Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions vs. Packers in Divisional Round

1. Clowney and the pass rush make an impact

For the first time since Week 10, Jadeveon Clowney and Seattle’s pass rush made an impact in the Wild Card Round. The Seahawks sacked Philadelphia’s quarterbacks seven times. The Seahawks utilized a unique combination of rushers to confuse and overwhelm the Eagles.

Everyone got involved in the sack-fest. Quinton Jefferson got two sacks. Cody Barton, who started in place of the injured Mychal Kendricks played a role. Even Bradley McDougald, who doesn’t have a full sack in his career, caused problems for Philly. That is the kind of creativity and havoc Seattle’s defense needs against the Packers.

Defenders sacked Rodgers 36 times during the regular season, which ranks him fourteenth among quarterbacks. For Seattle’s usually meek pass rush, that seems to pose a problem. However, defenders brought down Jimmy Garoppolo 36 times as well.

In particular, Garoppolo’s offensive line struggled in Week 10. That week, the San Francisco 49ers lost their first game of the season, and Garoppolo hit the deck five times. Seattle was San Francisco’s opponent that game.

Seattle is capable of reaching quarterbacks like Rodgers and Garoppolo, despite their respectable offensive lines. Clowney is the key for Seattle. If he remains healthy and creates havoc with his unique speed and strength, then other players can get involved. Jarran Reed also hasn’t made a significant impact since Week 10. Maybe Seattle and Clowney can drag a big performance out of the defensive tackle.