The season opener for the Packers was ugly. The Green and Gold didn’t even score a point in the first half. Seattle couldn’t even muster a first down until late in the 2nd quarter. Punts were a key factor in the first half of the game. It was ugly…but even more, it was beautiful.

By no means should Packer Nation feel like the yellow brick road is paved on the path to Minneapolis. Aaron Rodgers did his whole “I’m going to hang on to the ball and use my athleticism to bail myself out while not being too risky because I learned from Favre on how to not throw backbreaking interceptions” thing a bit too much. The Packers offense in the past few seasons has drifted from the simple calls that move the chains, but still manage to pull it out. A once-in-a-generation quarterback can do that.

Overall, the season opener was beautiful in a most ugly way. The defense showed up, and they came with teeth. An objective NFL fan right now would consider Mike Daniels as a top 3 defensive lineman. His pressure and forced fumble from the hands of Russell Wilson and his Savior resulted in a quick TD run courtesy of Ty Montgomery. It was undoubtedly the play of the day for Green Bay. On a day when Aaron Rodgers didn’t blow up the scoredboard, it was Daniels and the defense that took care of business. In the long term, with championship aspirations, the promise cannot be underestimated.

Call this guy old fashioned, but I’ll take 17-9 over 42-39 any day.

________________

John Piotrowski is a UW-Eau Claire alum, spending most of his life in western WI. He makes the trek east to Lambeau whenever possible. Follow him on twitter at @piosGBP.

________________