NFL Season Opener: Green Bay Packers vs Seattle Seahawks

Photo Credit: Mike Morris – Flickr

Well, it’s that time of year again everyone! The opening day/game of the NFL season, where two playoff teams take the field to matchup once again; somewhat like in 2012! The only thing is, will Green Bay get credited fairly in this game? The result in 2012 was labeled, “The Fail Mary,” so I’m sure you can guess how people felt about the performance. The last play of the game was called as a ‘touchdown’. The replacement referees were criticized after the game, due to Seahawks’ Russell Wilson’s pass to Golden Tate, which appeared to many others to be in the possession of Green Bay’s M.D. Jennings. From the very start of the pass dropping down, M.D. appeared to have the possession, while Tate latched on late into the catch; they still ended up fighting for the ball though, and still, M.D. came up with the ball. This touchdown, of course, occurred with time expiring, thus giving the Seahawks a 14-12 win. Let’s move on though, I mean it’s two years later.

The Packers look to achieve revenge, as they’ve added a lot of offseason depth, including signing star defensive end, Julius Peppers, and adding highly regarded draft prospects, such as star receiver DaVante Adams, who looks to replace James Jones. They also snagged free safety, Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. The Packers are also recovering from debilitating injuries defensively, including linebackers Clay Matthews and Brad Jones. There were also problems on offense including starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver, Randall Cobb.

Their offense, which finished top three last year in the league – including a top seven rushing game and a top six passing game – despite not having Rodgers for 7+ games. With Rodgers healthy, the expectations are high for the Packers. Rodgers looks to come back more dominant than ever, with the help of Randall Cobb and their Jordy Nelson, who accumulated 1300+ yards last year (remind you that Rodgers was out for seven games).

Eddie Lacy, hopefully not enduring his sophomore slump this year, looks to exceed the expectations after a monstrous rookie year. He accumulated over 1150 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. The offensive line did proceed to struggle last year being 24^th in sacks allowed. If the offense can stay healthy – and the o-line can protect Rodgers up front – I see no reason as to why the Packers can’t be of a worrisome threat to the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom.

Defensively, the Packers were plagued with injuries as they look to bounce back to their dominant defense in 2010. Snagging him from the free agency after the Bears released him, was logical decision making on the Packers’ part. Yes, Julius wasn’t exactly creating the pass rush that the Bears needed last year, but he still had the most tackles since his first year in Chicago. He added seven sacks as well.  Having Casey Heyward back healthy and ready to go, helps improve the defense, especially in the passing game. Expect a stronger and more improved Packers defense in this upcoming matchup.

As for the Seahawks, their offense is expected to take the field with their run-first approach, led by Russell Wilson, who is arguably labeled a top tier dual threat quarterback. Marshawn Lynch is expected have yet another top four rushing season. Lynch did, however, hold out earlier in the year, missing some key practice reps due to lack of proper compensation. They will depend on a lot this year from “Beast Mode” as he ages. With the additions of guys like Paul Richardson and a more experienced Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse, there is no reason this Seahawks’ offense can’t improve its passing game.

Despite losing Golden Tate, Jermaine Kearse and Paul Richardson are expected to take over the control, and with the help of Russell Okung coming back to block for Wilson, I’m sure he will have more time in the pocket.

The Seahawks, defensively, are not only the reigning Super Bowl Champions, but the reigning #1 defense; it’s very much reasonable to expect a tough performance despite losing Brandon Browner, Chris Clemons, and Red Bryant. The depth Seattle has – which has an average of 26 years old per player –  is something that remains unmatched against anyone. As their entire “Legion of Boom” – minus Brandon Browner, who was replaced by Byron Maxwell midway during the season – remains in tip top shape and health, including their starting front seven, led by Bobby Wagner. Expect them to put on yet another threatening performance Thursday night.

As for my prediction of tonight’s matchup, I’m guessing I may have hinted at it. Seattle seems too much of a threat defensively with their healthy ‘Legion of Boom’. While I will expect Green Bay’s offense to be very much improved with Rodgers coming back, I expect them to not put up more than 21 points, losing to a 14 point deficit.

Seattle’s offense seems very much improved – and even with the Packers’ injured players coming back – I don’t think they have enough for a legitimate stop. Yes, I was factoring in Clay Matthews returning and a stud AJ Hawk playing, but having an inexperienced linebacker in stud defensive end Julius Peppers worries me. While I don’t expect many turnovers in this game, I expect Seattle’s defense to be the difference maker in this game. Mark me down for 35-21 Seattle as my final prediction.