The Green Bay Packers will host a familiar foe in the Seattle Seahawks. After an ugly win in Philadelphia, the Seahawks will have to travel across the country once again to face a well rested Aaron Rodgers and company. The Seahawks are without many of the starters while the Packers are thankful to still have the majority of their starters suiting up.
For once, the team has not relied on Rodgers’ arm to get them here. Instead, a more balanced, somewhat inconsistent, offense led the Packers to a 13-3 record.
Aaron Jones
Usually when we talk about the Packers, we’re talking about a different Aaron who lines up under center.. Jones is used to being overlooked. Despite posting a 1,000 plus yard season, including scoring nineteen touchdowns tied with Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey for the league lead, he did not receive an All-Pro nomination. Meanwhile, McCaffrey was named an All-Pro at two positions.
Aaron Rodgers has not been the story this season of the Packers’ offense. That’s not to say Rodgers had a bad season, but rather an inconsistent one. He threw for four touchdowns against a terrible Giants defense and five touchdowns against the Raiders. He also threw zero touchdown passes in three games. Incredibly, he only threw four interceptions all season.
Jones has been the key to the Packers’ offense all season and giving him the ball will be a priority. When Jones in the game, the entire offense is elevated including Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers on his own is tough. With a very capable running back at Lambeau, good luck.
Seahawks Injuries
Seattle survived the Philadelphia Eagles last week, but Carson Wentz also got knocked out of the game early on. The Seahawks who are already predicted to be without eight of their starters now travel to Green Bay. Their rushing attack has been completely non-existent after losing their top three running backs. Bring back Marshawn Lynch might be a feel good move for Seattle fans, but will it actually matter on the field? The move has yet to prove so.
With all the injuries, Russell Wilson will be asked to be Superman once again. Wilson’s life will be difficult if his offensive line cannot block the dynamic pass rushing duo of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. The combination of Smith and Smith were the only duo this season to have at least 12 sacks each and the first duo in Green Bay Packers history.
