It's been just over a week now since the stinging loss in Detroit, and the sting has subsided enough to be able to officially look forward to a very fun matchup this week in Seattle. Before totally closing the book on the L in Motown, I'd be remiss if I didn't appreciate that second half from Jordan Love. THAT is what got this team on the cusp of the NFC Championship a year ago. Decisive throws, incredible pocket footwork and just plain ol' moxie is what makes Love so much fun. We need more of that if this team's going to make the run we hope it can.

But this week brings a new challenge, complete to a visit to what's been a house of horrors for this team. Including one all-time, never-forget-it, don't-ever-talk-about-it horror - and I don't mean the Fail Mary. And we won't talk about it. But remember, friends don't let friends try to recover an onside kick if they're not supposed to.

But now that I've successfully held back tears, it's time to raise up the Periscope and look back at the past, present and future of the Packers and Seahawks.

The Past

The Packers lead the all-time series 15-9 in a rivalry dating all the way back through the annals of history, since 1976. Legitimately, that's much older than I thought it would be. That first matchup, on October 10, 1976, was won by the Packers 27-20, the first of three in a row for Green Bay. Of late, though, the Packers have won 5 outta 6, including a 17-0 shutout in 2021. But much - actually, all - of the Packers success the last 15 years or so has happened at Lambeau Field. Visiting Lumen Field, or whatever it's called, has been a huge struggle for Green Bay. In fact, it's been exactly 5,906 days since the Green Bay Packers last won in Seattle.

That game, which took place in Aaron Rodgers' first season in 2008, took place in mid-October, when the 2-3 Packers went to take on Mike Holmgren's Seahawks. With Matt Hasselbeck out due to injury, it was MACtion (and former draft crush of yours truly) legend Charlie Frye. After exchanging field goals, Frye found tight end John Carlson to put Seattle up 10-3. With time winding in the second, Aaron Rodgers scored on a sneak to even things up at the break.

In the third, we got to see some Rodgers flashes, when he hit Greg Jennings on an absolute DOT from 25 yards out to go up by a touchdown. I mean, seriously, watch this highlight below. An absurd throw. After Mason Crosby hit a field goal to go up 10 to start the fourth, the Seahawks got in the box once more on a touchdown pass to Keary Colbert. 'Member that guy? To ice the game late, Packers legend John Kuuuhhhhhhn scored from the 1 on a pass from Rodgers to ice the game and the last time they'd win in the PNW.

The Present

I have to take a moment to send some props Geno Smith's way. Guy was done in the league and has completely resurrected his career. So much so, he's one of the best passers in the NFL this year, in maybe the league's most pass-heavy attack. Pete Carroll is probably nauseated at the lack of running from this team over the course of the year. But even with DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba out wide, they have two extremely talented backs in Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. While Walker seems like he may not be able to go, Charbonnet racked up 134 yards on the ground and 59 more through the air. It was an absurd outing.

Despite Charbonnet's effort last week, this is very much a pass-first team. With the Packers seemingly getting some defenders back in Jaire Alexander and Edgerrin Cooper, the pass D will need to show up in a big way to keep this group at bay. Pass rush will also be critical. Geno Smith will carve up many a defense if given time, so the Packers front 7 will need to get home on blitzes and affect the pocket rushing four.

Offensively for the Pack, the key, as always, is running the football. With over a week off, Josh Jacobs should have plenty of rest. Same with some of the banged-up offensive linemen who struggled a bit in Detroit, especially Josh Myers coming off maybe his worst game as a professional. It's critical that this offensive line plays better than a week ago if they're going to light up the board in any capacity.

The Future

Sunday Night Football, 7:20 Lambeau Time, Seattle, Washington. It looks like there could be some rain on Sunday, which is completely shocking for that region of the country, with temperatures in the 40s. Sounds like running the ball weather to me. While it feels like this should be a winnable game for the Packers, it's objectively a tough place to play for any team, especially one that hasn't won there in 16 years. 

Defensively, the Packers absolutely need to be better than last week, especially in the middle of the field. Having Cooper back instead of Isaiah McDuffie will help a ton. But this team stinks over the middle and you'd bet your keister the Seahawks know that too. Roughing up the pocket will help in this effort.

Offensively, let's hope that second half Jordan Love shows up. While we're at it, second half offensive line, too. That was a seriously disappointing effort a week ago. We've seen this group dominate, so here's to seeing it again. 

In all, I think this is a great late-season matchup for the good guys. It's a tough environment, a solid opponent and a great opportunity to show that this team is in the upper echelon of the NFC and a team to fear. And as always, I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.