Packers vs. Seahawks: Key matchups in NFC title game

When Packers have the ball

Pretty simple, really: balance. With a healthy QB Aaron Rodgers and RB Eddie Lacy, that usually is not a problem for the Packers. But Rodgers has been bothered by a calf injury and was particularly hobbled in the second half last week vs. Dallas. Still, he threw for two second-half touchdowns.

Running against Seattle is about as easy as hearing each other at CenturyLink Field for a visiting team. Led by dynamic LB Bobby Wagner and a stout defensive line featuring Michael Bennett, the Seahawks rarely allow an opponent to control the clock on the ground. Establishing any sort of rushing attack is a major challenge for Green Bay’s line.

An inability to do so would force Rodgers to the air early. Sounds like a good idea when your quarterback is an All-Pro, but only if Rodgers has the mobility he needs to escape pressure from DE Cliff Avril, Wagner and Bruce Irvin.

Then there’s the equally difficult chore of completing throws against All-Pros CB Richard Sherman, S Earl Thomas and S Kam Chancellor. Rodgers should feel comforted that his two main targets, WRs Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are complemented by the emerging WR Davante Adams and TE Andrew Quarless.

But, if the Packers can’t establish a running game, it figures to be a long day.

When Seahawks have the ball

Also relatively simple, and the same formula that worked on the way to last season’s championship: Seattle must feed the Beast, RB Marshawn Lynch, and give QB Russell Wilson freedom to create.

Lynch, like Lacy, has the power, speed and determination to ruin a defense’s day. The way DeMarco Murray marauded through Green Bay’s defense last week is worrisome. And Lynch gets better as the game progresses, with defenders tiring.

The Packers will need outstanding showings by an underrated defensive line, including Mike Daniels and Letroy Guion and more from star LB Clay Matthews. If Lynch gets through the first wave, the Pack will be in trouble because the secondary lacks good tacklers.

Matthews and LB-DE Julius Pepper must be disruptive and keep Wilson from escaping outside on scrambles or designed runs.

With the unsung offensive line, led by LT Russell Okung and C Max Unger, intact, the Seahawks are capable of dominating. Green Bay must find ways to make Wilson uneasy.

The matchup of Seattle receivers against the Packers’ secondary isn’t nearly as high-profile as the other way around. The Seahawks have gotten timely plays from Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse and TE Luke Willson. Packers CBs Tramon Williams and Sam Shields struggled against Dallas.

Special teams

Green Bay’s Mason Crosby and Seattle’s Steven Hauschka are solid placekickers, reliable in the clutch.

Micah Hyde (33) ran back two punts for TDs, but Seattle’s Jon Ryan (9) is one of the league’s most dependable punters. Neither Ryan nor Green Bay’s Tim Masthay (8) have had big seasons, though.

Coaching

Seattle’s Pete Carroll saw his team suffering from a Super Bowl hangover early in the schedule and not only got the Seahawks to snap out of it, but reach peak form down the stretch.

Green Bay’s Mike McCarthy is more low-key than Carroll, and oversees the prolific offense while leaving the defense to coordinator Dom Capers.