The Packers will return home to Lambeau Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks in an important game. They are coming off a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs this past Sunday. Jordan Love certainly did not have a strong performance. He was in a tough situation with Aaron Rodgers out with COVID-19 and playing in a tough road game. The Packers may get Aaron Rodgers back this week if he clears protocol Saturday. However, that is a big IF. Regardless of who is at quarterback this Sunday, here are the keys for the Packers beating the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday.
Key#1-Matt LaFleur Needs to RUN THE BALL
Matt LaFleur abandoned the run against the Chiefs too early. That can’t happen this Sunday against the Seahawks. The Packer’s bread and butter is the run game as it creates opportunities in the passing game. He did not do any favors for Jordan Love on Sunday. When he did not establish the run to take the pressure off him. You have Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, two phenomenal running backs, to use. Regardless of who is at quarterback, Matt LaFleur needs to establish the run or the Packers might be in trouble.
Key#2- Whether it is Jordan Love or Aaron Rodgers, the Packers Have to Be Better on Offense
The Packers were not good enough overall on offense against the Chiefs. That needs to change fast this Sunday. Doesn’t matter whether it is Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love at quarterback. The Packer’s defense held the Chief’s offense to a low 13 points. No disrespect to the Packers defense, but that’s asking a bit much as they are facing Russell Wilson who only has one interception this season. On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes leads the NFL in interceptions. No matter who is at quarterback this Sunday, the offense needs to get better fast or the Packers may suffer their second straight loss.
Key#3- The Packers Need to Win the Line of Scrimmage and Contain Russell Wilson
The Packers need to win the line of scrimmage. The Seattle Seahawks are getting Chris Carson back and he is a huge part of their running game. The Packers have to control the line of scrimmage and contain him or it will be a long day for the Packers defense. Also, the Packers have to pressure and contain Russell Wilson who most likely will return as well. In addition, the Packers have to be disciplined in their pass-rush lanes and not let Wilson out the pocket. If the Packers can not get constant pressure on Wilson or keep him contained, the defense will be in trouble.
Key#4- Hoping David Bakhtiari is Back
Pro Bowl left tackle David Bakhtiari will be activated off the PUP list this week. Will he play Sunday is another discussion. The Packers have been careful with players when it comes to injuries. They do not want to rush Bakhtiari, which is understandable. He has almost missed a year of action and should knock off some rust. The Packers have two more games before their bye week and David should see action in those two games. It could help move Jon Runyan to right guard to send rookie Royce Newman to the bench and solidify the offensive line.
Key#5- This is a Must-Win For the Packers If They Want to Grab the Number One Seed
This is an important game for the Packers and one they need to win. The Packers are in control of the NFC North and that could change. However, the Packers currently have the number two seed in the NFC. They are not far off from getting that number one seed for the playoffs. If they want to get it, the Packers have to win this game. Getting the number one seed is not just about having home-field advantage, but getting that first-round bye. That could be huge as the Packers could use it to get extra healthy especially getting guys like Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith at full strength.
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