Packers Steamroll Seahawks Despite Early 14-Point Deficit

The Seahawks lost their best player 69 seconds into the first half. That was the last time Packers running back Ryan Grant fumbled on the day. His two turnovers, 57 seconds apart, led directly to a 14-0 Seattle lead. But the remaining 58:51 was all Green Bay.

The Packers tied a franchise playoff record for first-half points (28), and quarterback Brett Favre tied a personal playoff record with three touchdown passes. The team also set playoff franchise records for total points (42), individual rushing yards and total rushing yards (234).

Things were so one-sided that Jon Ryan didn't get punt until nine minutes to go in the game (snow he can handle; winds and freezing temperatures ... not so much). And the rushing record? Yep, Ryan Grant recovered nicely from his raging case of the early-game fumbles to finish with 201 yards on 27 carries, including three rushing touchdowns.

For a Seahawks defense has been stout against the run in '07 (ranking fifth, according to Football Outsiders), they were summarily abused against a Packers team that was without a rushing game for the first part of the season. Amazing what an undrafted ~~rookie~~ free agent can do to bolster the ground attack.

Offensively, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was a victim of at least eight dropped passes. Granted, the second-half conditions were awful, but even without the miscues, I'm guessing the Seahawks lose handily.

Things were going so well for Green Bay that even much-maligned safety Atari Bigby played like an All Pro. Bigby, in his second season out of Central Florida, has been a liability in the passing game this season. Not today, though; he caused a first-half Marcus Pollard fumble on a punishing hit, and broke up several downfield pass plays.

Next up: Seattle heads home to wonder if Mike Holmgren has coached his last game, and Green Bay prepares to face the Giants-Cowboys winner next weekend.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-12-2008 @ 8:22PM

DEB said...

GREEN BAY IS AWESOME GO PACK GO FROM FLORIDA

1-12-2008 @ 8:15PM

1-12-2008 @ 9:03PM

Double T said...

without a doubt they were the worst playoff team ive seen in a long time. unorganized, sloppy, receivers dropping passes left and right. unimaginative play calling....mike Holmgren has become bored or complacent and needs to be fired or put on weight watchers. and the defense....D-FENCE??? Did they even get off the plane??? They were beyond belief. Washington redskins should be pissed off that they lost to this team!!! Shawn Alexander looks old and has that look like he should retire. Packers shouldnt get too cocky. I still think they are playing way over their heads!!

1-12-2008 @ 9:45PM

Daniel kenny said...

I can remember when the Packers were on the bottom of the heap. The Seahawks had an excellent season, but they got beat by a better team. Good Luck in the Super Bowl, Packers (packers to win superbowl).

1-12-2008 @ 10:57PM

Brodyieyieyieiyeie said...

Just FYI - Grant isn't a rookie. He's in his third year, but this is the first season he's ever played.

1-13-2008 @ 1:25AM

What ever happened to defense? earning your points? said...

What ever happened to defense? earning your points?
when are we going to see a game at 17-6

1-13-2008 @ 4:16AM

md said...

As long as the Cowgirls lose... right?

That being said, the Seahawks don't have much time left. Holmgren will probably retire in another year or two (if not tomorrow or Monday), Alexander's over 30 (not good) and Morris is for the most part untested, Hasselbeck needs someone on the left side to block for him and whoever's running the ball, and Kerney and Peterson can't do it all on defense.

Then again, in a division as weak as the NFC West (for now), Seattle may have what it takes to win it all again next year.

1-13-2008 @ 9:02AM

Steve said...

The Seahawks started out the game (Defensively) playing lights out..they forced and recovered two fumbles - scored TDs on both turnovers. What more do you want? However, the unheralded OFFENSIVE LINE of the Packers, plus the coaching of McCarthy and his staff is what turned the game around. They stayed with Grant, they stayed with their game plan, and the Pack's offensive line just manhandled Seattle. Remember, Seattle had 3 pro-bowlers in that Defense - Two Linebackers and Patrick Kearney, their All Pro Lineman. The Packers offensive line was totally disrespected by the Pro-Bowl selection this year. And they had a chip on their shoulder. Ryan Grant went back out there, ran like a man possessed when he saw how determined that line was - and Favre, well, he was under control, confident and well protected by his fullbacks, tight-ends and that big, mean, tough offensive line. The Packer's Defense? Well, after the two turnovers gave Seattle starting field position at the 1 yard line and the 49 yd line, they basically shut them down - kept them to 6 points. Penalties again hurt the Pack - but, they overcame it with some real firepowr on offense!

1-16-2008 @ 11:48PM

jim said...

This is sweet,cause after the Giants kick the plowboys ass today they will have to go to the tundra

1-13-2008 @ 9:03AM

ryan said...

Brodyieyieyieiyeie,

Thanks. Dumb mistake on my part. Fixed.

1-13-2008 @ 2:27PM

Barb Daniel said...

Mike Holmgren had a good job in Green Bay and chose to leave it to head for Seattle to take a job that he thought he could do. All he could muster is a back up to Brett Favre so he's never had the success that he had in Green Bay. I wish him well with whatever he decides to do and hope that he will find peace in that decision. Should have stayed in Green Bay and continued his success. Just think how many Super Bowl rings he could have had.

1-13-2008 @ 10:31PM

Get Over It said...

Holmgren has been Favred....again

1-13-2008 @ 10:32PM

Holmgren has been Favred.....again

1-14-2008 @ 8:35PM

outbreak2020 said...

Kick butt Green Bay go beat up the Giants and bring home another Lombardi. Your team is awesome!!!

1-15-2008 @ 7:02PM

John Henry said...

It would be so sweet if the Pack gets by N.Y. then dismantles the Pats to end their perfect season!GO PACK GO!

1-17-2008 @ 2:44PM

Bill said...

It was good to see the Packers beat the Latte Guzzlers from out West. Besides, it will give the Packer fans something to do this Sunday other than Ice Fishing.

1-20-2008 @ 2:33PM

DENISE GALLEGO said...

I LIVED IN WISCONSIN FOR A SHORT TIME, FANS THERE ARE CRAZY ABOUT THERE TEAM.AND YES I BECAME A PACKER FAN.I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND PEOPLE HERE JUST DON'T GET WHY IM SUCH A FAN. MY TEAM WILL MAKE IT TO SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!AND I HAVE TO THANK JAY SUGDEN WHO TAUGHT ME ABOUT THE GAME AND INTRODUCE ME TO THE PACKERS.