The Packers have one more win to go before getting a shot at another Championship title. And this game may very well be the toughest of all. The last time the Packers visited Seattle, they got schooled to the tune of 16-36. So is this Packers team one that can get it done for a shot at Super Bowl XLIX? Here are a few concerns I have going into this game:
1. Aaron Rodgers’ calf
I know, this is a drum that has been beaten for a long time. But after the Cowboys game, it seems clear that Aaron Rodgers will not be 100% for the duration of the season however long it may be. The offensive line did an admirable job against the Cowboys and Aaron was able to stand in/ climb the pocket to buy time rather than rolling out. The Seahawks will be an altogether different beast however. A viscious pass rush coupled with some of the best cover guys in the backfield screams out for a mobile Aaron Rodgers. Instead, Rodgers will have to choose between getting first downs (which may come at a premium) and risking pulling that calf severely. This is far and away my greatest concern coming into this game. While it didn’t look like Aaron re-injured his calf on Sunday…he was still protecting it. This could be a major problem. Everybody in Packernation needs to channel good energy to Aaron for health in this upcoming game.
2. Will Jordy make a statement?
Teams have found that if they can shut down Jordy Nelson, they have a chance against the Packers. With the emergence of Adams and Rodgers, and the fact that the Packers seem to finally have decided to utilize tight ends as receivers…this is a more potent offense than the one that lost the first game of the season. But Jordy Nelson was not even targeted in September and that cannot be the case this time. We need to prove a point against Sherman and the vaunted Seahawks defense. Jordy needs to take advantage of the one or two opportunities that he may get, much like in the game against the Patriots midseason. If Jordy makes a couple of his signature catches, the Packers have a good shot, but if he gets shutout again, it will be a long day for the Packers.
3. Can the defense force Seattle to be one-dimensional?
The Packers priority one on defense is going to be to stop Marshawn Lynch and force Seattle to throw the ball. The Packers gave up 123 yards in 25 carries to DeMarco Murray on Sunday. This amounted to an almost 5 yard per carry average. The Seahawks offensive line is NOT as talented as the Dallas Cowboys’ line but the Packers must get job one done. If the Seahawks are forced to win this game through the air, it bodes well for a Packers defense that has a lot of pass rushers seeming to come into their own right now. Along with Matthews and Peppers, we have seen Daniels, Neal, and Jones step it up in recent weeks. The Packers have not been taking the ball away in recent weeks the way they did mid-season. We need one turnover at least to win this game.
So this is a tough assignment for the Packers and there are definitely some concerns. But what are your concerns? What do you think the Packers need to do better to advance to the Super Bowl this year? Let me know in the comments below or back on the Facebook page.
Go Pack!
The packers need to be very aggresive,both on offense and defense.Let Rodgers guide the team too another great win! Go Pack Go!
This is our year again…5 years later we will take home the Superbowl….Rodgers will win this for us I can feel it…Go Pack Go!!
I love my Pack but with a gimpy Rodgers it will be a tough game to win I’m afraid, If McCarthy calls the same game he did the first time with only half a field it will be a loss for sure!!! Bottom line is the only way to win this game will be AGGRESSION! Rodgers will need to be mobile hurt or not and he will need to ATTACK both sides of the field this game! I wish they would activate Janis and sit Boykin this game just so JJ can stretch the field on Sherman, And with his speed he could run right by him for the long play!
Aaron needs to try both protect his calf so if they win he will be healthy enough to play in the superbowl but he also is much better at passing when heis able to scramble. it will take balance and finesse
The O line definitely has to give Rodgers Great protection, he needs some time even if it means to skip and hobble as his receivers are trying to get open. I feel confident that we have enough offensive weapons to mix it up out there, it’s just a matter of when your number is called you have to step up! When playing a team like the Seahawks you can’t have turnovers and penalties. We will have to take advantage of EVERY OPPORTUNITY that we get. With great attitudes, smart play calling, no injuries, and an almost flawless game the green & gold can win. We’re the under dogs and I’m sure Seattle is feeling cocky. ” WE LOVE OUR PACKERS” GO PACK GO !!!!!
Just play packers ball, do what y’all do best,, use every wide receiver, running back, in the passing game, just be aggressive
The Packers need RUN THE BALL and continue dumping short passes to get the first down!! If the Packers can come out like they did in the very beginning of the first quarter against the Cowboys (running the ball/ short passes) then we have a better shot at beating the Seahawks.. And I completely agree, our defense needs to step it up and shut down their running game – force them to pass. AND PROTECT RODGERS!
Should turn out to be a good game. Eddie lacy needs a huge game, to setup the playaction passes. If Seattle can’t stop lacy Rodgers will pick the defense apart. Would like to know what Seattle’s concerns are against us? Go Packers!!! Let’s bring it home this year.
the Cowboys or any of us really had no idea the extent of Rodgers injury…and I winced as he said post game that he found it easier to move to his left (I think he said left) as that was TMI to hand out, IMO.
the game will be great…and I am always faithful that our Pack will be victorious, I made a “bet” at the beginning of the season that if we made it to the play offs, we would go all the way.
I think one of the biggest factors in this is that Seattle is very aware of Rodgers limitations….and the other factor I am fearful of is that they will target his lower body to take him out. they are not a very clean team from the games and total access I have watched.
if for no other reason that than to take that arrogance down, I want my Pack to win! of course, I always want them to win. #GOPACKGO
I think that Rodgers needs to be a threat “mobility-wise”. Not sure if that’s possible but it’s necessary. Also- the “bend-not-break” defense needs to rear its ugly head. slowing them down to 3’s instead of 7’s is more realistic than 3-and-outs. We’ll need a break. a key turnover. and play mistake-free. we need to score 1st.
The Packers are weak in the pocket and need to close it. In many of their games, they have left the pocket open so much that the QB has time to run through it with ease. The defense needs to stay on their butts all the time and not be like 10 yard away when the other team is in a pass. And turn their heads more so they are able to see the QB, you can not see them off the helmet.
I think your on to the key points. Throw in a successful running game and we’ve go the winning mix.
First of all I want to thank the good Lord for the team that are at there best in the playoffs and I have been a packers fan since 1970 to me if the packers put in at lease one trick play an catch them of guard then they will win also if the packers go to seattle with a heart of a lion they will win but if they go to seattle thinking we might win in there heart they just might lose again to a team in my heart they can beat also if they into Seattle like Barrt Starr did in the ice bowl against the cowboys and believe in each other to step up and do a roll for the packers they are going to win but if they put there fingers in there mouth and suck on them like a little baby then it might be over for the packers also if they take god with them in there heart well they are going to win to me the main thing is that they must play a very sound game because if the packers defence and there offense players do they parts on both sides of the ball they will be the n.f.c.champions I can say one thing the packers of the 60 an 70 played with heart know matter what but some of these teams be afraid because a team beat them once but the devil is a liar my packers are going to seattle and bring back a n.f.c.titled back to Wisconsin just as long as they believe in them self by the grace of god and I said that yes yes amen amen amen
Quick release passes, and open up the offense. Make them pass to try and stay in step, and our secondary will need to play their butts off. PackFan since ’65.
the Packers need to rush the passer put pressure on the Ouarterback, then the runners won’t run