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Behind Enemy Lines: Packers Playoff Edition Part 4

Fellow Seahawks fans, it's time for another edition of Behind Enemy Lines. Today, we have a few articles to discuss.

The first article focuses on the "revamped" Packers defense and their chances against the Seattle offense this weekend. Finally, an article that doesn't focus on Rodgers' calf or the Seahawks defense!

On to the Packers defense. For those of you who aren't aware, the Packers began moving Clay Matthews to ILB after their bye week. He still plays on the outside and rushes the passer, but spends many early downs as one of their middle linebackers. This has resulted in better performances for the Packers defense, specifically in their ability to stop the run. Granted, they haven't played many good rushing offenses since then and the Cowboys managed to do pretty well against them last week.

The author, Weston Hodkiewicz, gives credit to the Seahawks offense stating that "the challenge Wilson and Lynch present is very real". He describes the Seahawks as "one of the rare teams that feature a thunder-and-lightning combination based on a quarterback and running back". Weston gives props to Lynch, but states that it's Wilson who makes them unique. He notes that it was Wilson's "ability to throw out of the read option" that really hurt Green Bay in the opener.

While Weston gives credit to Lynch and Wilson, he disrespects the Seahawks perimeter weapons by saying they "aren't threatening on paper". He doesn't even name any WRs or TEs that would be catching passes from Wilson outside mentioning that Percy was traded and Richardson tore his ACL. He finishes the article by saying that "it's going to take a well-rounded defensive performance and Matthews' versatility to tame it".

The second article is actually a Seahawks scouting report done by Ryan Wood, a GBPG writer. This is very well written and I agree with almost everything in it. His take on the Seahawks rushing offense is spot on. The only minor qualm I have is his line saying that "Robert Turbin and Michael Christine are hard, physical runner, tough and quick, but they are not dynamic like Lynch". Of course I have a problem with C-Mike's name being screwed up, but the thing that sticks in my craw a bit is saying that he's not dynamic. I feel Michael hasn't gotten enough carries to prove one way or another. You know what I would love to see? C-Mike as our kick returner come Sunday. Ball security issues aside, he's arguably the most dynamic athlete we have left on the team.

The author even gives love to the Seahawks passing offense and our favorite pedestrian receiver saying Baldwin's "numbers won't wow anyone either...but he shouldn't be overlooked" He mentions Luke Willson as a guy that can stretch the field and make big plays. Wood finishes by stating "these are not dynamic receivers, but they get open by running crisp, sophisticated routes" and that "their receivers make plays when you don't expect them to".

Of course both the passing defense and rushing defense get lots of love. Specifically the LOB, Michael Bennett, and Wagz. I'll let you read the specifics if you want to, but it's nothing we don't already know. The author concludes by giving his take on the Seahawks' special teams, which he regards as "mostly solid". Honestly, I'd have to agree. Thankfully, the Packers special teams (aside from their PR abilities with Micah Hyde) isn't anything special either. Overall, a good scouting report.

Last thing I want to mention for today is a misconception I've heard a few times in the local media over the last few days. When talking about the Seahawks defense, they described them as "blitzy" which I assume to mean that they blitz quite often which is just not true. The Seahawks blitz at opportune times, but rush 4 more often than not. Some of the media guys think the Seahawks may blitz early in the game to test Rodgers' mobility, so that will be something to monitor.

Wow, these are getting longer by the day. Soon, they'll be the length of real Field Gulls article! That's enough for today folks, I'll be back tomorrow with more.

Go Hawks!!