Packers Rip The Seahawks » Brats & Beer

August 19, 2007
posted under: Packers, Pre-season

It might have been a meaningless exhibition game, but anytime the Packers put up 48 points it has to make you smile.

Aside from the almost ridiculous Madden NFL score, there was a lot of good news in this game. Rookie James Jones had an outstanding performance with four catches for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Second-round pick Brandon Jackson also got his game together and finished with 54 yards on 13 carries. Brett Favre led three scoring drives against Seattle’s starting defense and finished with QB rating of 104.2 points.

The Green Bay defense, though, played lights out against the Seahawks, forcing six turnovers and scoring two touchdowns. Sure, they were playing against an offense led by second-stringer Seneca Wallace, but they showed the killer instinct that the Packers need this season if they want to win games and make the playoffs. Cullen Jenkins recorded his third sack in two pre-season contests, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila got to Wallace and forced a fumble that Nick Barnett took 62 yards for a score, and Atari Bigby recorded two sacks on safety blitzes — one of which led to a fumble and another defensive touchdown.

Obviously we don’t want to read too much into this, but a game like the one last night is a step in the right direction for a team that is trying to develop its confidence and identity, and it’s looking more and more like the tough-nosed defense is going to be the face of the Packers in 2007. That is definitely good news considering the schedule includes the San Diego Chargers, the Dallas Cowboys, and two meetings against Adrian Peterson.