Green Bay Packers keys to victory against Seattle Seahawks
Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) gets away from Dallas Cowboys free safety
J.J. Wilcox(27) to score a touchdown in the third quarter in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
X-factor: WR Davante Adams
Davante Adams didn’t light the league on fire in his first season, but then again, neither did Jordy Nelson or Randall Cobb. He showed up when it counted most, though, with seven receptions for 117 yards and a TD against the Dallas Cowboys last week. This was highlighted by a 46-yard score where Adams pulled an open-field a move that made my ankles hurt just from watching.
Aaron Rodgers has continued to give Adams opportunities despite several mental errors by the rookie throughout the season. On the Packers final drive of the game against Dallas, Rodgers wen’t right to Adams on 3rd and 3, as he wrestled the ball away from tight coverage and took the pass downfield.
With Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell likely to be tasked with Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb at some points on Sunday, Green Bay could work to exploit Adams’ matchup against CB Jeremy Lane if it presents itself.
Green Bay’s lack of a true third receiving threat has worried me all season long, since their week one loss to Seattle. When a elite defense washes out the top options, it did not seem that Rodgers would have another threat to lean on, but Adams has finally stepped up and filled the void, much like Jarrett Boykin did for parts of last season before falling off the face of the Earth.
With Rodgers far from 100% and a threatening pass-rush coming, don’t be surprised to see him getting the ball out of his hands quickly against Seattle. This could set up Adams for some action in the open field, where he’ll look to break off another highlight-reel play to help push the Packers over the top.