Green Bay Packers keys to victory against Seattle Seahawks

By Keegan Matheson | Jan 17, 2015

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Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Green Bay 36-16. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

1. Throw at Richard Sherman

This sounds like a death wish, but without including the receiver covered by Richard Sherman in the passing game, the Seahawks entire defense becomes twice as strong. Rodgers avoided that side of the field in week one and got burned for it, so I expect to see Green Bay attempt to complete several shorter, sensible passes to Sherman’s side in the NFC Championship.

When Sherman’s side is not included in the offensive game plan, it allows for Earl Thomas to play a much more aggressive game elsewhere on the field. Knowing that he likely will not need to provide support over the top for Sherman, Thomas can then shade to the other side of the field and attempt to jump more routes over the middle. Few men in football protect the football better than Aaron Rodgers, but Earl Thomas is a world class ball-hawk.

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The domino-effect impacts Kam Chancellor, too, who is coming off the most impressive game I’ve seen him play in his career against the Carolina Panthers. Not many players in the NFL can tackle Eddie Lacy from the secondary, let alone drive him backwards, but Chancellor is a rare breed. Again, eliminating Sherman’s side allows Chancellor to be more aggressive on running downs by crowding the box.

If Aaron Rodgers throws six balls at Richard Sherman and only completes 2-3, that is a success. He would be wise to seek out high-percentage throws and position the ball as far away from Sherman as possible. If this means that a pass tips of the outstretched fingers of a receiver because Rodgers is being overly cautious, so be it, but completing two or three early passes to Sherman’s receiver is absolutely imperative on Sunday.

Mike Homlgren suggests that Green Bay passes more frequently on first down in this game, when Seattle typically has their larger personnel on the field, leaving running opportunities open against their smaller speed defenders on second down. “They’re going to bring their ‘quicks’ in on second down,” Holmgren said. “They substitute a lot on second down. When they go to their smalls, you run and try to get in third and short. Then you have a chance.”

Richard Sherman may be the best cornerback in the NFL. If you’re not sure, just ask him. Aaron Rodgers may be the best player in the NFL, however, so it’s time for the Packers to put strength against strength and hope that their man comes out on top.

Next: Wrap it up

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