This week’s edition of TNF saw the Green Bay Packers travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks. Not only did it present an opportunity to keep the hopes of each franchises playoff hopes alive but it would, in all likelihood, end the losers’ chances of advancing to the postseason.
The Seahawks Soar in Seattle
The Seahawks demonstrated the true meaning of resiliency just a few hours ago. Despite being behind on the scoreboard for the majority of the game, they pulled off a huge upset against the Packers as they emerged victorious, 27-24.
Russell Wilson performed fairly accurately, completing 21 of 31 passes for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, there were often times, particularly inside the 2 minute drill, that the offence had no idea what was going on. Which of course, led to flags being thrown. This does appear to be a regular occurrence for the Seahawks, which has been correlated in previous games. Take their last matchup against the Rams for evidence.
Regardless, the Hawks were successful in mixing things up within the run game. Chris Carson was the leading rusher on the night with 17 carries for 83 yards and a TD. Additionally, Rashaad Penny averaged 5.8 yards per carry as he rushed 8 times for 46 yards.
Above all, however, the Seahawks’ defence was relentless in their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers. The entire effort of the defensive unit forced JK Scott to punt an incredible 6 times! In terms of individual performances, Bobby Wagner springs to mind with 9 tackles in the game. As does Frank Clark with his 2 sacks and 4 tackles.
The victory for the Seattle Seahawks improves their win/loss record to 5-5, second in the NFC West.
Perplexed Packers Lose Again
For many, it is quite simply incomprehensible that the Packers lost this game. They led 3-14 in the first quarter, took a lead into half-time at 17-21 and then scored a FG in the fourth to make it 17-24. Yet, they still lost, AGAIN.
It must be noted that Aaron Rodgers was once again incredibly accurate. He connected on 21 of 30 throws for 332 yards and 2 touchdowns, including throwing Robert Tonyan’s first ever TD reception!
GOING DEEP! 🏈💨@AaronRodgers12. @RobTonJr. TOUCHDOWN!!!#GBvsSEA #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/bJDdpnib0V
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 16, 2018
Aaron Jones also continued his fine form as he rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Moreover, he proved effective as a receiver as he amassed 63 receiving yards and 1 TD on just 5 receptions. Similarly, Davante Adams had another great game with a career-high 166 receiving yards as he edged ever close to the 1000-yard receiving mark on the season.
What makes the defeat even more surprising is that the defence actually played very well, too. Firstly, Blake Martinez forced a fumble on the first rush of the game by Chris Carson. He also contributed a further 6 tackles. Furthermore, Kyler Fackrell dominated at the line of scrimmage with 3 sacks on Russell Wilson.
On the other hand, there was one undeniable negative from the game – Mason Crosby. After connecting on 9 straight field goals since his horrendous performance against the Lions, Crosby missed another pivotal FG. Had he made said field goal, the result could’ve been very different.
In spite of the Packers’ performance, they were unable to force the Seahawks off the field enough. Clearly, the game was one and lost in clock management which the latter exercised to great effect.
Curtain Call on the Packers’ Season?
The defeat for the Packers regresses their win/loss record to 4-5-1, whilst they rest third in the NFC North. For me, this crushing loss completely negates their chances of reaching the playoffs, particularly because of the talent they must contend with within their division.
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