On Offense
In Week 1, the Packers offense was pathetic on the ground. Coach Mike McCarthy also has a habit of getting away from the run (even when it’s working). With Rodgers’s injury, the Packers have been willing to invoke more balance in their offense, and Eddie Lacy’s powerful running has helped make that possible. When they do pass, the Packers’ offensive line (which graded out well this year), needs to perform at a high level and keep Rodgers off his back. With time and space to step into his throws, Rodgers is still the best player on the field, and he has a bevy of weapons around him. They will all have to show up in order for him to be successful.
On Defense
On defense the Packers have made at least one major change since that Week 1 matchup: moving Clay Matthews to inside linebacker. Given their recent history in the playoffs, the big question for the Packers has to be whether they can stop Russell Wilson from breaking the pocket and using his legs for big gains. Wilson remains the only QB in league history to pass for 300 yards in the air and run for 100 yards on the ground in the same game. The Seahawks lack elite pass-catchers, and their bread-and-butter is on the ground, so if Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson can eat up chunks of yards, it will be a hard day for Green Bay. On the flipside, if the Packers can win the outside matchups 1-on-1 and stack the box against the run, they could dictate the terms of the game.
The Outcome
While the Packers are still definite underdogs against Seattle (who hold a very strong playoffs homefield advantage), if they can fire on all cylinders, it’s possible to take the crowd out of the equation and completely alter the flow of the game. This team wins because of its offense, and if Rodgers can have another performance like he did in the second half last week, they might get enough to squeak by. Expect this game to be close even if the Packers are playing well, but Green Bay has the chance to put pressure on Seattle early, which could impact the game late. I foresee a final score of Green Bay 27, Seattle 21.
Photo credit: Kate, flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/blueberryfiles/8358948490/)