Breaking Down Week 2 vs. the Seahawks

Just over eight months after the Packers committed one of the biggest playoff collapses in recent memory, Mike McCarthy’s crew is provided with an opportunity for revenge. The Packers host an angry Seattle team that did not expect to be coming into Week 2 at 0-1 — or be playing without star safety, Kam Chancellor.

Aaron Rodgers posted numbers in-line with fans’ expectations last week and will need to be even more stellar at home against one of the league’s best defenses. With James Jones back in the fold and tight end Richard Rodgers becoming an increasingly reliable target, the Packers can spread the ball and avoid Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, if they so desire.

A Rodgers-to-Rodgers connection may be in store this week in an effort to exploit Chancellor’s backup at strong safety, Dion Bailey. Though Rodgers lacks the speed of an elite tight end, the California product routinely finds ways to get open downfield. Equally as important, Rodgers’s ability to seal the edge on running downs will play an important role in establishing a rhythm on offense with Eddie Lacy.

While the Packers own a far more electric offense than the Seahawks, they greatly lack the physicality seen in Seattle’s defense. The many missed tackles from Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Sam Shields last week figure to be even higher in number this week against a smashmouth Seahawks offense. Fortunately for the Packers, the return of safety Morgan Burnett should help contain Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham.

The Packers’ softer style of play extends to the offensive side of the ball as well. In two of three recent meetings with Seattle, the Green Bay offensive line has been overmatched by Seattle’s front seven. The result in those contests: an average of less than 20 points per game from one of the game’s best offenses. Factor in the now-questionable status of Green Bay’s best O-lineman, Bryan Bulaga, and one can expect another low-scoring affair.

The Packers relied on their offense to bail out an underperforming defense last week — something that is much more difficult to do versus the reigning NFC champions. Despite what could be another impressive outing from Aaron Rodgers, it’s hard to imagine Seattle beginning the season 0-2. Expect the Seahawks to be as stout as usual on defense while targeting a very poor Packers interior when they have the ball.

 

Prediction: Seahawks 24 Packers 20