Josh from Laramie, WY
The defense was spectacular. Each level was dominant at various times, and the entire unit came across as polished and disciplined. The offense found some rhythm in the second half, and dictated tempo down the stretch. I'm sure the team's mentality is, "We need to execute better; on to the next one," but as an opening act this game was both impressive and compelling. This season is going to be fun to watch, regardless of where or how it ends. Good, bad, or otherwise, what or whom stood out to you? Thanks for putting in long hours and churning out high quality coverage on a daily basis!
Mike Daniels. He was the difference in that football game. There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. His 1½ sacks came out of base and dime formations – not nickel. If the Packers keep getting those kind of contributions from defensive linemen in those situations, it's going to be a good year for the defense. Mike Daniels is the uncrowned All-Pro. If he keeps playing the way he did Sunday, that's going to be impossible to ignore any longer.
Dave from Saukville, WI
Do you think we got a glimpse of the speed and improvements to the Packers' secondary during the game with Seattle?
It looked like a health improvement more than anything else. With Damarious Randall (sans the cramping issue) and Quinten Rollins playing free again, you could see the athleticism both cornerbacks possess.
Justin from Janesville, WI
I liked how Bennett shoved Wright. Big guy standing up for AR.
It reminded me of the time Phil DeCastro stood up for our point guard Matt Hietpas in Green Bay City League basketball two years ago after the other team's big shoved Matt to the ground in the lane. You gotta stand up for your teammates. Wright's hit might not have been dirty, but I felt it was unnecessary.
Eric from Madison, WI
It's only been one offseason and one game – but Martellus Bennett is my favorite current Packer.
He's a talented football player and a fascinating human being. I think it says a lot about him and his professionalism how quickly he's developed chemistry with Rodgers.
Mark from Eureka, IL
I didn't like losing the 15 yards when Martellus committed the personal foul, but I loved him protecting No. 12.
The yards didn't matter. The first down did. The penalty occurred after Rodgers earned the first down. That's what's important.
Jason from Lexington, KY
I know some Inbox readers do not like the 12 men on the field "gimmick," but that was a new twist with the offense baiting the Seattle defense into a substitution and then quickly breaking the huddle and getting the snap off. Also a good spot to do that with it being a relatively easy TD throw for Rodgers. It will definitely give opponents something to think about if they see the Pack start to huddle up.
It's not a gimmick – it's an advantage and the Packers do it better than any other team in the NFL. What made this one unique is it was a late substitution on Seattle's part rather than a defensive lineman running off immediately after the play. Rodgers always will make you pay.
Ken from Arvada, CO
Since Rodgers is the master at catching opposing defenses with 12 men on the field, how does our defense prepare to get their substitutions done quickly? It's a matter of time before another QB tries to catch us for a free play.
Communication, preparation and awareness – and sometimes that's not even enough.
Patrick from Paducah, KY
The defense was clearly impressive and deserves a ton of credit for their performance, but it seemed the offense broke through in the second half with the ground game allowing the short passing game to take over. It seemed every play became productive and had the Seattle defense on their heels. What changed from the first half, and where do you all see the offense improving from this performance?
The Packers cut down on the negative plays/penalties and started stringing first downs together. Both help get the offense into a rhythm. That second half was quintessential Packers football – controlling the clock and winning the battle for field position.
Christian from Champaign, IL
Looked like peak Randall Cobb out there. Good to see him healthy.
Mike McCarthy wanted to get the ball in Cobb's hands more in 2017. The Packers accomplished that goal Sunday and good things happened. Cobb was critical in the offense being able to gain favorable down-and-distance throughout.
Sam from Grass Valley, CA
So I want to apologize. I wrote a question a little over a week ago explaining how cutting Cobb might make financial sense. This question wasn't answered in the Inbox. However, it was just answered on Sunday. Thanks.
I appreciate you stepping forward and admitting your mistake. Trading Cobb was a popular subject with Inbox readers over the last month, but Sunday was a reminder of what kind of playmaker he is when healthy. If the Packers are going to the Super Bowl this season, they'll need Cobb to help them get there.
James from Isle of Wight, UK
One of the things that I thought was so impressive was the time of possession. By the end of the game the Seahawks defense just looked so out of it. How did the Packers do such an effective job of controlling this?
Winning on third downs. Seattle was only 3-of-12 (25 percent) compared to Green Bay's 9-of-16 (56 percent). Sustaining drives kept momentum on the Packers' side.
Jared from Ucon, ID
Take away two or three plays and the Seahawks' passing and rushing yards are cut in half. Wilson couldn't get much going through the air. How much of that was because of excellent coverage by the young secondary? Or was it because of an excellent pass rush?
While Daniels had one of the best games of his career, he was quick to credit the secondary's coverage for subduing Wilson. Playing Morgan Burnett as an inside linebacker in "Nitro" gives the Packers another card to play in the passing game. However, Green Bay's ability to defend the run out of the package was the difference in the game. The result was a product of the whole.
Derrick from Randolph, NJ
Playing the Vikings when they unveiled their new stadium at least gave the majority of the roster experience for what they may encounter Sunday. May even be a little advantageous. Or is that just wishful thinking?
I think you raise a good point. The Packers return about 70 percent of their team from last year, giving them good and fresh perspective on what type of environment they can anticipate with the Falcons opening Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sunday.
Darren from Kingston, Canada
What a game! From our seats we couldn't be certain, but it looked like we had a player wearing a No. 99 jersey on the active roster. Who might that be?
Ricky Jean Francois switched from No. 95 after Christian Ringo was released last week.
Laird from Yelm, WA
How come you never hear the Packers or the coaches complaining about bad calls when they lose? I have just spent all day hearing about how bad calls led to a Seahawks defeat. All the way from Pete Carroll to the players to newscasters. Oh, to live in Wisconsin again.
McCarthy put on a clinic in crisis communication and how to properly deal with adversity when he took the high road in Seattle in 2012. I'll just leave it at that.
Adam from Fond du Lac, WI
Wes, September games seem to be a bit sloppier as teams get their legs under them. And here the Packers play two crucial games (with potential postseason implications) the first two games. Would you have preferred the Packers see Seattle and Atlanta in say, November or December?
I like having these games early in the season. It's kind of like in college football when football powerhouses play each other prior to their conference schedules. It's a chance to start forging your identity and boosting some confidence for the season. Plus, the storylines are better.
Dan from Seattle, WA
While there were a lot of positives, any idea why Ripkowski didn't get any touches?
Ty Montgomery is the starting running back, so it's entirely possible you're going to see games where Montgomery gets 23 touches and Ripkowski none. Ripkowski still played 22 snaps of offense, a good day for any NFL fullback.
Justin from Wausau, WI
Help me out here. When MM has a big, punishing, powerful back in Lacy he constantly calls toss-cracks and runs to the outside. Now he has scat-back type elusive runner built for those plays, and instead he runs Ty right into the teeth of the defense. And no screens against all that early pressure? I'm happy to get the win but these things are bothering me.
No, you help me out here. When MM has a big, punishing back, fans cry about why the Packers don't run the ball more. They get a 220-pound running back and pound the ball, but now you're unhappy? Montgomery isn't a scat-back – he's a complete running back with receiving skills. He ran hard and effectively. That was a solid performance against one of the best lines in football, especially considering some of the first downs he converted during the final 20 minutes of the game. Montgomery earned the tough yards against the Seahawks.
Jonathan from Columbia, SC
We often hear announcers credit a second-year jump of a player by being in the weight room for a whole year. So I was wondering what the big difference is between an NFL and college training program? It is not as if the college kids don't work out at all.
So much physical maturity goes on with athletes in the early 20s. Every year is a big step. It's like when players go from high school to college. Yes, the NFL programs are more rigid – this is a profession, after all – but it's also guys growing into their bodies more.
Tyler from Vacaville, CA
What a difference an offseason and some health can do for the defense. Is it safe to say that the sky's the limit if they can just stay healthy? I hope Ahmad Brooks is OK, because we're going to need him. Lastly, I'm glad the Packers get the Falcons early and can get another statement win versus Matty Ice.
The potential is there, but don't get too unrealistic with your expectations. The Packers aren't going to hold every team under 150 total passing yards this season. The way the defense is built, however, makes it possible for Green Bay to put together that type of performance on any given Sunday.
Jon from Columbia, MO
I just saw the snap counts. The Packers had three safeties on the field for all but two plays. I had no idea Brice would be used that much.
Get used to it. Brice's role is only going to increase this year with the Packers expected to expand their usage of the nitro package. His play on the back end is as much a part of that package's success as Burnett's in the box.
Jordan from Denver, CO
I noticed in Sunday's game that Clay Matthews was not rushing from his usual side (right if looking from the defensive side). Could this be Capers taking note that premier pass rushers like J.J. Watt, Von Miller, Justin Houston, Khalil Mack, etc., are coming from the left side now, and having great success?
The Packers plan to move Matthews around this season, so you're going to see him and Nick Perry switching sides at times and occasionally rushing together inside in the dime package. That's not a new development, though. They've always tried to do that.
Nicholas from Asheville, NC
Didn't get a sense for how much rookie involvement there was (other than Williams getting a few carries). Did King or Jones get much playing time and if they did, any insights on their performance?
Jones played exclusively on special teams. King stepped in for six snaps on defense after Damarious Randall went to the locker room with a cramping issue.
Marty from Romney, WV
Hi. Why do you think Davante Adams wasn't actively involved in the first game? He was targeted only a few times and had only three catches. I'd think he would play a bigger part in the offense after last year's breakout year.
My apologies to your fantasy team.
Isaac from Nashville, TN
I know it didn't look like it today, but I remain convinced that in the right situation, Eddie Lacy can still be really, really good.
As do I. The power is still there. The Packers succeeded in not allowing him – or anyone, really – to get going early.
Jan from Hannover, Germany
Hey Insiders, what an intense game to start the season. Great victory at Lambeau Field. Showed clearly how important the home field is to beat a great opponent.
The crowd was great. My only suggestion is don't let your excitement get the best of you. I was shaking my head when I saw the wave going on when Green Bay's offense was on the field. Save that energy for defense, y'all.
Ethan from La Crosse, WI
I've seen at least Jordy Nelson, and maybe a few other players, make reference to the word they use when the defense is trying to sub. Do you know if that word changes every week? And would it really matter? It's not like the defensive guy who is running off the field will be able to hear it and think, "Oh, I've got to get off the field faster!"
It's a buzz word. To the best of my knowledge, they change it each week during the planning meetings.
Tyler from Crane Lake, MN
Congratulations to Giorgio "Don't call me Sergio" Tavecchio.
Spoff mentioned this Monday, but I couldn't be happier for Giorgio. It could not have happened to a better person. His perseverance is inspiring. I'm glad Tavecchio had such a memorable NFL debut after such an excruciating wait.
Dan from Culpeper, VA
Is it just me, or did Bennett, Cobb, Daniels, and Montgomery come out playing fast and angry? Wow. I thought this was the NFC Championship.
I'm not sure what condition their cereal was in Sunday morning, but the Packers played with purpose. Now it's on to the next one.
Erik from Anchorage, AK
Is it fitting that the storyline from the Seattle game is defense leading into a return engagement at Atlanta?
It's a new year with two entirely new teams, but I'm interested in seeing what a (relatively) healthy Green Bay defense does against Matt Ryan and Co.
