Packers beat Seahawks 48-10, clinch playoffs
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Green Bay Packers' Charles Woodson (21) watches as Johnny Jolly (97) and Atari Bigby celebrate Bigby's interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday in Green Bay, Wis.
GREEN BAY — As the Green Bay Packers piled up points on the hapless Seattle Seahawks, Aaron Rodgers had more than a passing interest in the out-of-town scoreboard.
With a blowout victory over the Seahawks secure, the Packers needed the Carolina Panthers to beat the New York Giants to clinch a playoff berth with a week left in the season.
What was Rodgers thinking?
"Hang on, boys," Rodgers said. "Hang on."
Carolina did, routing New York and sending the Packers to the postseason.
For Green Bay (10-5), Sunday's 48-10 victory completed an impressive rebound from last year's 6-10 finish and a disappointing 4-4 start to this season.
Several Packers players, including Charles Woodson and Greg Jennings, acknowledged fans during a lap around Lambeau Field after the game.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy got the obligatory sports drink bath from players as the clock was running out, but reminded everyone afterward that his team must improve to have a chance to advance in postseason play.
"Let's be honest: We still have work ahead of us," McCarthy said.
Green Bay's defense certainly was working Sunday, forcing four interceptions by Matt Hasselbeck.
It was Hasselbeck's second straight four-interception game in what is shaping up as a miserable season for the Seahawks (5-10). Hasselbeck also was picked off four times in a loss to Tampa Bay last week.
"Two weeks in a row personally just giving the ball to them," Hasselbeck said. "Like I said, I'm searching for answers. I wish I had a good one."
Seahawks coach Jim Mora Jr. said the thought of taking Hasselbeck out of the game crossed his mind, but he stuck with the veteran — for now, anyway.
"We're trying to fix this thing," Mora said. "We always put the guys out there that give us the best chance to win and have a successful down. Matt's our quarterback and we're going to keep him in there."
With Seattle already trailing 24-3 at halftime, Hasselbeck threw his third interception on the first possession of the second half. Aaron Rodgers then converted a third-down pass to tight end Jermichael Finley, setting up Brandon Jackson's 6-yard touchdown run to give Green Bay a 31-3 lead.
Hasselbeck threw yet another interception on the Seahawks' next possession, and Rodgers completed another long pass to Finley to drive for a 4-yard touchdown run by Jackson — the third score of the game by the Packers' backup running back, who caught a 13-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
That was the end of the day for Rodgers, who was lifted in favor of backup Matt Flynn after completing 12 of 23 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown.
"We realize this is just the beginning for us," Rodgers said.
And Rodgers got in the last word in a weeklong feud with Seattle defender Darryl Tapp.
Earlier in the week, Rodgers said Tapp bit him during last year's game against Seattle; Tapp denied it, saying it was impossible to bite another player while wearing a helmet and facemask.
Rodgers said Sunday that he regretted bringing the issue up in public and tried to talk to Tapp about it during the game — but didn't get much of a response.
"I made it a point to talk to him during one of the TV timeouts just to make sure everything's OK," Rodgers said.
Rodgers, however, didn't back off his story.
Tapp continued to insist afterward that video of the incident shows he didn't bite Rodgers.
Meanwhile, Tapp acknowledged that the Packers' offense left Seahawks defensive players scratching their heads.
"They're an explosive team," Tapp said. "They're on the playoff track for a reason. We need to get back to Seattle and watch film of what happened and try to find some corrections. I honestly can't even give you an explanation right now."
While Rodgers and the passing game generally define the Packers' offense, Green Bay turned to the running game for most of its points Sunday.
In addition to Jackson's three scores, Ryan Grant added a pair of touchdown runs — including a 56-yarder in the second quarter — and Ahman Green scored in the fourth quarter.
"I don't think you could ask for a better day," Grant said.
Woodson certainly felt that way — that's why he was one of the players leading the postgame victory lap.
"It was fan appreciation day," Woodson said. "You didn't know that?"
Notes: Struggling kicker Mason Crosby hit a 29-yard field goal just before halftime, then added a 52-yarder in the fourth quarter. ... Mora said RB Julius Jones aggravated a rib injury and hurt his ankle and CB Josh Wilson had a hip pointer. ... McCarthy said S Derrick Martin injured his ankle.
Dec 28, 2009 at 7:06 p.m.
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The Colts lost to the Jets...after the coach benched to protect him from getting hurt.
Dec 28, 2009 at 7:01 p.m.
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Sarah - Indy lost to the Jets, and the Saints lost to the Buccaneers. Those are 2 very good teams that lost to 2 not so good teams. The Packers have nothing to be ashamed of with a 10-5 record.
Dec 28, 2009 at 5:51 p.m.
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The Packers have beaten up on bad teams. They have the 32nd toughest schedule in the league. If Green Bay played in the AFC they would struggle to be .500.
Dec 28, 2009 at 5:46 p.m.
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Cant wait for tonight. Its a battle of which QB can torpedo his team better. Will it be Brett with his 0-7 record in his last 7 road games with a temp below 38, or will it be Jay Pickler with his uncanny ability to throw it into the other teams arms?
Dec 28, 2009 at 5:45 p.m.
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Good point misterlippy, I forgot about Brad Jones. What a steal in the 7th round.
Dec 28, 2009 at 5:23 p.m.
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lovethemidwest - a fellow appreciator of TT's draft picks is greatly appreciated - 2009 draft was incredible as one should not overlook Brad Jones (7th round). As soon as Clay Matthews and Brad Jones were drafted, it seemed inevitable that the 3-4 would be implemented quickly and effectively. It's too bad that Aaron Kampman has been the lone casuality (soon to be) of the transition.
Dec 28, 2009 at 5:20 p.m.
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Andre - what was your initial point? You went off on a tangent about "free speech" when all we asked was you to clarify what point you were making. Your first comment pertained to the team - you wanted to share your opinion about something you don't care about. You must be fairly bored to not only comment here, but also follow previous comments regarding last weeks loss considering your apathy/indifference.
By the way, are you getting mad or what's the deal? It's a forum - no need to get upset if I ask you to clarify or add something of substance - i found your comment pointless and baseless, let's agree to disagree - " ever heard of something called "free speech?" "
And with that, have a very pleasant day.
Dec 28, 2009 at 5:15 p.m.
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I cant believe Im going to say this, but, Ted Thompson has made some GREAT moves the last couple of years. Getting rid of Brett is one of them. That draft pick Thompson got for the Diva turned in to Clay Matthews! Drafting BJ Raji also is looking pretty darn good. I still cant stand him or McCarthy but I gotta give credit where its due.
Dec 28, 2009 at 2:47 p.m.
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Moes is taking care of it for me.
Dec 28, 2009 at 12:46 p.m.
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andre - you can state/type/write/send through smoke signals anything you so desire - but we have an equal right to disagree or point out inconsistencies in your "comments." No need to get defensive, I was just wondering as to why your statement contradicted itself. I cannot deprive anyone of their right to do so nor would I want to if able, no matter how comically shortcoming those statements or thoughts may be.
Dec 28, 2009 at 12:42 p.m.
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andre- its not about beating a 5-9 team. It's about the fact they pulled it together the second half of the season. After getting beat by Tampa Bay, many thought the season was over. They did alot better than last year, they look better than last year. They are not perfect, but looking good.
Dec 28, 2009 at 12:28 p.m.
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bobb - considering it's impossible for Green Bay to have a home game in the playoffs unless the 4 seeds ahead of them ALL lose, the road to the super bowl is not going through green bay. The only way GB will have a home game in the playoffs is if New Orleans, Minnesota, Philly, and Arizona all lose.
Dec 28, 2009 at 10:44 a.m.
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Odd, andre, that one who "doesn't care about professional sports" feels obligated to make commentary about that very thing. In actuality, that would be like me commenting on an article about knitting or basket weaving.
And who called them super heroes? It was a good win by a good team - more importantly, many good things came from that game and we finally maximized our potential (limited zone coverages, timely blitzes, FEW PENALTIES!!)
By the way, Bobb - it won't come through Titletown - it will have to go through Phoenix, Minneapolis/New Orleans and another city. But I appreciate the sentiment! GO PACK!!
Dec 28, 2009 at 10:38 a.m.
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Then why would you have posted your irrelevant comment in the first place?
Dec 28, 2009 at 10:11 a.m.
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No Andre, it doesn't and who here said that it did? If you want to discuss why Rodgers is a better fit for the Packers than Favre, how the kick was important for Crosby's confidence or that Rodgers is the first quarterback to throw for 4000 yards his first season, then discuss away. Ten wins is a respectable season and the playoffs a plus.
Dec 28, 2009 at 7:41 a.m.
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I was praying and then screamin for Mason when he made the 52 yarder.. WOW.. hopefully he can take some that confidence into the playoffs. Did you see the side line when he made that? That is what a team is about, cheering hm on. There said yesterday Rodgers is a head of Brett in the stats this year. No surprise there.
Dec 28, 2009 at 7:37 a.m.
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I was at Lambeau yesterday - it was a real treat to see that offense click in person and for Mason to nail down that 52 yarder. Now we're in and let's see what our boys can do!
Dec 28, 2009 at 7:09 a.m.
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Rodgers is the first QB ever to pass for 4000 yards in each of his first two seasons. We are the third youngest team in the NFL and won 10 games so far this year. Anyone who thinks we would be where we are this year with Farve is fooling themselves. Less drama, more wins.
Dec 28, 2009 at 4:03 a.m.
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They had a nice game. Everyone notice how Rodgers did not argue with his coach when taken out?
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