NFL Analysis: Preseason Week 3 Packers vs Seahawks

Share News

In the concluding game of the NFL preseason, the Green Bay Packers managed to seal a win against the Seattle Seahawks with a score of 19-15.

The match observed a quiet progression initially, with both teams holding back on the scoreboard for a significant chunk of the second half. It was only when the clock showed 6:41 remaining that SaRodorick Thompson Jr. made the breakthrough for the Seahawks with a one-yard run. However, the Packers were quick to retaliate, embarking on a spirited drive down the field, which culminated in a game-winning touchdown by Nate McCrary.

Love is in the Air

This matchup was pivotal for Jordan Love, the young quarterback prepping to fill the shoes of a four-time MVP, especially in light of the trade of Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. Love, originally from Utah State and the Packers’ 2020 first-round pick, is relatively fresh in the professional circuit with just one regular-season start under his belt. He has the kind of talent NFL Lines love and this promises to be his breakthrough year.

Against the Seahawks, mostly comprising of their reserve defense, Love clocked 9 completions out of 15 attempts, totaling 63 yards. Furthermore, he rushed three times, amassing 21 yards. Over the course of three preseason starts, Love has showcased promise with 21 completions from 33 attempts, accumulating 193 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. A pivotal moment in the match was Love’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Christian Watson, marking the end of a robust 80-yard drive in 15 plays. Prior to this, Love had narrowly missed a long pass to Watson.

The Packers are keen on witnessing Love emulate the feats of Seattle’s Geno Smith, who led the Seahawks to an unexpected playoff berth in the previous season after the trade of their star quarterback, Russell Wilson, to the Denver Broncos. Seattle’s decision to rest their prime players provided Drew Lock, their backup quarterback, with a platform to showcase his skills.

Lock, who previously started 21 games for the Denver Broncos between 2019 and 2021, displayed a commendable performance with 16 completions from 25 attempts, resulting in 150 yards and one touchdown. His prowess was evident in an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jake Bobo, an undrafted rookie free agent from UCLA who has impressed this preseason.

The Packers regained their lead courtesy of Nate McCrary’s 1-yard touchdown, set up by a massive 52-yard pass from Alex McGough to Jadakis Bonds. Green Bay’s victory was cemented with Benny Sapp intercepting a pass from Holton Ahlers, thwarting the Seahawks’ chances in the last moments. Additionally, the Packers introduced their third quarterback of the game, Sean Clifford, who managed 8 completions from 12 attempts.

On the special teams front, rookie kicker Anders Carlson, drafted from Auburn, made significant contributions with two field goals. The Packers have earmarked Carlson as a replacement for their franchise’s all-time leading scorer, Mason Crosby.

Other notable performances

Jon Rhattigan, the Seahawks’ linebacker, stole the limelight with 12 tackles, leading the player tally in the game. Cornerback Michael Jackson, previously picked by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2019 draft, showcased his defensive skills with two pass breakups.

Tight end Luke Musgrave capitalized on his time during the match, securing two catches out of two targets, thus concluding the preseason with a target rate of 20.5% of his runs. Safety Jerrick Reed II, another new addition to the Seahawks, ended the game with six impressive tackles.

Injury Report

Injuries impact NFL Odds and the game was not without its share of them. From the Seahawks, linebacker Devin Bush had to be sidelined due to a concussion, while safety Joey Blount and OLB Derick Hall were troubled by shoulder injuries. On the Packers’ side, wide receiver Romeo Doubs and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell were ruled out due to hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively.