers, they will be getting their reigning MVP quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, back on the field Sunday after his bout with COVID.
Watch how Rodgers looks the first few drives. Don’t be shocked if the offense comes out a little slow with a few three and outs to start the game.
Remember that Rodgers will not have practiced all week, which may or may not affect his play, but it’s something to watch.
How will the Packers’ offensive line respond after a rough week against the Chiefs?
After his performance Sunday, Jordan Love received a lot of criticism, but most of that blame could have quickly gone to the big uglies up front.
According to PFF ($), the Packers’ offensive line allowed a total of 28 pressure against the Chiefs, making it near impossible for Jordan Love to be successful.
Plain and simple, the entire unit did not play well last week and will need to be much more efficient this week with Aaron Rodgers back in action.
Seattle has only generated 14 sacks and ranks 20th in the NFL in pass-rushing overall, according to PFF.
Watch for the offensive line to respond positively this week.
Can the Packer’s cornerbacks contain the Seahawk’s weapons on offense?
D.K Metcalf and Tyler Lockett present a severe challenge for the Green Bay Packers and their young cornerbacks.
Combined, Metcalf and Lockett have eleven touchdowns this year, and both present two different types of issues for opposing defenses.
Lockett is more of a serious deep threat, and Metcalf is a little bit of everything. The Packers will need to limit the explosive plays downfield, something they have been excellent at doing all year under defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
Watch for the Packer’s young secondary to try and repeat their performance from week 9, holding the Chiefs under 240 total yards and keeping all-pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill to four receptions for only 37 yards.
Outside of the dynamic duo of Lockett and Metcalf, the Seahawks’ weapons seem to dwindle a bit; no other receiver on the team has over 200 yards.
Containing those two will be instrumental in a victory for the Packers.
The Packers’ defense has been a dominant unit overall. They have held their opponents to a measly 16.1 points per game in the last six weeks; only Buffalo has allowed less.
The Bottom Line
After a dramatic last few weeks surrounding the Packers and their players, this team needs a win badly.
The Green Bay Packers could be getting some key players back from injury, with Eric Stokes and Kenny Clark listed as questionable, and more importantly, the reigning MVP will be the back in the mix.
The recipe for a Packers win is getting back to the basics: If the Packers stick to their brand of football, success should follow. They need to limit the explosive plays, run the ball effectively, and pressure Russell Wilson, forcing him to make a few mistakes.