Green Bay Packers: Four Downs of Questions

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4) Rank the areas of team play (offense/defense/special teams) in order of most importance for Green Bay to come away with a win this weekend.
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3). Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Korb: Defense, Offense, Special Teams. The special teams will probably be remembered most due to how much mistakes there led to the NFC Championship collapse, but that aspect should almost always end up 3rd since they represent the smallest slice of plays. The defense has the edge here because it is the most likely difference between a close game and a blowout. If they play well they keep the score low and allow the offense to be balanced against the rough Seattle group; playing poorly will require more urgency on offense, likely meaning more risky plays that will eventually lead to a killer turnover or two.

McPeak: Defense first and foremost. If the run game isn’t better with Morgan Burnett and Datone Jones back, it could be a very long night. Dom Capers and company must contain Marshawn Lynch as well as Russell Wilson on the read option. Not to mention, the Seahawks added a weapon to the stable in that of Jimmy Graham.

Special Teams will have to come in second. Just last year the Seahawks scored on a fake field goal and recovered an onside kick in the NFC Championship game. Minus those two plays and the game has a completely different outcome. Ron Zook’s team looked much improved against the Bears. Ty Montgomery could help swing the field position for the Packers in a big way.

I’ll rank offense last because Aaron Rodgers has simply spoiled us. It’s as close to a given as any unit in the entire NFL. Seldom do I think the Packers will lose a game this season based on the play of the offense. James Jones played like he had never been away and hopefully we will see somewhat of a healthier Randall Cobb. The Packers only failed to put more than 20 points on the board 3 times a season ago.

Wright: Offense, Special Teams, Defense. It was hard to choose ST over defense and it wasn’t by much. But, Seahawks new ST toy Tyler Lockett can blow Offense has to be number one. The Packers can not get away with what they did in the NFC Championship game. Field goals aren’t going to win this game, their red zone offense has to show up this week and put points on the board. And when they do, they need to keep their foot on the gas. They can’t get lackadaisical with their play calling. Tank advantage of Seattle not having All-Pro Safety Kam Chancellor. Score, score and score some more.

I think the defense and special teams are equally as important. The Packers defense can really find their identity this weekend. The Seahawks offensive line is mediocre at best and the Packers edge rushers should take full advantage of that. Keeping Marshawn Lynch in check will be key. Special teams is tied with defense because Tyler Lockette is a difference maker. He is a special player who already has a punt return for a touchdown. Special teams coach Ron Zook must keep the ball away from one of the Seahawks most electrifying players.a game wide open on any given punt or kickoff return.

The Packers need to score touchdowns, not field goals. Lockett needs to be shut down and Montgomery needs to take off. Defense needs to stop Lynch and put a lid on Graham. That doesn’t seem like too much to ask, right?

Rogalla: Offense, Offense, Offense — they always say offense is the best defense. If Aaron Rodgers gets it going then the Packers confidence is sky high. If the offense is shut down then the Packers may be in trouble because I don’t think you can reply of on defense and special teams.

George: Offense has to be number one. The Packers can not get away with what they did in the NFC Championship game. Field goals aren’t going to win this game, their red zone offense has to show up this week and put points on the board. And when they do, they need to keep their foot on the gas. They can’t get lackadaisical with their play calling. Tank advantage of Seattle not having All-Pro Safety Kam Chancellor. Score, score and score some more.

Testin: Defense, run defense in particular, Offense, the run game has to be a big factor in opening up the field for Aaron, and special teams, they will have to contain Tyler Lockett who has the ability to turn anything into a touchdown

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