Packers: Five takeaways from divisional-round win vs. Seahawks

5. Packers make the big plays when they need to

To advance in the playoffs, you need to win during the key moments. The Packers did that on Sunday evening. Almost every time they desperately needed someone to step up and make a play, that’s exactly what happened.

It started on the opening drive of the game. Facing a third-and-7 in the red zone, Aaron Rodgers found Davante Adams a for a 20-yard touchdown rather than having to settle for a Mason Crosby field goal. In total, Green Bay finished 9-14 on third down, which is incredible. A number of big plays were made on third down.

Two more third-down conversions helped put the game away. With just over two minutes remaining, the Packers needed to convert on third-and-8 to avoid punting and giving Russell Wilson a chance to win the game. Rodgers found Adams for a 32-yard gain with a perfect throw and an equally-impressive catch. Moments later on third-and-9, Rodgers connected with Jimmy Graham for a first down to effectively end the game.

On Seattle’s possession before this, Green Bay’s defense needed to step up to avoid the Seahawks taking the lead. On third-and-5 and potentially with an option to go for it on fourth down, Preston Smith came up with a sack to force the Seahawks to punt.

The Packers made big plays at key moments throughout the game.