Let's cut to the chase. You had a Merry Christmas. The Packers had a good week of work, and were giddy about about having an extra day off on Christmas Day.
The Packers will have a little lingering hangover from the harsh way they lost at Pittsburgh, but they can beat Seattle with one arm tied behind their back. And make sure to join Jessie Garcia and myself for full wrapup coverage from Lambeau on Sunday at 5 and 10, after Sunday Night Football in America.
When the Packers have the ball: Expect Mike McCarthy to at least run one in the first 6 offensive plays of the game, something he didn't do at Pittsburgh and only did 12 times total against the Steelers. But the Packers coach won't be able to help himself with the Seahawks defense ranked 29th against the pass, so expect Air Mike to be heavin' until the Seahawks are leavin'.
When the Seahawks have the ball: Matt Hasselbeck is one of the greatest guys in the NFL. Who else would read his fan mail where people would write to him, just to get Brett Favre's autograph for our Inside 1265 cameras back earlier this decade? But he looks to be a shell of his old self. A weak offensive line, and all the beatings he's taken have worn him down...and he's the only legitimate weapon his team has on offense. The Seahawks o-line is like the Packers early in the season. Yes, you can shudder at that. So watch Charles Woodson add a pick to his NFL Defensive Player of the Year file, Clay Matthews add a sack to his NFL Rookie Defensive Player of the Year ballot, and don't fear a 'Hawks offense ranked in the bottom third of the league.
Prediction: I do think the Packers will start slow, trying to shake the effects of Pittsburgh. But thank goodness they're playing Seattle. They could start in reverse and win this game. 34-13 Pack.
Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com
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