Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers mobility could be the difference for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night when they host the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field.
Rodgers mobility was greatly limited in last seasons NFC Championship game because of a strained calf that he suffered in week 16 against Tampa Bay. The injury kept Rodgers in the pocket and all but eliminated his ability to scramble for first downs.
Last Sunday against the Bears, Rodgers rushed eight times for 35 yards and completed nearly 80% of his passes in the Packers season opening victory. He gave all of us a sneak peek of what things will look like if he stays healthy.
The Packers offensive line kept things clean for Rodgers last week, allowing no quarterback sacks. But that offensive line will have to play without starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who is expected to miss four to six weeks with a torn meniscus. Don Barclay is expected to get the start.
Defensively, the Packers allowed the Bears and Matt Forte to run all over the field last week. They’ll need to do a better job on Marshawn Lynch. The Bears kept the ball out of the hands of Rodgers for much of the game because they controlled the line of scrimmage and the time of possession on offense. If Seattle gets out in front early and controls the clock, they stand a better chance to win.
But this game is in Lambeau Field, after three straight in Seattle. The Packers did a good job of staying low-key during the week, but you can bet they’ll be jacked for this one tonight, wanting to settle a score with the Seahawks.
My Prediction: Green Bay Packers 27, Seattle Seahawks 23