Green Bay Packers keys to victory against Seattle Seahawks

Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) eludes a tackle by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker

(53) to rush for a touchdown during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

2.  Tackle Marshawn Lynch.  The first time.

The fundamental act of tackling another human being on a football field has long been a weakness for the Packers, and this has caused them to struggle with bigger running backs at some points.  Marshawn Lynch ran wild on Green Bay in week one, and if he tops 100 yards with two scores again, there’s not a chance that he loses.

Green Bay’s level of play across the front seven has risen considerably over the past four months, but the greatest change has come in personnel.  A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones combined to play 110 snaps in their week one meeting, but that won’t be the case on Sunday.  I’d be thrilled if Jones didn’t see the field, but that’s another issue entirely.

Instead, the middle of the field will be manned, for the most part, by Clay Matthews and Sam Barrington.  Matthews will play a huge role in this game as his presence in the middle puts him as close to the football as possible, setting him up for a dozen meetings with Marshawn Lynch and the unenviable task of containing Russell Wilson.  Barrington, who plays fast and violent, stacked up LeGarrette Blount at the line of scrimmage earlier in the season against the New England Patriots, so Packers fans will be hoping for a repeat performance.

In running situations, the Packers could choose to bring Ha Ha Clinton-Dix into the box as a thumper from the secondary.  Morgan Burnett also had one of his best tackling games agains the Dallas Cowboys, meeting DeMarco Murray several times to put a cap on short gains.

If Lynch clicks, this entire offence clicks.  Russell Wilson becomes incredibly dangerous on play-action passes and bootleg runs, which would expose the Packers defense past the point of recovery.  Now, Lynch won’t be held to six yards, but as long as Green Bay can keep him out of the end zone and prevent the home run, they’ll allow themselves to take a step closer in this football game.

Next: Make #3 uncomfortable