Green Bay Packers keys to victory against Seattle Seahawks

Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles with the ball away from Green Bay Packers linebacker

(56) during the game at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Green Bay 36-16. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

3.  Get to Russell Wilson

I wrote on Wednesday that the Packers must increase their pressure on Russell Wilson.  Week one saw Green Bay reach the Seahawks QB just once and fail to pressure him into decisions that he did not want to make.  For me, the need to rush Wilson comes along the same line of thinking as throwing at Richard Sherman.  Green Bay cannot travel to Seattle and play the game that the Seahawks ask them to, they must dictate the game themselves.

The presence of Matthews and Barrington will help in this endeavour, as well, as their athletic skills could help to eliminate any scrambles up the gut of the defense.  Along with improved play from Letroy Guion over the past month, the centre of the front seven has grown substantially since early September.

The two strategies that I see for attacking Wilson involve a cooperative effort between the Packers defensive line and linebacking corps.  Dom Capers may choose to rush Clay Matthews through the centre of the line in hopes of flushing him into the arms of Julius Peppers, Mike Daniels, Nick Perry or Mike Neal.  Similarly, Capers may choose to rush more heavily from the edges, forcing Wilson up into the pocket where he will be forced to make quick throws and deal with Matthews on his doorstep.

Julius Peppers has really come on over the past month, and with 6 forced fumbles on the season, an impact play from the veteran star could flip this game in the direction of the Packers.  His experience chasing Michael Vick around the NFC South years ago could come in handy versus the most dangerous dual-threat QB in the NFL today.

Next: Who will be the X-Factor?