The week one matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks was one of the most anticipated matchups of the weekend, and it didn’t disappoint. A game in which most people were predicting an offensive game turned into a game in which both defenses were dominating. Aaron Rodgers came into the game needing three touchdowns to tie John Elway for tenth on the All-Time list with 300 passing touchdowns. Seattle came into today’s game having not won a game at Lambeau Field since 1999. Here are some week one takeaways.
Week One Green Bay Packers Takeaways
Dominating Defensive Line
From the start, the Packers were in Russell Wilson‘s face early and often recording seven total quarterback hurries to go along with three total sacks. Mike Daniels led the way with four hurries, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. The Seahawks offensive line had no answer for the power rush of the Packers and it proved to be one of the biggest differences in a game that was dominated by defense. The Packers unit finished dead last in total defense last year, and didn’t not give up a touchdown against Seattle.
Offensive Inconsistency
The Packers started the day on a promising drive that unfortunately ended with Aaron Rodgers throwing a pass right to defensive lineman Nazair Jones, who rumbled his way into the end zone for what looked like the first pick six Aaron Rodgers has thrown since 2009. On the return however, there was an illegal block in the back that gave the Seahawks possession at the 30-yard line which would ultimately be a big momentum swing. The Seahawks quickly went three and out which voided the turnover. Rodgers finished the day with 311 yards passing along with a touchdown and interception. The running game was average at best, but got the crucial yards when it mattered near the end of the game. The Packers finished with 84 yards rushing to go along with a Ty Montgomery touchdown.
Rodgers Injury Concerns
Aaron Rodgers spent most of his day running for his life behind an offensive line missing Bryan Bulaga. On back- to-back plays in the fourth quarter, Rodgers had his foot stepped on and rolled and was spotted wincing in pain by the camera crew. Rodgers has had a history of lower leg problems. Rodgers finished the game and made a handful of crucial throws after his injury, and seemed to look fine. It is something that Packers will look at and monitor throughout the week.
Overall, the Packers played a solid game. Despite going against the vaunted Legion of Boom, the Packers found a way to put up enough points to eek out a very important win in week one. This game could very well be the difference in playoff seeding come January.
