Packers vs Seachickens Pregame

[Krabs]

I didn't see this thread started and wanted to discuss the upcoming games. Apologies if I stepped on toes starting it.

I watched the Cards vs Seachickens matchup this past Sunday and was surprised how good Seattle looks. I knew they had a good record, but hadn't had the opportunity to watch them yet. Seems they have a solid run game and Geno is more poised than I have seen in the past. I would say the big difference, as is with most games, were the two early interceptions that Murray threw. Cards started to come back but couldn't overcome those early turnovers.

The Packers are sitting at 7th scoring 26.8 ppg. Seattle is tick behind them at 23.2 ppg. The Packers currently are only giving up 21.1 ppg on defense as Seattle gives up 21.8. Kind of a wash. The Packers have really stepped up their run defense the past few games and are ranked 9th in yards against the run. The Seachickens, well, they can be had on the ground. They are ranked 21st giving up 4.7 yards per rush on average. I like that. If the Pack sticks with running the football, and not turning it over, I really like their chances in this one.

I'm going to go Pack 28-21 in this one.

 

[OldSchool101]

I didn't see this thread started and wanted to discuss the upcoming games. Apologies if I stepped on toes starting it.

I watched the Cards vs Seachickens matchup this past Sunday and was surprised how good Seattle looks. I knew they had a good record, but hadn't had the opportunity to watch them yet. Seems they have a solid run game and Geno is more poised than I have seen in the past. I would say the big difference, as is with most games, were the two early interceptions that Murray threw. Cards started to come back but couldn't overcome those early turnovers.

The Packers are sitting at 7th scoring 26.8 ppg. Seattle is tick behind them at 23.2 ppg. The Packers currently are only giving up 21.1 ppg on defense as Seattle gives up 21.8. Kind of a wash. The Packers have really stepped up their run defense the past few games and are ranked 9th in yards against the run. The Seachickens, well, they can be had on the ground. They are ranked 21st giving up 4.7 yards per rush on average. I like that. If the Pack sticks with running the football, and not turning it over, I really like their chances in this one.

I'm going to go Pack 28-21 in this one.

Love it.

On a more global look. I’ll just say pretty important game. We got exactly little to no help this Week. Beating Seattle would really be significant. For GB, it would eliminate SF, Arizona and New Orleans and Seattle from our Wildcard path (3 spots). A Seattle loss and only them sweeping the last 3 games would top our tie breaker. However that would also guarantee them a Division crown and that is not nearly a concern as us fighting for Seeds 5-7th. We’d take down Seattle + 3 other NFC teams in our path.

A Packer Win would also severely damage chances of passing us for one of those WC spots with LA Rams and Tampa Bay as we’d be 3 games ahead of both because we’d win a tie breaker with LA. A Packers Win at Seattle and the only way Tampa or LA catches us is if they Win the last 3 games AND we lose the last 3 games.
Simply put, there’s like a 93% chance (I’m just hypothesizing but it dramatically increases our Wildcard lock). A Seattle Loss is also our only probable path to what’s an outside chance at that 5th seed.

 

[Sanguine camper]

When was the last time the Packers won a game in Seattle? It was way back in 2008. This is just the type of game that I expect a MLF team to lay an egg. Tough road environment on the west coast 2 time zones away. Under MLF, the Packers just have a hard time winning the big games because they can't match the focus and intensity. That said, the current version of the Seahawks is a decent team but they're not a Super Bowl contender IMO.

 

[OldSchool101]

When was the last time the Packers won a game in Seattle? It was way back in 2008. This is just the type of game that I expect a MLF team to lay an egg. Tough road environment on the west coast 2 time zones away. Under MLF, the Packers just have a hard time winning the big games because they can't match the focus and intensity. That said, the current version of the Seahawks is a decent team but they're not a Super Bowl contender IMO.

Yes. The only thing I will offer is this. I’ve noticed we travel better once Love got going. My initial guess is it’s due to the young age of the players.

in 2024, the Packers hold a .667 Win record “on the Road”. At 4-2 on the Road those 2 teams we’ve lost to while traveling? are currently a 23-3 record. The total cumulative points for those 2 Road losses was -8 points (-4pts per game average losses).

Now I know we have a history in Seattle also. However this year just might be the one that breaks that monkeys back.

 

[Krabs]

The injury front does scare me a bit. While the Pack had avoided being dinged up too much it appears the injury bug has hit us to an extent. Doubs should pass concussion protocol at this point and has practiced on a limited basis. Wicks had a decent game against the Lions, but I trust Doubs a lot more. Same with Evan Williams and his concussion. He's more iffy for sure. An extra few days does help. I'm not sure what is going on with Cooper's hamstring. I would expect to not have him for this game. I'd like to get him back. I'm not a huge McDuffie guy, but we also have Wilson who has made a few splash plays here and there. Bullard hurt his ankle, but it doesn't look significant. I'd expect him to still be out though. Looks like Morgan and Musgrave can come off the IR. Not really sure how impactful that would be.

Even with all the injuries, I still expect the Packers to have the ability to run the football. Offensively, we should be fine. I'm more worried about the defense. They've been stopping the run better, but are giving up almost 10 yards per completion combined with a 68% completion rate for opponents. The math sounds bad there. I'd love to have Alexander back to help, but I have not heard of any updates. We shall see in the upcoming days.

 

[tynimiller]

I want Alexander to at the earliest come back that final week for a few series just to see if fully healthy.

 

[OldSchool101]

I want Alexander to at the earliest come back that final week for a few series just to see if fully healthy.

The primary things that concern me with Ja is I read an interview on him where he said he reaggravates it at Chicago. That game was 2 games and a Bye after initial Week 8 injury or 3 calendar weeks.

Based on what we know about team doctors letting him practice after 2 weeks and our more conservative holding players out when necessary… Either they completely misdiagnosed? (which is possible but doubtful) or IMO with todays hindsight it was between that Level 1+ tear and 3 weeks was obviously pressing his specific recovery timetable a little bit there.
This Weekend will be 4 additional weeks after Chicago (7 weeks)

In response to you @tynimiller (and I fully realize we all want the best for him and for us and these are merely stabs at a potential return) letting him play in another 4 weeks after this weekend just to rest it? If that happens I’ll be past concerned that he needs surgery or this is much worse than originally anticipated. I see it more black n white. We hold him out if he’s not healed but he plays if he feels good.
I’m going to go positive leaning (leaning positive I have no clue!) on my guess. I say he’s practicing next week (or week after at the latest) playing limited by Saints on Monday Dec 23 or at least a game time decision.
If not? it’s time to play that scene from the movie Airplane!

 

[Krabs]

The primary things that concern me with Ja is I read an interview on him where he said he reaggravates it at Chicago. That game was 2 games and a Bye after initial Week 8 injury or 3 calendar weeks.

These guys get prime medical attention. So I don’t feel like they missed at the level of severity which is 1 concern I’ve read up on by a Surgeon who specializes in this field (it’s amazing the info available in these topics today). Based on what we know about team doctors letting him practice after 2 weeks? Either they completely misdiagnosed? (which is possible but doubtful) or IMO with todays hindsight it was between that Level 1-2 area tear and 3 weeks was obviously pressing his specific recovery timetable a little bit there.

This Weekend will be 4 additional weeks after Chicago. Funny how time flies. In response to letting him play in another 4 weeks after this weekend just to rest it? If that happens I’ll be past concerned that he needs surgery or this is much worse than originally anticipated. I’m not suggesting suiting him up for 70 snaps. However my guess would be they go precautionary and keep him out 1 more game. Then work him in carefully.

Personally I’d rather find out where we are with Ja before playoffs but with time to react. If we need to bring someone in so be it. I don’t want to find that out Wildcard Weekend though I think that’s worse than losing him altogether.

I hope he is back sooner than later. I'm under the impression that our safeties are playing back more due to the corners not being able to cover well. This is leaving the middle of the field open and our ILBs don't have the speed to keep up with slot guys. With Alexander back we can move our safeties more in the box to take that away.

 

[OldSchool101]

What’s concerning me is Eric Stokes.
Across the first 5 contests he played 79.3% of Defensive snaps. He was very involved in Hafleys’ plans earlier in the season.
Starting Week 6, Stokes has played 38.1% of Defensive snaps
It just displays to me a lack of confidence in him.

So here you have a situation. You are missing your Corner #1 since Week 8 and your presumed Corner #2 has been relegated to Part Time. Then we ask why Detroit (the #1 Offense) moved at will. We’re probably fortunate we held them to 34 points (roughly their average).

 

[tynimiller]

The primary things that concern me with Ja is I read an interview on him where he said he reaggravates it at Chicago. That game was 2 games and a Bye after initial Week 8 injury or 3 calendar weeks.

Based on what we know about team doctors letting him practice after 2 weeks and our more conservative holding players out when necessary… Either they completely misdiagnosed? (which is possible but doubtful) or IMO with todays hindsight it was between that Level 1+ tear and 3 weeks was obviously pressing his specific recovery timetable a little bit there.
This Weekend will be 4 additional weeks after Chicago (7 weeks)

In response to you @tynimiller (and I fully realize we all want the best for him and for us and these are merely stabs at a potential return) letting him play in another 4 weeks after this weekend just to rest it? If that happens I’ll be past concerned that he needs surgery or this is much worse than originally anticipated. I see it more black n white. We hold him out if he’s not healed but he plays if he feels good.
I’m going to go positive leaning (leaning positive I have no clue!) on my guess. I say he’s practicing next week (or week after at the latest) playing limited by Saints on Monday Dec 23 or at least a game time decision.
If not? it’s time to play that scene from the movie Airplane!

I get all that, and I'm not holding him out to just hold him out, but I also know realistically all we need is one more win and we are in the playoffs out of all that remains...maybe two. Our seeding isn't impacted at all hardly because division is gone from realistic, so just get in and do so as healthy as possible IMO.

 

[OldSchool101]

I get all that, and I'm not holding him out to just hold him out, but I also know realistically all we need is one more win and we are in the playoffs out of all that remains...maybe two. Our seeding isn't impacted at all hardly because division is gone from realistic, so just get in and do so as healthy as possible IMO.

I see. That makes some sense. Although do we really want to go the path of a #7 and play the #2 seed at their house? I think that’s quick exit with an even tougher Divisional if we somehow pull it off.

I’m ok with a #6 seed. I’d really like that 5th but we have no control over that.

 

[tynimiller]

I see. That makes some sense. Although do we really want to go to play the #2 seed at their house? I think that’s quick exit with an even tougher Divisional if we somehow pull it off.

We are going to be on the road regardless, and having to win against the #1 or the #2 at some point. Delaying "tougher" games in the playoffs is pointless. Getting in is the crucial part once homefield advantage is no longer likely.

 

[OldSchool101]

We are going to be on the road regardless, and having to win against the #1 or the #2 at some point. Delaying "tougher" games in the playoffs is pointless. Getting in is the crucial part once homefield advantage is no longer likely.

See I think we see a team like LA get in running hot. A #7 knocking off Philly and them going to Detroit is ideal.

I used to look at it that way.
Until I heard Brady talking about playoffs one time. He always talked about the easiest path. Obviously he wanted the Division because it was by far the easiest pathway. I get wanting to tough it out but I’d rather swing with a sharp axe at thin trees. In this 2024 season it seems top heavy. Meaning there could be a big difference between playing a # 2 and then the #1 next week. Most seasons maybe not so bad, but in 2024 in particular our best path is a 5th or 6th imo. Then IF we face Detroit let it be to go to a SB. Not to mention winning an early Playoff game means another week to get our own players healthy.

This is coming from an optimist. I just think I’d rather go to Seattle etc. Other than maybe bragging rights that we beat Philly and Detroit on the road. I’m not too proud to get in by winning at Seattle and seeing LA go to Detroit and knock them out. Preferable on a 4th n 1

 

[tynimiller]

See I think we see a team like LA get in running hot. A #7 knocking off Philly and them going to Detroit is ideal.

I like Brady’s way of thinking. He always talked about the easiest path. Obviously he wanted the Division because it was by far the easiest pathway. I get wanting to tough it out but I’d rather swing with a sharp axe at thin trees.

There isn't really going to be a "thin" tree persay IMO. Tampa Bay when healthy is quite a potent team, Atlanta similar and those would be the quote unquote "easiest or thinnest" tree. I just don't see it a ton of an advantage either way. Get us in at this point is all that matters.

 

[OldSchool101]

There isn't really going to be a "thin" tree persay IMO. Tampa Bay when healthy is quite a potent team, Atlanta similar and those would be the quote unquote "easiest or thinnest" tree. I just don't see it a ton of an advantage either way. Get us in at this point is all that matters.

We’ll agree that making the postseason is Numero Uno. I’m 100% on board with that.

Past that, until it’s 0% chance we can’t improve our odds, I’m treating each week like it’s a Divisional game. Matter of fact, this Seattle game is pretty dang important just to lock down our ticket.

 

[milani]

When was the last time the Packers won a game in Seattle? It was way back in 2008. This is just the type of game that I expect a MLF team to lay an egg. Tough road environment on the west coast 2 time zones away. Under MLF, the Packers just have a hard time winning the big games because they can't match the focus and intensity. That said, the current version of the Seahawks is a decent team but they're not a Super Bowl contender IMO.

Yes. I do not feel good about this one. I felt better going into Detroit. Not winning since 2008 puts a jinx on us. Of course those were MM-Rodgers years. Seattle knows it can win its division whereas we are hoping for a 6 or 7 seed with the Vikings still on our schedule. Our coaches have a 10 day window to prepare. Teams in the NFC West know the Seahawks well. Our players do not. Hope we are ready.

 

[Voyageur]

Getting Doubs and Alexander both back on the field is a pretty hefty plus. These are two guys who can contribute quite a bit to a game plan. How the coaches utilize them, I don't know. I hope they're ready to take on full loads.

 

[OldSchool101]

Getting Doubs and Alexander both back on the field is a pretty hefty plus. These are two guys who can contribute quite a bit to a game plan. How the coaches utilize them, I don't know. I hope they're ready to take on full loads.

Bullard is out so far, as expected. Good news though because Cooper, Alexander, Ballentine, Doubs and Williams all practiced. Obviously the latter 2 still need to get clearance due to Concussion protocols.

This is a really, really positive sign. We could really use these guys. Even more important is they’ll need to get on the field for a week in some capacity before turning them loose the following week. IMO many in the media are underestimating the Packers. We just went toe to toe with Detroit while missing this talented grouping. No it’s not Detroit’s list but it is some substantial talent for us.

 

[DoURant]

Bullard is out so far, as expected. Good news though because Cooper, Alexander, Ballentine, Doubs and Williams all practiced. Obviously the latter 2 still need to get clearance due to Concussion protocols.

More good news is Musgrave practiced too. Hopefully he's a full go by the time the playoffs start.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I want Alexander to at the earliest come back that final week for a few series just to see if fully healthy.

If Alexander comes back before the Playoffs, he'll just get hurt again. I agree, sit him and let him watch. He's used to it by now.

 

[gopkrs]

Yes. I do not feel good about this one. I felt better going into Detroit. Not winning since 2008 puts a jinx on us. Of course those were MM-Rodgers years. Seattle knows it can win its division whereas we are hoping for a 6 or 7 seed with the Vikings still on our schedule. Our coaches have a 10 day window to prepare. Teams in the NFC West know the Seahawks well. Our players do not. Hope we are ready.

I don't feel real good about the game either. But it's because Seattle actually looks good. They can run and pass. But that is what this time of the year is all about. It's time to start putting it all together and beat a good team handily. Which we are capable of doing.

 

[OldSchool101]

More good news is Musgrave practiced too. Hopefully he's a full go by the time the playoffs start.

Yeah. He’s another one. Missed so much time but he’ll likely practice a couple weeks and slowly get worked in.
People discount him, but once that foot is good he’s still going to be much more comfortable in year 2. Started solid for a Rookie TE, then had a great Camp this year and was impressing the Coaches. Just Kinda never got going Regular Season when you consider Week 1-3 he had 4 total targets. Then caught 3/3 vs MN Loved first gimp back, but gets injured. Then suited up week 5 but didn’t play. Not a good start!

Make no mistake, he’s a guy that if given a couple primer games could come out of nowhere as a Receiving threat. He’s basically an Uber athletic 6’6 Receiver.

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't feel real good about the game either. But it's because Seattle actually looks good. They can run and pass. But that is what this time of the year is all about. It's time to start putting it all together and beat a good team handily. Which we are capable of doing.

I still can’t figure out who we are. I think it’s partly due to this season starting so strange.

 

[OldSchool101]

I will say this much. IF we Win? ?
I hope I don’t hear any more excuses from the media about how we have not beat a Playoff Caliber team. Had LA, SF, Arizona, Miami and Houston beat the Packers??
correct me if I’m wrong here but they would currently be sitting at
8-5, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6, 9-4. That would be 2 Division leaders, 2 Teams 1 game out of leading their Division and Miami fighting for a 5th-7th seed only 1 game behind the current leaderboard Ravens, Chargers, Broncos.

Now granted those are not all some #1 or #2 seeds. However in the average season, those records would be very relevant in Postseason aspirations. Only reason they aren’t in the NFC is because of the NFC North holding 3 of the 7 playoff spots and spanking the league at a 2:1 Win:Loss ratio.

We lost 4 games by a total of 20 points of 5 pts per game average. 2 of the 4 Packer losses were to the #1 seed Detroit, who anyone will fully admit has been on an absolute terror in 2024. Another loss to #2 Seed Philly and the only other loss to an
11-2 Vikings team.

 

[OldSchool101]

GB is 4-2 on the Road this year. Losing Road games in Brazil (an extension of the Preseason) and Detroit last week on a Walk-Off FG.

I think the Media looks for ways to dishearten Packer fans after we’ve had such a long tradition of Winning. As a Packer fan I’m not too confident that I could actually say we’ve played our best Ball already in relation to our potential. Clean up a couple mistakes and we take down Detroit AT Detroit and a very solid Minnesota team (I’ll concede on the TWO Sloppy field Fests)
Also GB appears to have an arrow pointing up this week in health. Not exactly who’d I’d want to be dismissing down the stretch.

I’ll agree. Seattle is playing really good right now. They are feeling good on a 4 game Win streak. However I will 100% say this with confidence. The Packers are currently better than all 3 teams they beat imo. Cardinals 2X, Jets, 49ers