Packers� message to the Seahawks: NO SOUP FOR YOU!
Waldorf, MD. (AP) April 29th -- After a tough overtime loss to the Broncos last Saturday, and a mentally and physically challenging practice, the Packers showed up hungry to Wade field Saturday for their game with the Seahawks.
The coaching staff spent all week dissecting film trying to figure out why the Packers� defense was so stingy against the pass, yet had trouble stopping the run. After a quick look at the opponent, Coach Chris saw that his defense would be challenged as the Seahawks appeared to be a run-first, pass-second type of team. Coach Craig immediately called the team together to discuss the new defensive strategy. �I knew I had the kids� focus after practice Thursday, so all I needed to do was make sure and call the right plays and I knew we�d be fine� said Coach Craig.
�We always practice man to man and mix up the rusher and safety. But that setup caused us to be weak against the run. Since we haven�t practiced the zone much, I was worried we wouldn�t be on the same page and look confused, but Coach Craig got the boys� attention Thursday and it carried over to game day. We were just awesome out there�, said Coach Chris. The Packers answered the challenge. Play after play, the Seahawks ran the ball and the Packers were right there, to stop the play dead in it�s tracks. Once the Seahawks realized the run wasn�t working, they went to the pass. This is when the zone defense can be most vulnerable. But the Packers didn�t flinch. Keeping with the team goal of one interception per game, Vincent stepped up and made a great interception that stopped another Seahawk drive and gave the ball right back to the high powered Packers offense.
As it turns out, not only did the Packers defense secure a shutout, 27-0, they didn�t allow ONE FIRST DOWN the entire game. �3 and out, 3 and out, all day long�, said Coach Kelly. �When you keep getting the ball back and have the lead, it makes play calling much easier�, she added. Alex �Zander Bomber� Hodge again led the high powered offense to an early lead after a long pass to Jalen �Mr. Versatility� Barnes. Curtis �Rocket� Dockett had another TD catch, a long run and a successful conversion �What CAN�T he do?!?! Nathan �Mr. Reliable� Corsey added a long run, long catch and TD catch to his busy day on defense. Vincent �flag man� Brunson spent most of the day on defense at the safety position. When Vincent wasn�t snagging interceptions and diving for flags, he was catching long passes and making long runs on offense.
Chance �I can do more than just defense� Bikowski had two long runs, one which resulted in a TD to go along with his 2 deflected passes on defense. When he wasn�t jooking out defenders on offense, Jonathan �Sweet Feet� Campbell was busy creating havoc on defense. He blitzed, pulled flags and knocked down several passes, barely missing two interceptions. The biggest highlight of the day was James �the silent assassin� Brown catching a pass and running into the end zone for a successful conversion! Like James, who spent most of the day snapping and playing defense, Aaron �I should be a linebacker� Garcia got into the offensive mix with a pass catch of his own. Just as Aaron was barreling towards the goal line, a 6�5� Seahawk dove and snagged his flag before scoring the point. But rest assured, Aaron has tasted the flavor of offense and wants some more as he looks to cross the goal line for a score! And then there is Evan �I cover like a blanket� Aragon. Evan spent most of the game locking down the zone defense for Coach Craig. �I�ve noticed now for several weeks that teams never throw towards Evan, and when they run his way, they find a brick wall�, said Coach Craig. �He just seems to know where to be all the time�. Evan is becoming one of the Packers� best pursuit defenders. When the play comes his way, or a pass is thrown in his direction, Evan pursues the ball as good as anyone in the league. �If you look at Evan now compared to day one, he�s easily a candidate for MOST IMPROVED PLAYER� added Coach Kelly.
As for now, the Packers will practice hard again this week for their game against the Chargers. The Coaches look to �sure-up� the zone defense and introduce a few new plays as their much anticipated match up against the leagues top team, the Dolphins, is fast approaching. Come out and see this exciting team and the league�s #1 offense in action this Saturday at Chaney field.