Packers Fall to Seahawks 27-24 in brutal road loss
The Green Bay Packers (4-5-1, 1-1-1 NFC North) remain winless on the road this season after a brutal 27-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawk (5-5, 1-1 NFC West) Thursday. With what looked to be a promising start for Green Bay ended in yet another ugly road loss for the Pack.
The Green Bay Packers (4-5-1, 1-1-1 NFC North) remain winless on the road this season after a brutal 27-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawk (5-5, 1-1 NFC West) Thursday. With what looked to be a promising start for Green Bay ended in yet another ugly road loss for the Pack.
Looking at the positives, the quick start Green Bay had been missing on the road this season was finally on display at CenturyLink Field. Linebacker Clay Matthews forced a fumble on the Seahawks first offensive play of the game and then the offense immediately responded with running back Aaron Jones scoring a touchdown. The Packers’ offense looked electrified and full of life to start the game.
After holding Seattle to a field goal just a few drives later, quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined in on the fun, rolling right and throwing a ridiculous 54-yard touchdown pass on one foot to tight end Robert Tonyan for his first career touchdown catch.
Aaron. Rodgers. What a throw. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/VBAZcawAPR
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) November 16, 2018
According to ESPN statistics, Rodgers finished the day 21/30 for 332 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rodgers had 2 completions for over 50 yards on the night and he is the only quarterback to do that in a single game since 2006. Despite that impressive statistic, Rodgers still struggled to make simple plays happen. With the game on the line, he had wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling wide open for a first down but threw the ball almost straight into the ground. In the post-game press conference Rodgers later claimed that the ball “stuck to his hand” when trying to make the throw.
Up 21-17 at the half, the Packers headed into the second half getting the ball back, but never found a way to make anything happen. Not just on that first drive, but it was for the entire second half as well. The defense struggled to contain Seattle and the offense could only put up a field goal after putting up 21 points in the first half.
Kicker Mason Crosby also missed a field goal in the first quarter of the game and it is hard not to think of what could have happened if those three points would have been on the board.
What we learned: The bad mojo in Seattle is still alive and well
I will not even talk about 2014, but it seems like there is still some bad mojo lingering in the air for the Packers when it comes to them playing in Seattle. Aaron Rodgers falls to 0-4 playing at that stadium and it seems like every time the two teams meet up the Seahawks have some favorable calls go their way. I am never one to jump and blame the officials for certain calls, especially when the Packers perform as poor as they did at times, but there were a few questionable ones Thursday that ended up costing Green Bay big time.
First, it was the holding call on Trevor Davis’ kick return. Then when Davante Adams has Bobby Wagner wrapped around him, there was no pass interference. To deepen the wound, when David Moore was bobbling the ball like crazy on 3rd and 7, this was considered a catch.
The NFL makes a firm declaration of the new "Catch Rule" by overturning the David Moore play in Seattle. The ball does move slightly, but that does not deem loss of control. The third step by the receiver makes this a catch with the new rules.pic.twitter.com/8v1fED9XSP#GBvsSEA
— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) November 16, 2018
Later in the game as well Tyler Lockett made a grab that appeared to hit the ground, which eventually led to a touchdown, but Green Bay was reluctant to challenge it with only one timeout remaining.
What went right: Keep Aaron Jones involved
I said it in my recap last week and I will say it again: When Aaron Jones gets the ball, good things will happen. Jones had 11 carries for 40 yards and a rushing touchdown as well as 5 receptions for 63 yards and a receiving touchdown Thursday night. He accounted for half of Green Bay’s total points Thursday.
What went wrong: 2nd Half
Green Bay struggled on both sides of the ball in the second half. The defense was plagued with injuries with Mike Daniels (foot), Bashaud Breeland (groin), and Raven Greene (ankle) all exiting the game and the lack of depth for Pettine and company certainly showed when the defense needed to come up with stops. With the exception of linebacker Kyler Fackrell, the defense as a whole had a rough second half.
Offensively, Aaron Jones only got the ball 6 times in a second half where Green Bay was only able to put a field goal on the board. Jones accounted for 2 of the Packers’ 3 first half touchdowns. Why his role was so limited in the second half is a question I am sure almost all Packer fans and maybe even Mike McCarthy might be asking themselves over the next couple of days.
Offensive Player of the Game: Davante Adams
Another week, another career performance for wide receiver Davante Adams. With 10 receptions for 166 yards according to ESPN stats, Adams shined in his career best performance Thursday night and proved once again that he is one of the most difficult to cover in the league. In the 4th quarter Adams made a ridiculous one-handed grab with Seahawks corner Shaquill Griffin all over him for a 57-yard pickup.
.@AaronRodgers12 connects with @tae15adams for a 57-yard gain! #GBvsSEA #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/xDovjGjHos
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 16, 2018
Defensive Player of the Game: Kyler Fackrell
Kyler Sackrell, I mean Fackrell had one hell of a game. For the second week in a row he was my defensive player of the game and for good reason too. According to ESPN stats, Fackrell had 6 tackles, 5 solo, 4 QB hits, and 3 sacks on the night. It is the second time this season that Fackrell had 3 sacks in one game and that ties the single-season franchise record that only five Green Bay Packers have reached since 1982. He continues to lead the team in sacks this season with 8 on the year.
The THIRD sack of the night for Kyler Fackrell! #GBvsSEA #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/LoXVycMI3l
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 16, 2018
Up next, the Packers travel to Minnesota to take on their NFC North rival, the Vikings, in a prime-time Sunday night football matchup. Kickoff is set for 8:20 PM EST.
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Sarah Kelliher is a contributor for CheeseheadTV and a podcaster with Pack-A-Day Podcast. She can be found via Twitter @sarahkelliher4.
Comments (34)
GBPDAN1
November 16, 2018 at 05:46 am
I believe that Aaron Rodgers has become somewhat uncoachable. Rodgers wants a touchdown on every play and doesn't care as much about moving the chains. It seems like he'd rather have amazing highlight reel deep throws and look great then want to win the game.
Something has to change. It's so frustrating watching what's going on in Green Bay. We should have won more games, however we are losing due to Rodgers. His statistics tonight are so Hollow. This guy is not even close to the quarterback he once was. I don't think he respects MM and the scheme anymore (I don't think I do either) and he's pouting. His body language is childlike. I never saw Favre look like a wuss the way Rodgers does after some plays. He needs to be a leader, not a complainer. We need a new HC that can get AR back in line and execute the offense. We need a HC that can corral this premadonna.
I hope this is the case and the guy just hasnt lost his once incredable ability.
croatpackfan
November 16, 2018 at 06:49 am
I noticed 2 are not agreed with your observation with Aaron. For me, it looks like he lost his patience in the game. He is bored with running the ball, with throwing short, effective passes and, by my humble opinion (I may be wrong), he change plays much more often than we think. And that leading to interesting picture - most of us blaming Mike McCarthy for poor play calling and we do not know at what rate Aaron Rodgers change called play and when he change it...
On direct question from one reporter on post game press conference about who called specific play, Mike McCarthy said: "I do not remember!"
I doubt that he will not say "I am" if he was the one who called it. We all knows that Mike McCarthy will protect player(s) integrity no matter what.
Is that indicative?
jeremyjjbrown
November 16, 2018 at 07:07 am
"he change plays much more often than we think."
I really doubt he "changes the play". In the 2 minute drill he calls the plays for the personnel group he has. He has admitted it to us. That's how Bahk "called the play" once, he simply suggested it to Aaron in the 2 minute drill. Otherwise (as Aaron also told us) MM calls the plays. MMs play call might be a Run/Pass option which means Aaron reads the defensive look and audibles to a run or pass.
So outside of the 2 minute drill Aaron doesn't get credit for good or bad play calling unless someone has deciphered the run/pass option line calls and can tell us if he's just calling out of to many runs or something.
In the end it doesn't matter much to me at the moment. Aaron has obvious house cleaning to do. He needs to throw the ball on time, get the ball to the open guy and stop throwing 20ft worm burners.
HankScorpio
November 16, 2018 at 07:49 am
Rodgers can start by paying more attention to his mechanics.
Razer
November 16, 2018 at 08:01 am
Amen.
Let's add his attitude for good measure.
Lphill
November 16, 2018 at 05:44 am
Another winnable game I am at a loss for words , I can’t take another season of looking at McCarthys bewildered facial expressions he looks like he is constipated all game. This has to end.
LeotisHarris
November 16, 2018 at 08:47 am
That really is a Bret Bielema-like moron staring into the sun look isn't it? I don't think the game has passed Coach McCarthy by, but it sure has him confused.
Can we please set Mike McCarthy free? It's the right thing to do.
badaxed
November 16, 2018 at 05:44 am
The Pittsburgh doughboy has been in the oven too long and is burnt out. The kitchen stinks. Time for a good cleaning and a chef who can not only plan better meals but control the head cook and demand accountability from the staff.
LeotisHarris
November 16, 2018 at 08:54 am
I got a little bit lost in this one, badaxed. Would this be like if life gave us lemons and we went to the window to see god opened a door? Or do too many cooks spoil the soup while many hands make light work? ::shrug::
Lare
November 16, 2018 at 05:47 am
The bottom line here is that they will continue to lose games when they don't give Aaron Jones the ball.
Whoever made the decision to abandon Jones in the second half needs to be fired or benched.
NickPerry
November 16, 2018 at 05:48 am
"What went wrong in the 2nd half"?
Aaron Jones with Just 5 touches.
The Refs.
With 9:03 left in the game and a 3rd and 5 deep in Seattle territory, Rodgers gets sacked when he had Aaron Jones right in front of him for an easy completion and 1st down. This is just ONE example of MANY times this has happened this season.
The Refs.
4th and 2 with one TO and a defense that had been on the field almost 10 minutes longer than the offense in the 2nd half alone McCarthy decides to punt. Nevermind Daniels and Clark are limping and gutting it out. Never mind the Packers were down to CB's I never heard of. Nevermind the defense was GASSED. SMH..How does anyone continue to support Mike McCarthy. Thanks for the SB Mike but it IS time for change.
This sounds terrible and frankly I never thought I'd say such a thing, but I don't want THIS team with THIS head coach anywhere near the playoffs. I think this team has a real chance to go winless on the road this year. Why would I even want a team like that to SNEAK into the playoffs?
Donster
November 16, 2018 at 07:11 am
"This sounds terrible and frankly I never thought I'd say such a thing, but I don't want THIS team with THIS head coach anywhere near the playoffs. I think this team has a real chance to go winless on the road this year. Why would I even want a team like that to SNEAK into the playoffs?"
Totally agree Nick. I no longer care if they even win any of the remaining games. Just to help (and hopefully it will make sure) that MM is fired. If Murphy doesn't, after loosing just the remaining road games, then he should be fired and whomever takes his place follows through and cans MM.
I would like to see them get blown out next week against Minnesota. Then MM fired after the game, with Philbin taking over the rest of the season.
I never thought I would feel this way, but I am sick of this crap year in and year out. The hierarchy got rid of Capers at the end of last season, so let's finish the job and get MM out the door. Keep Pettine because he has done a pretty darn good job with the talent he has.
packerbackerjim
November 16, 2018 at 06:37 am
For years I have contended MM cannot make in-game adjustments. He is simply unable to process quickly what is happening. With no Daniels, banged up Clark, down a few more DBs he elects to punt. Who thought the D could make a stop, being gassed and gashed? MM and no one else. 3 losses out of the last 4, all winnable. It’s the coach.
RCPackerFan
November 16, 2018 at 06:42 am
I'm still pissed!!!
I couldn't sleep. Went to bed really late, got up really early. This one is going to take some time to get over.
They had the game. It was theirs. Even after they had to overcome some of the worst refereeing this year. Oh yeah, this is the same crew that screwed the Packers over in Minnesota.. Let that part sync in.
Seriously.
These are the penalties that absolutely changed the game.
-They have a ticky tacky call on the long kick off return. Ok, fine, whatever. Instead of starting past midfield they start at the 10.
-There is the overturned pass to the seahawks. That was a third down play, they had them shut down. The guy never has possession of the ball as its sliding out of his hands. How in the hell they overturned that call. I have no idea...
-There are 2 blatant DPI they missed against Seattle. Luckily Adams was able to catch one of the 2. The other one would have given them the ball around the 20. Which Adams catches that ball if he isn't clothslined.
-There is the ticky tacky block in the back penalty on the long Jones run.
Playcalling was not good enough. Now this isn't just on McCarthy, this is on Rodgers. There was at least 3 plays that Rodgers decided to throw it to the outside when it was a clear run call.
The OL struggled in this game.
Injuries absolutely killed this team. Lets not forget they left 4 starters at home. Whether they are good or not they are 4 preferred players. Then they lost another 2 starters for the rest of the game. And 2 more left the game.
They lost this game by 3 points. The FG miss in the 1st quarter loomed large in this game.
They missed to many opportunities. On the drive that results in a FG, Rodgers has Jones WIDE open. He said in his press conference that he was looking for Adams to do something. OK, thats fine, but once you see its not there, oh I don't know, throw it to the guy who is WIDE open and has real chance of scoring or at least get the first down.
While McCarthy is definitely apart of the reason for this game, he isn't the main reason they lost this game.
The talk now will absolutely be about Firing McCarthy.
That's fine, if they fire him at the end of the season they do. I just hope the next coach keeps Pettine. They finally got a defensive coordinator that gets the best out of its players.
Wouldn't it be ironic if they fire the McCarthy and the next coach wants to bring in his guy and the defense takes another step backwards.
SO let me ask this question. Would you rather have McCarthy and Pettine, or a whole new staff? In this hypothetical question its either or.
jeremyjjbrown
November 16, 2018 at 06:58 am
A whole new staff. I'm NO Capers fan but he was hamstrung by some gaping roster holes left by Ted. I think BG will do a better job getting players for a new coaching staff. And, even thought is flies to your question I think there would be a good chance Pettine stays.
McCarthy just can't change anymore. I am not a Psychologist but I think Mike suffers from two common psychological conditions that tend to happen to people as they age or as they live in the same environment for a long time, Mental Set and Functional Fixedness.
RCPackerFan
November 16, 2018 at 07:16 am
Here is my question to that.
If Capers was hamstrung by gaping holes on the roster left by Ted, Why isn't McCarthy? I hear this argument all the time. That Capers was hurt by Thompson. Well why isn't McCarthy?
McCarthy will take the blame for sure. He deserves blame no question. But this game last night was not lost because of McCarthy.
Rodgers, McCarthy, Refs, Injuries, Missed FG are reasons they lost last night.
jeremyjjbrown
November 16, 2018 at 08:59 am
I don't think the offense had persistent gaps at personnel positions, specifically safety and ILB that the defense did. CB was also a huge issue.
For awhile before Lacy the offense went without a RB. But it's just not the same in my opinion.
Capers scheme was archaic as well. So there's that. All of this stuff is multifactor
GoPackGo99
November 16, 2018 at 06:58 am
LOVE my Pack, but this IS brutal.
Pettine has actually done a nice job with our defense. We have gone from the worse "D" to something that looks serviceable. Frankly, if we had a pass rush our backend looks better. Always remember, we decided NOT to add any significant piece other than draft picks to shore up this unit. Then of course, we missed out on Mack because Gute has just enough Thompson in him to pass on a game changer.
If Pettine can do this with what he has, he certainly is worthy of taking this team to the finish line this year. Is he our long term guy- HELL no, but he has shown enough to warrant consideration as the interim guy.
We all know- McCarthy HAS GOT to go!!!!
jeremyjjbrown
November 16, 2018 at 07:09 am
"Always remember, we decided NOT to add any significant piece other than draft picks to shore up this unit. "
BG signed Wilkerson. That's not insignificant.
RCPackerFan
November 16, 2018 at 07:26 am
Pettine has done a great job. But the Gutekunst brought in Wilkerson and Breeland. Wilkerson got hurt and Breeland has been hurt by a groin injury the last 2 games.
They need more pass rush, and more talent for sure. More DL depth.
But you didn't answer my question.
If your choice is McCarthy and Pettine OR a whole new staff which is it? its an either or question.
[email protected]
November 16, 2018 at 09:34 pm
Are you ready for head coach Josh McDaniels .
NickPerry
November 17, 2018 at 04:48 am
I'd be all in on Josh McDaniels IF they had some iron clad deal he couldn't back out of. McDaniels also strikes me as the Holmgren type...By that I mean he bones out for the bigger city lights and more power after a short time.
BUT if he was to stay through the contract of Rodgers I think that might make it worth it.
[email protected]
November 17, 2018 at 11:47 am
First off I agree McCarthy has to go, no doubt , he should have been fired after the Seattle playoff disaster . But I really think the other major problem here is mediocre talent at best at many positions . Wide receiver, offensive guard,linebacker ,running back and safety . There is clearly a lack of talent here that won't be easy to fix without spending some serious $$.
Razer
November 16, 2018 at 07:49 am
...I couldn't sleep. Went to bed really late, got up really early. This one is going to take some time to get over...
I too wasted a night's sleep with this game. Not fair to my wife that she has to endure my dismay with this team. And, I wouldn't be so disappointed if they were not in the same league as Seattle. We could have and should have won this game against that team.
We were:
- out coached
- out played at QB
- out run
The Packers are who their record says.
Rick1
November 16, 2018 at 06:46 am
3 points in the second half and have the lead starting the 4 th quarter. The defense gives you 3 - 3 and outs to start the second half. Offense went and hid after halftime. Jones not getting carries Rodgers not throwing to open guys. If I hear they have to be on the same page that is crap. Yes a couple of mistakes from the rookies in zone coverage not sitting in the soft spot. Rodgers missed or didn’t take the underneath crossing routes. 3 for 11 on third down and the line getting whipped with 4 rushing.
The last drive 5:03 it started Seattle gets it after the punt 4:20.
MM doesn’t handle pressure that well and this team plays like he coaches half hearted Playoffs are a pipe dream this team fold their tents and sat on the benches defeated. They need a new coach and all the MM supporters that think they are going 6-0 the rest of the seasons are fools. They don’t have intensity this is a soft average team.
Razer
November 16, 2018 at 06:52 am
3 points in the second half
13 rushing attempts the whole game
35-25 time of possession difference
Wasted timeouts
This team is bewildering and so frustrating to watch. Forget about 10 games into the season, these two, McCarthy and Rodgers, have been working together for over 10 years. You'd think this offense would have refined and evolved beyond hold onto the ball and look for guys open 20+ yards downfield. Too sad.
Packers0808
November 16, 2018 at 07:04 am
Packers better use one of their No 1 picks next year on a QB! Rodgers has aged really fast is about done. Holds ball too long, wastes time outs, plays take to long to get going and is missing throws. Time to get a new one completely and get him groomed. McCarthy and Rodgers are done and an era done!
packerbackerjim
November 16, 2018 at 07:17 am
Do me a favor: punch yourself in the face. Hard!
stockholder
November 16, 2018 at 08:20 am
I came to that conclusion before going to bed. Why would MM want to stay? Arron Rodgers missed open guys right in front of him. He threw uncatchable balls to all his rookies except Ronyan. The 3rd down conversion rate was on him. Three times Jones was open. Arron Rodgers does not care about winning. He is a sabotage to this season. These are kids playing and they will make mistakes. Arron Rodgers mistakes are putting the nail in MMs coffin. And he knows it. Who can say he's accurate in this game. He threw the ball up and Adams and others adjusted. Thats how he got his yards. The passing of Arron Rodgers will keep this team from winning any super-bowl. He is done and he cooked MM. I'm for drafting the next MVP QB to learn again. After last night I threw my Arron Rodgers shirt and jersey in the good will dumpster. It was a mistake to give him more money when he'll never earn it.
Tundraboy
November 16, 2018 at 05:11 pm
Sad. Just like 2014/15,with a mix of 2012. Just can't seem to keep from getting screwed there by the refs ,self inflicted errors and just bad breaks. MM clearly does not know how to manage a game,a lead and build on it. Again an entire second half giving a game back.Rodgers seems to be doing everything possible to get him fired now and can you really blame him? Rodgers made horrendous throws and blew many opportunities passing up glaringly open wide recievers, especially Jones, opportunities he passed up that were just embarrassing. One image that keeps sticking in my mind is the check down or screen pass that ended up going to MVS for nothing, instead of Jones who is on the empty side of field he throws it back to MVS, on the now loaded side. That would have been a 40,50-yard or more run at least. All these absurd mistakes in critical clutch situations. More horrendous 3rd down play calls and wasted TOs.
This is now a toxic relationship.
stockholder
November 16, 2018 at 10:36 am
Toxic Relationship! Yes! correct . You saw it. And how does this not split the lockerRoom? You know he's changing the plays. Arron is making sure no one can defend MM anymore. The money is guaranteed. The problem is Arron Rodgers, just as much as the fingers get pointed at MM. Favre dealt with rookie Wrs. Why can't Arron? The cancer is now obvious. He's throwing for yardage. His guidance is now in question. He's not naive. He knows exactly whats going on. Fumble I can throw. Get behind I can throw. Go bananas when others screw up. I can throw. There are no signs of stopping Arron now. Throw deep , throw often. The yardage in the box score only matters to Arron Rodgers now.
packergal
November 16, 2018 at 11:16 am
Stockholder,
Your points on "the toxic relationship that potentially exists between MM and AROD" are well taken but could you at least admit that MM has the responsibility to FIX THIS since he is in fact THE HC!
Also, please spell Aaron correctly.
Cartwright
November 16, 2018 at 10:43 am
Folks have been calling for McCarthy's head and deservedly so. He seems to be coaching the way Ha Ha was playing, like he wants out. To not call for the challenge and not go for the 4th and 2 at the end of the game were telling for me. However, he should be trading not fired. Coach is still under contract for another year and it should be used to the Packers advantage.
Teams like the Browns with Baker Mayfield or the Jets with Darnold are salivating to get their hands on a proven winner and quarterbacks trainer like McCarthy. After the bad coaching and all the losses through the years and with their futures in front of them with the first round QB picks what they are looking for is a good coach with a pedigree. We may be tired of McCarthy but I bet they may offer a high draft pick to get him. Can Coach McCarthy fetch a number 1 from one of these desperate teams? Is a number 1 possible, Gute has shown himself to be a wheeler dealer and I think he can pull something like this off. Fire McCarthy and get nothing? nah man he's still under contract for another year and because of that we can get something for him. What is MCCarthy worth on the open market because I'm sure Gutekunst has seen enough as well and may be shopping him around as we speak and pull the trigger at season's end.
Buckywunder
November 16, 2018 at 03:04 pm
The Seahawks got multiple views for more than a minute to be able to challenge their possession call.
GB *never* had the TV camera view that would have triggered a challenge on that late — and *critical* — completion by SEA until AFTER the next play ran.
That crap ALWAYS happens at home for the Seahawks. ALWAYS...