On Sunday night at Lumen Field, the Green Bay Packers showcased their dominance with a decisive 30-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, marking Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season. The win not only snapped the Seahawks' four-game winning streak but also solidified the Packers’ status as serious contenders within the competitive NFC North division.
From the outset, the Packers established control of the game early. They scored on their first possession, with Josh Jacobs charging through on a one-yard touchdown run, putting them up 7-0. Quarterback Jordan Love added to the scoring frenzy shortly after, connecting with wide receiver Romeo Doubs for another touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.
The Seahawks, who had entered the matchup atop the NFC West, struggled to gain momentum. Despite Jason Myers scoring on a 48-yard field goal, their attempts to climb back proved insufficient. By halftime, the Packers had imposed their will, leading 20-3, with Jacobs and Love logging impressive offensive stats.
Geno Smith's exit from the game marked a turning point for Seattle. The starting quarterback suffered a knee injury during the third quarter after being pressured by the Packers’ defense. His frustration culminated as he slammed his helmet and walked to the locker room, leaving the Seahawks to rely on backup Sam Howell.
Before the injury, Smith had completed 15 of 19 passes for 149 yards, but he also threw one interception. Howell stepped onto the field, attempting to rally the team but struggled with 5 completions outs of 14 attempts for just 24 yards and another interception. His performance was marred by the palpable pressure exerted by the Packers' defense, who racked up 7 sacks throughout the game, highlighting their prowess on both sides of the ball.
The Seahawks managed to inch closer with running back Zach Charbonnet's impressive 24-yard touchdown run, reducing the gap to 23-13. Yet, the hope for a comeback quickly dissipated as the Packers responded. Doubs caught his second touchdown of the game on a 22-yard pass, sealing the victory with just minutes remaining.
"The Packers can beat playoff-caliber teams," noted one NFL analyst post-game, alluding to their ability to excel against tough opposition. With this win, the Packers improved their record to 10-4, sitting comfortably at third place within the division. Meanwhile, the Seahawks fell to 8-6, dropping to second place in the NFC West.
Post-match, the Packers' star players were acknowledged for their performances. Jordan Love completed 20 out of 27 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns, showing remarkable poise and execution as the leader of the offense. Josh Jacobs contributed significantly on the ground, accumulating 94 rushing yards and another touchdown, alongside 46 receiving yards. Doubs' two touchdown receptions were pivotal for maintaining the offense's explosive rhythm.
On the defensive side, they proved relentless. The Packers forced two interceptions and completed several key stops, ensuring Smith and Howell found themselves under constant pressure, syphoning any chance of establishing a possible comeback for Seattle.
For the Seahawks, this loss signaled concern moving forward, particularly with Smith’s questionable status following the knee injury. Zach Charbonnet and Jaxon Smith-Njigba managed to contribute, with Smith-Njigba leading receptions with 83 yards, but they couldn’t find the offensive balance needed once Seattle fell behind.
Looking forward, the Packers are set to return home for Week 16 as they face the New Orleans Saints (5-9) on December 23. The Seahawks, having lost their lead, will look to regroup against the Minnesota Vikings (11-2) next.
This game exemplified the Packers’ potential to contend, outmuscling competition both offensively and defensively against the favored Seahawks, solidifying their place as one of the stronger three-loss teams marching toward the playoffs.
