Week 3 Preview

Remember this game? Yeah, it was awesome.

Ok I’m predicting a Packer blowout and here’s why:

1.       Talent: We are a more talented team on paper, and it’s not close. Talent of course does not always equate to wins (see: Oakland Raiders 1984 – present), but the disparity is significant tonight. Start with the quarterback comparison (you could essentially stop there, but for posterity we’ll continue), move on to the receivers, take a quick look at the outside linebackers, then compare secondaries. We’re better, plain and simple.

2.       Discipline: The Seahawks are a team that plays with emotion. They’re lead by a college coach who still thinks he’s playing Stanford next week. Emotion is all well and good for momentum, but when it swings the wrong way, it takes talent and discipline to turn it around. The Packers are a team that prides themselves on discipline (i.e. ball security, assignment execution, avoiding stupid penalties, etc.), and that will not change tonight. The ‘Hawks are coming off a high-energy, emotional win off of the Cowboys, and are due for a letdown.

3.       Special Teams: A blocked punt and forced fumble on a kick return led directly to 10 points for the Seahawks last week. Dallas is a notoriously up and down team, whereas the Packers are typically steady as they go. Our phenomenal special teams units will likely not spot an inferior opponent 10 points by making Cowboy-esque bone-headed mistakes.

4.       Mike McCarthy: What could go under the radar as a trap game will no doubt be made first and foremost in the minds of the team and coaches by the hyper-prepared McCarthy. The Pack has had 11 days to prepare for the ‘Hawks, and I can assure you that time has not gone to waste. Pete Carroll is simply outmatched here.

5.       Offensive Regression to the Mean: The offense is coming off two straight disappointing showings and is due for a fucking explosion. Seriously, watch the fuck out Seattle d-backs, cuz you’re about to get torched the fuck up. The Packers’ offense is legendary, and they’re statistically, logically and emotionally due for a big game.

6.       Charles Woodson vs. Rookie Quarterback: Just ask Cam Newton, Christian Ponder, Matt Stafford and whoever else how they fared when throwing at the wily vet. He’ll get his hands on the ball tonight, just watch.

Notes:

-          Greg Jennings has said that he will be playing tonight, whereas Mike McCarthy described him as ‘a game time decision.’ I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t on the field for the start of the game tonight.

-          The Pack will face an old friend in Atari Bigby at the safety spot. The former starter in Green Bay is a spark plug defender who fits right in with the ‘Hawks emotional style. It’ll be good to see him again and I’ve always rooted for him.

-          Backup Matt Flynn has no doubt shared plenty of information with the Seahawks about the Packers’ offense, but Rodgers has written off any potential advantage, citing different verbage and dummy calls at the line. This won’t be the first time we’ve faced a former teammate, so I’m not too worried about our offense moving the ball.