Seahawks playoffs: 5 questions about the Packers in the divisional round
By Lee Vowell
Aaron Jones
12th Man Rising: Aaron Jones has been really good this season. Besides simply getting the ball more, what are some of his biggest reasons for the improvement in his productivity?
Paul Bretl: Well, getting the ball more is a huge reason for Jones’ success, his talent and potential were quite evident last season but what was lacking were the opportunities. However, to answer your question, the Matt LaFleur offense suits him very well. This is an outside zone running scheme where the RB finds the hole, makes one cut and goes, which is right up Jones’ alley. And when it comes to the passing game, since entering the NFL he’s worked very hard on refining his route running and catching ability which has certainly helped, but also LaFleur and Rodgers get him the ball in open space where he is very effective.
Other scary Packers
12th man Rising: What are a few reasons 12s should really be worried about the Packers on Sunday? How is Green Bay going to win?
Paul Bretl: I think Seattle fans should be worried because there are a number of matchups that favor Green Bay but I feel that these two, in particular, could very well be the reasons the Packers win. For one, in the past Russell Wilson has really hurt this Green Bay defense when they’ve blitzed, but this season with The Smiths, the Packers have generated some of the most quarterback pressures in the league while being one of the fewest blitzing teams. Not to mention that we saw Fletcher Cox have a lot of success inside last week against the Seattle OL, and I expect much of the same from Clark and a roaming Za’Darius Smith. For Green Bay to win, they’ll have to pressure Wilson without relying on the blitz and I think they are set up well to do just that.
Next on offense, I’m expecting the Aaron Jones’ show. Seattle has struggled at stopping the run this season, particularly over the last five games where they’ve allowed over 160 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, against RBs in the passing game, Seattle is allowing 9.5 yards per catch and 51.1 yards per game, which each ranks as the 3rd and 4th most during the regular season, respectively. At a minimum, Jones should have 20 touches and I hope it gets to 25.