The Packers are coming off their second loss of the season to the Lions. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are coming off their second win versus the Cardinals. Sunday Night Football will feature two teams that could be facing each other in January. Right now, the Packers will be either the fifth or sixth seed in the NFC. If Seattle wins the NFC West, they will be the third seed.
While the loss to the Lions is not ideal, it did not really affect the odds for the Packers in the playoffs. They will be a wild card team, and they can’t do any better than the 5th, 6th or 7th seed. I want to focus on what I think the offense and defense can gain from this matchup versus the Seahawks. How can the Packers maximize their opportunities?
Offense: Stick with the Identity
After establishing a completely dominant running attack versus the 49ers and the Dolphins, they immediately abandoned it. The first play versus the Lions looked to be a long pass, but the offensive line struggled, and Jordan Love was sacked.
For the Packers to be successful versus the Seahawks they must stick to their identity as a run-first team. Compared to teams in seasons past, this team is physical. Matt LaFleur is an outstanding coach but sometimes he tries too much. This team does not need to prove their flashiness.
However, the Packers need to prove their effectiveness. I would rather this team be effective and efficient over flashy. For the offense to get in a rhythm, they must run through Josh Jacobs. When the Packers have stuck to this plan, it has yielded results. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be complementary.
Defense: Rush the Quarterback
The Packers pass rush has been up and down all season. However, the team seems to be adjusting to Jeff Hafley’s scheme. Yes, I understand it has been many weeks since the season started. However, Jeff Hafley has done a good job adapting even if it hasn’t looked perfect. Injuries have piled up as well which has led to an ever-evolving defense.
Geno Smith has thrown his fair share of interceptions this year. This is a perfect opportunity for the pass rush to apply pressure and make Geno throw you one. Many of the defensive players have begun to put their best games together. There is not a better way to enter the playoffs than this defense playing at a high level.
Overall, Sunday’s matchup is going to be a telling one. We know the Packers can hang with anyone. They have lost one score to the Lions, Vikings, and Eagles. Even though the Seahawks are a solid team, this should be another chance for the Packers to show their strengths.
Letting your foot off the pedal isn’t an option the closer you get to January. Complementary football in all three phases is essential, especially on a hostile road environment. The Packers have had some historic games in Seattle. Hopefully, Sunday will be an outcome full of anticipation and confidence heading into the last weeks of the season.
