And does their hunger to win still burn intensely after enjoying three seasons of nearly non-stop plaudits?
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The Packers’ run defense struggled Sunday against the Bears.
“But the second half was really cool”. “The teams kind of take on their identities as the season progresses”. This year, new “Get Loud Lambeau” signs in all the concourses, new music and game giveaways will encourage fans to participate even more during games. College defensive tackle Drew Nowak was in his first career start at center. They feel they were robbed by inept officiating, though the Packers’ version was by replacements for striking regular officials. Seattle’s defense seemed vulnerable at times on Sunday against the Rams.
The Packers allowed the Bears to rush for 189 yards last weekend. It was Seattle’s base play, a zone-read run.
Oh, and then there was the fact the Seahawks could not block the Rams defensive front – Aaron Donald in particular.
Boom indeed. Meanwhile, folks with a bit more football expertise wondered about the pass-happy approach, but a lot of that had to do with game circumstances. His addition will be welcomed as the Packers try to slow down Marshawn Lynch, who followed up a 110-yard, two-touchdown effort in last year’s opener by rushing for 157 yards on 25 carries in the NFC Championship. Seattle also averaged 4.3 yards per snap last October in a thumping home loss to Dallas.
For Seattle, it’s time to watch and see if their offense can step up to keep pace with Green Bay. And it starts with improving the team’s record to 2-0. A big part of that was Matt Forte and his 141 yards on the ground.
Packers linebacker Sam Barrington was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a season-ending right foot injury. Seattle, however, much to the surprise of the National Football League community, fell to the San Diego Chargers the following week.
Nowak and his fellow newbies will spend much of Sunday night trying to find Green Bay’s inside linebackers.
He presented a rational explanation for why he and the Packers can face the Seahawks for a third time over such a short and disappointing span, and not feel lingering animosity. That’s how sharp the learning curve is for this offensive line right now.
All of that being said, what are the five main takeaways that can be seen from Week 1 action? “We wish we could have done that earlier”. “We have to tackle better”. “The older you get, you get some perspective on some things”.
On Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers…
Storylines for the Packers begin with their top receiver corps. Yet the Packers say they aren’t out for revenge. “It’s our first home game”.
“I’m just disappointed like I know he is and everybody is that it hasn’t found a way to get him here”, coach Pete Carroll said. Green Bay had 2 sacks against the Chicago Bears and they were bringing pressure all day.
Converted outside linebacker Nate Palmer replaced Barrington. He’s tried to share his experiences regularly. Two weeks in a row I’ve put Rodgers as a key to victory, and that is just because he is the best quarterback in the league, plain and simple.
Don Banks, SI.com: “As if ordained from on high, the Seahawks” three-point overtime loss at division rival St. Louis immediately re-enforced most of the preseason concerns about the two-time defending NFC champions.
“Every game is a championship game to us”. We’re focused on getting our first home win, beating the Seattle Seahawks. We’re not putting him to rest for a while and not using him.
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“We weren’t as assignment-clean as we needed to be”, said head coach Mike McCarthy.
