The Battle in Seattle

Packers (1-1) vs Seahawks (1-1)
Date: September 24th
At: Seattle
Outcome: Eleventeen to Shinty-Six

You may have notice this outcome is not posted in real numbers. That’s because it’s not a real outcome. Apparently the NFL has dispensed with the traditional regulations about what constitutes an “interception,” “official review, and “winning,” so I figure it’s just a matter of time before they throw the traditional scoring method out the window as well.

I thought about posting a long rant about the terrible calls throughout the game and especially the lapse in judgement on that last thrilling INTERCEPTION by the Packers. But instead, I think my feelings can be summarized better in ink.

This is the drawing I made when I woke up this morning and realized yesterday was not just a horrible dream.

THE OPPONENT
It’s hard to say nice things about a team that thinks they beat you when they obviously didn’t. That’s one of the worst things about this situation: they truly believe they won. Truly. I don’t know how that’s possible when the entire world of sports media is blowing up in there face, but it is. I don’t know…all I can say is, if the situation was reversed, I don’t think Mike McCarthy would have been able to accept such a bad “win,” let a alone be doing cartwheels down the field in their opponent’s faces like the Seahawks coach. It just felt like really nasty sportsmanship to me.

In the end, the bad call did a disservice to the Seahawks too. Nevermind that they had a pretty awesome first half, and that their defense was strong and that Wilson did exceptionally well for a rookie against a seasoned Packers defense. I can’t focus on any of that, and neither can anyone else. All we see is the horrible, horrible mistake that cost the Packers the game and makes the Seahawks look like a bunch of jerks.

The final drive. Like a game of Russian Roulette: all it takes is one.

THE DEFENSE

Really excellent–I’ve got no real complaints. They let a couple things go that they shouldn’t have, but overall they did a good job shutting down the Seahawks. What killed them was penalties, both legit and not, particularly in the second half of the game–roughing the quarterback, a 30-odd pass interference penalty, and scores of others.

The only penalty they deserve.

THE OFFENSE
I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but when you think about it you have to admit that the Packers offense was a big part of why we lost this game (with the bad calls being the other part). They DID NOT SCORE for the first half of the game. The ENTIRE first half. That is unacceptable. In the second half they were nothing short of amazing, and their rally should’ve been rewarded with a win. However, if they had played better in the beginning (and if Rodgers had thrown the ball away at least a couple times instead of getting 8 sacks), they wouldn’t have put themselves in the position to lose at the 11th hour in the first place.

One of the more effective offensive plays: the “hedgehog” catching stance.

INJURIES
Worthy went out in the second half. Not sure what happened there–looked like an ankle injury? When he was limping off the field he didn’t look too hurt, so I’m hopeful he will be back soon.

View the Packers full injury report here.

UP NEXT: New Orleans (0-3….really? Another bad reffing situation I’m guessing, judging by the references to Drew Brees’s ire towards the replacement refs. I haven’t heard anything from him yet, but it sounded like he wasn’t happy).

Now, on a brief political note: after yesterday’s game, a lot of people were talking about boycotting games until the real refs are given their demands. Don’t do that. The NFL already has your money for tickets, viewer counts aren’t really a selling factor and the only people you will hurt is your team. The players didn’t do anything wrong, and they are the ones getting shafted. Take a look at the McCarthy-Rodger press conference after last night’s game and you’ll see that I’m right.

If you want to boycott something, think for a second: where does the money come from? That’s right–advertisers. Sponsors. All those commercials you see. If you want to make an impact, organize a boycott of Nike or Gatorade or Ford or whatever the hell big sponsor they have, and let them know why. Those giant corporations have sway, they might have a shot of convincing the NFL to give in. Yes, they are a casualty of a war they have nothing to do with, but they are a rich casualty of war. And if we’ve learned anything from this whole debacle, it’s that money makes all the difference in the world.