The Seahawks and Packers played the longest scoreless game of the NFL season so far, with Seattle finally breaking through for the game's first touchdown with just over six minutes remaining in the half. The Seahawks' defense was the story of the first half, constantly getting to MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers to shut down the Packers.
Seattle's defense has harassed Rodgers, sacking him eight times through the first 30 minutes. That ties a record for the most times Rodgers has been sacked in an entire game. The Green Bay offensive line was overwhelmed by the Seahawks' pass rush on both the interior and around the end. Veteran defensive end Chris Clemons, who had 11 sacks in each of the last two seasons, already has four in the first half on Monday night.
Seattle finally ended the scoreless tie when Russell Wilson connected with Golden Tate for a 41-yard touchdown. The play was preceded by a 15-yard retaliation penalty by Packers linebacker D.J. Smith, setting up the Seahawks in Green Bay territory and enabling them to take a deep shot down the field on first down. The Packers pushed up, putting eight men in the box and keying on the run. Wilson found the speedy Tate in one-on-one coverage on the outside. Tate put a double move on Tramon Williams and Wilson hit him in stride down the right side as he crossed the goal line. A gif of the score:
The Packers will now get the ball to start the second half, hoping to find some answers for their pass protection in the locker room. The only time they were held scoreless in the first half last season was in a loss to the Chiefs, their only defeat of the season.
For more on the Packers, visit Acme Packing Company. For all your Seahawks news and discussion, check out Field Gulls.