Seattle Seahawks
X-Factor: Seahawks Defensive Line
Aaron Rodgers has a torn calf muscle, and it was obvious in the Green Bay Packers divisional round matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. Rodgers didn’t have the mobility we’re so used to seeing Rodgers play with on a weekly basis.
Rodgers is one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the league and is so good at keeping plays alive with his feet yet keeping his eyes downfield to find his receivers. Because of his mobility, Rodgers was only sacked 30.0 times this season, which is tied for tenth-fewest in the league.
In order to stop, Rodgers and the eighth-most productive passing attack in the league, the Seahawks have to get pressure on Rodgers and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. If he can stand in the pocket and throw without being put under duress, Rodgers has the ability to carve up the Seahawks league-best secondary. It would be tough, but Rodgers could do it.
In their meeting in Week 1, the Seahawks sacked Rodgers three times.
The Seahawks will need to get to him a few more times to lock up the victory on Sunday.
Because of Rodgers’ quick reads and the Packers rushing attack with Eddie Lacy, Seattle can’t rely on blitzing to get pressure on Rodgers. It has to come from the defensive linemen; that’s the only way the Seahawks can realistically shut down the entire Packers offense.
If the Seahawks defensive line with Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril bursting off the outside edge, Rodgers won’t have a chance to buy that extra split-second to get his throw off.
Getting pressure on Rodgers is not the only way the Seahawks can win the game, but if they do get to Rodgers, it’s going to be Turnover City in Seattle and the Seahawks will be headed back to the Super Bowl.
Next: Green Bay Packers