The Green Bay Packers walked into a buzz saw opening the 2014 NFL season. They knew they were challenging the Super Bowl champs. They knew Century Link Field would be deafening. They knew to prepare for the “Legion of Boom”, “Beast Mode”, and Russell Wilson’s read option.
But the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali said it best, “Your hands can’t hit what your eyes can’t see”.
The Packers didn’t know what hit em’. Losing 36-16 to the defending champs was humbling and could possibly be the measuring stick of the season.
The Packers actually kept it close at first, taking a 7-3 lead into the second quarter on a John Kuhn goal line dive. Jordy Nelson had a strong game catching nine balls for 83 yards but had to work for every catch. Eddie Lacy struggled to find space only gaining 34 yards on 12 carries. The Packers thrive on big plays and there was none on this day.
They didn’t play scared, but you could tell they knew it was just a matter of time. A matter of time until B.J. Raji’s absence in the middle would be noticed, leaving huge gaping holes for Marshawn Lynch. And rookie center Corey Linsley would make a vital error costing the Packers their final timeout because he couldn’t hear over the 12th man. But when right tackle Brian Bulaga went down with a scary knee injury, that was like blood in the water for the Seahawks.
Michael Bennett strips Aaron Rodgers for a safety.The champs didn’t need a “Hail Mary” at all this time. They beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers physically and mentally. The Seattle Seahawks defended their crown and may be even better this year.
Percy Harvin proved to be a full time x-factor. We remember his Viking days. We hated seeing him on the field. The best way to defend Harvin is hoping he has one of his migraines. Maybe he took Aleve because he’s giving the headaches now.
Harvin carried the ball four times for 41 yards along with seven catches for 59 yards. As if Russell Wilson’s read option wasn’t enough to game plan, here comes Percy running double-reverses while our Pro Bowl pass rushers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers don’t know who to chase.
It’s back to the drawing board and thankfully, Brian Bulaga will be back soon and maybe start Week 2 for the home opener as the New York Jets visit Lambeau Field. Nonetheless, the Packers will have had a long time to study before a chance to redeem themselves.