- Thread starter
- #1
blstoker
Bill Bergen for HoF!
- 14,275
- 2,881
- 293
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2013
- Location
- WA
- Hoopla Cash
- $ 9,816.00
- Fav. Team #1
- Fav. Team #2
- Fav. Team #3
Positives:
Eddie Lacy - Though we don't know exactly how the run game will pan out this season - and the Packers were surprisingly stout against the run last year - it isn't uncommon for player to have breakout games against their former teams. Rawls may be held out as a precaution, just to make sure his ankle is 100% when he comes back, so Lacy could see a lot of carries against his former team (which is something that could be taken into consideration when evaluating Rawls for return this week) - and the Hawks really need a good start in the running game this season.
Sheldon Richardson - Richardson will be looked to as an upgrade in the interior line that has struggled the last couple seasons to provide consistent pressure up the middle. He will be looked to even more than normal with Jarran Reed being out this week. If he can provide Seattle with solid run defense, while giving opposing QBs pressure up the middle - this defense will be very scary to face.
Earl Thomas - The physical and emotional leader of the Hawks defense, the unit wasn't the same after he went out last season. Having him healthy with the rest of the LOB will keep this back half of the defense as deadly as ever.
Negatives:
Aaron Rodgers - I usually dislike putting QBs in the focus of the game - as it seems so cliché - but Rodgers is one of those few who makes every player around him so much better that the team is never truly out of a game. He's athletic, accurate and makes great decisions - and his 4:1 TD:INT ratio is fabulous (5.25:1 over the last 6 years). The Seattle defense will face one of the best QBs out the gate this year.
Lambeau Field - Green Bay has been a house of horrors for the Seahawks, who haven't won in Wisconsin since 1999 (which is 7 straight, and they're 3-10 overall). the average score of those contests being 32-14. If Seattle wants to get a win right out the gate - they're gonna have to do it in a place where they haven't traditionally played well.
Martellus Bennett - Seattle has had issues with TEs for the last few years, sometimes just getting destroyed by them. Bennett is a solid receiving TE who had a great game against Seattle last year (7-102-0). Seattle will have to cover everyone on the field with a QB like Rodgers, but that will become increasingly more difficult if they allow the TEs to hurt them.
Matchups:
Michael Bennett/Frank Clark vs. Kyle Murphy - With Brian Bulaga being a longshot in the game this week, Bennett and Clark will be facing a backup at the right tackle position. Getting pressure on the QB is important against anyone, but to beat guys like Rodgers, it's imperative. Bennett, Clark and company need to put pressure on Rodgers and the Packer offensive line.
Rees Odhiambo vs. Clay Matthews/Nick Perry - Seattle's offensive line has been a weak link for years - and just downright awful the last 2. Losing Fant hurts, as Odhiambo is now moved to the position of LT. Odhiambo will be charged with keeping the Packers' outside rushers from getting to Wilson's blindside. Seattle needs improved play from their line if they want to return to their 2013/2014 form.
Jeremy Lane/Shaquill Griffin/Nieko Thorpe vs. Jordy Nelson/Davante Adams/Randall Cobb - Rodgers has famously avoided Sherman over the years, and if he does so again, it'll be up to the other CBs from Seattle to keep the Packers' offensive firepower at WR in check - which is a tall order since the Packers boast some of the best WRs in the league.
Overview:
The first game of the season usually doesn't hold much importance, but this one could decide playoff seeding and could be one of the toughest tests each team will face this season. Green Bay has taken both games the teams have played since the onside fumble - both being in Lambeau. This will mark the fifth time these two teams have met since the start of the 2014 season - with the home team taking all 4 of the previous contests. Both teams want to get out of the first game with a win, and to not have any injuries. Here's to a great season!
Eddie Lacy - Though we don't know exactly how the run game will pan out this season - and the Packers were surprisingly stout against the run last year - it isn't uncommon for player to have breakout games against their former teams. Rawls may be held out as a precaution, just to make sure his ankle is 100% when he comes back, so Lacy could see a lot of carries against his former team (which is something that could be taken into consideration when evaluating Rawls for return this week) - and the Hawks really need a good start in the running game this season.
Sheldon Richardson - Richardson will be looked to as an upgrade in the interior line that has struggled the last couple seasons to provide consistent pressure up the middle. He will be looked to even more than normal with Jarran Reed being out this week. If he can provide Seattle with solid run defense, while giving opposing QBs pressure up the middle - this defense will be very scary to face.
Earl Thomas - The physical and emotional leader of the Hawks defense, the unit wasn't the same after he went out last season. Having him healthy with the rest of the LOB will keep this back half of the defense as deadly as ever.
Negatives:
Aaron Rodgers - I usually dislike putting QBs in the focus of the game - as it seems so cliché - but Rodgers is one of those few who makes every player around him so much better that the team is never truly out of a game. He's athletic, accurate and makes great decisions - and his 4:1 TD:INT ratio is fabulous (5.25:1 over the last 6 years). The Seattle defense will face one of the best QBs out the gate this year.
Lambeau Field - Green Bay has been a house of horrors for the Seahawks, who haven't won in Wisconsin since 1999 (which is 7 straight, and they're 3-10 overall). the average score of those contests being 32-14. If Seattle wants to get a win right out the gate - they're gonna have to do it in a place where they haven't traditionally played well.
Martellus Bennett - Seattle has had issues with TEs for the last few years, sometimes just getting destroyed by them. Bennett is a solid receiving TE who had a great game against Seattle last year (7-102-0). Seattle will have to cover everyone on the field with a QB like Rodgers, but that will become increasingly more difficult if they allow the TEs to hurt them.
Matchups:
Michael Bennett/Frank Clark vs. Kyle Murphy - With Brian Bulaga being a longshot in the game this week, Bennett and Clark will be facing a backup at the right tackle position. Getting pressure on the QB is important against anyone, but to beat guys like Rodgers, it's imperative. Bennett, Clark and company need to put pressure on Rodgers and the Packer offensive line.
Rees Odhiambo vs. Clay Matthews/Nick Perry - Seattle's offensive line has been a weak link for years - and just downright awful the last 2. Losing Fant hurts, as Odhiambo is now moved to the position of LT. Odhiambo will be charged with keeping the Packers' outside rushers from getting to Wilson's blindside. Seattle needs improved play from their line if they want to return to their 2013/2014 form.
Jeremy Lane/Shaquill Griffin/Nieko Thorpe vs. Jordy Nelson/Davante Adams/Randall Cobb - Rodgers has famously avoided Sherman over the years, and if he does so again, it'll be up to the other CBs from Seattle to keep the Packers' offensive firepower at WR in check - which is a tall order since the Packers boast some of the best WRs in the league.
Overview:
The first game of the season usually doesn't hold much importance, but this one could decide playoff seeding and could be one of the toughest tests each team will face this season. Green Bay has taken both games the teams have played since the onside fumble - both being in Lambeau. This will mark the fifth time these two teams have met since the start of the 2014 season - with the home team taking all 4 of the previous contests. Both teams want to get out of the first game with a win, and to not have any injuries. Here's to a great season!
