Seattle Seahawks: Game 9 Opponent Preview – Green Bay
Chris Phillips
|
The Seattle Seahawks are coming out of their bye week to face the Green Bay Packers. Russell Wilson is on track to play this week. Also, Chris Carson is designated to return off the IR. How does all this affect this impact their Week 10 game?
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off their bye week. It appears there is plenty of good news heading into this week’s matchup in Green Bay. Russell Wilson is on track to be under center to start the game. Earlier this week, Seattle designated Chris Carson to return from injured reserve. They now have 21 days to activate him.
This is a welcome turn of events considering a neck injury is what put him on the IR. At one point, there was some talk that Carson’s injury might cost him the season. As far as when the bell-cow back returns, head coach Pete Carroll said they’ll take it one day at a time with Carson.
So, it is unlikely he plays this week. In other words, it will be Alex Collins who starts at running back and gets the first crack to carve up that Green Bay run defense.
Subsequently, the Packers’ run defense ranks 16th in the league this season, allowing 110.8-yards per game. Considering Collins proved to be an effective runner, and the Seahawks like to run the ball often, this shapes up for an excellent way to ease Wilson back into things. Even if RW3 is 75 percent of his usual self is it’s an improvement over Geno Smith.
On the other hand, gaining passing yards this week will be problematic. The Pack ranks seventh in passing yards allowed at 210.4 per game. This week is a great time for Seattle Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron to show off some creativity. Look for the Seahawks to utilize the middle of the field and medium-depth routes. Tyler Lockett should benefit the most from both that game plan and Wilson’s return.
Who is Green Bay QB?
For the Seattle Seahawks defense, it’s all going to come down to who Green Bay plays at quarterback. If it’s Jordan Love, then 12’s should feel a bit better that Seattle’s defense can possibly repeat their performance against Jacksonville. If it’s Aaron Rodgers, then Seahawks fans should prepare for a long day.
Regardless of who plays QB, the Pack will still hand the ball to star running back Aaron Jones. The 2020 Pro Bowler is on pace for a third straight 1,000-yard season with 516 yards so far. Aside from running the ball, Jones is also a threat as a receiver out of the backfield with 33 receptions for 237 yards and four touchdowns.
Final Thoughts
This game could potentially turn into a shoot-out. However, if Seattle runs the ball effectively and often, they can keep Captain Discount Doublecheck Wordplay on the sidelines.
The Seahawks are 4-0 vs. the Packers in Seattle over Russell Wilson’s career and 0-4 in Green Bay, including playoffs. Sunday’s game is at Lambeau but with a twist — against either Aaron Rodgers (post-COVID and long practice absence) or Jordan Love (in his second career start). https://t.co/v7cxtGRa7x
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) November 8, 2021
The Seattle Seahawks currently sit in 10th place for the playoff standings. During the bye week, every team listed ahead of Seattle lost, except for Tampa Bay (also a bye) and Atlanta (beat New Orleans). Believe it or not, Seattle still has a chance at the playoffs. However, they need to keep winning if they want to make it to the playoffs.