Packers vs Seahawks History: Green Bay Meltdown Controversy

Packers Vs Seahawks History
Joe Fletcher
Joe Fletcher
Published: June 7, 2023  Updated: December 6, 2024

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Packers vs Seahawks Overall Record:

15-9-0

The Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks have played 24 games since 1976, with the Packers winning 15 games and the Seahawks winning 9. How many ties? 0.

Bar chart showing 15 wins for the Packers and 9 wins for the Seahawks

All-Time Head-to-Head Game Results

The Packers and the Seahawks’s first-ever NFL game was played way back on October 10, 1976.

The Packers last played the Seahawks on November 14, 2021, where the Packers won 17-0.

Here are the results of every game played between the Packers and the Seahawks since 1976:

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Rival Date Summary Field Result Score ID Visitor Away Points Host Home Points Win Loss Tie Notes
516heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers1999-01-03Packers lost on the road 27-30AwayLoss27-3049ers36163Packers2749ers301Postseason
517heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2013-01-12Packers lost on the road 31-45AwayLoss31-4549ers41286Packers3149ers451Postseason
518heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2014-01-05Packers lost at home 23-20HomeLoss23-2049ers4164449ers23Packers201Postseason
519heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2020-01-19Packers lost on the road 20-37AwayLoss20-3749ers43849Packers2049ers371Postseason
520heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2022-01-22Packers lost at home 13-10HomeLoss13-1049ers4458349ers13Packers101Postseason
521heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PM49ers2024-01-20Packers lost on the road 21-24AwayLoss21-2449ers45311Packers2149ers241Postseason
522heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMBears1941-12-14Packers lost on the road 14-33AwayLoss14-33Bears15324Packers14Bears331Postseason
523heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMBuccaneers2021-01-24Packers lost at home 31-26HomeLoss31-26Buccaneers44220Buccaneers31Packers261Postseason
524heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCommanders1972-12-24Packers lost on the road 3-16AwayLoss3-16Commanders26657Packers3Commanders161Postseason
525heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCowboys1983-01-16Packers lost on the road 26-37AwayLoss26-37Cowboys30332Packers26Cowboys371Postseason
526heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCowboys1994-01-16Packers lost on the road 17-27AwayLoss17-27Cowboys34350Packers17Cowboys271Postseason
527heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCowboys1995-01-08Packers lost on the road 9-35AwayLoss9-35Cowboys34707Packers9Cowboys351Postseason
528heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMCowboys1996-01-14Packers lost on the road 27-38AwayLoss27-38Cowboys35078Packers27Cowboys381Postseason
529heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMEagles1960-12-26Packers lost on the road 13-17AwayLoss13-17Eagles22276Packers13Eagles171Postseason
530heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMGiants1938-12-11Packers lost on the road 17-23AwayLoss17-23Giants14225Packers17Giants231Postseason
531heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMGiants2012-01-15Packers lost at home 37-20HomeLoss37-20Giants40923Giants37Packers201Postseason
532heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMRams2002-01-20Packers lost on the road 17-45AwayLoss17-45Rams37276Packers17Rams451Postseason
533heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMVikings2005-01-09Packers lost at home 31-17HomeLoss31-17Vikings38361Vikings31Packers171Postseason
534heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMBroncos1998-01-25Packers lost on the road 24-31AwayLoss24-31Broncos35820Packers24Broncos311Postseason
535heyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMheyfletch2024-09-10 05:56 PMFalcons2003-01-04Packers lost at home 27-7HomeLoss27-7Falcons37625Falcons27Packers71Postseason
RivalSummaryFieldResultIDVisitorAway PointsHostHome PointsWinLossTieNotes

Whenever the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks face off in the NFL, fans are prepared for a thrilling matchup that has featured incredible moments, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable controversies. This article tackles the best of Packers vs Seahawks History and explores the circumstances and decisions that have fueled the ongoing rivalry between these two NFC powerhouses.

Fail Mary 2012: Controversy in the End Zone

Fail Mary
Image Credit: Wikimedia

The infamous touchdown pass

Green Bay Packers’ journey to Seattle on September 24, 2012 resulted in a notable play, now widely known as the “Fail Mary“, the “Inaccurate Reception”, or the “Intertouchdownception“.

The Seahawks were down by five points and were left with one last play. Seattle’s quarterback, Russell Wilson, resorted to a Hail Mary pass into the end zone. The intended receiver, Golden Tate, and the Green Bay safety M.D. Jennings, simultaneously got their hands on the ball. One ref signaled interception, but the head ref signaled touchdown, which meant the call on the field was TD.

As per NFL regulations, Replay official Howard Slavin reviewed the scoring play, including the potential simultaneous catch in the end zone. Referee Wayne Elliott, finding no compelling evidence to challenge the original call, upheld the touchdown.

Replacement officials’ role in the controversy

Packers Seahawks Fail Mary Referees In Conflict

The infamous “Fail Mary” play was further marked by the presence of replacement officials. At that time, the NFL and the regular officials were embroiled in a labor dispute, leading to the replacement officials officiating the game.

These officials faced considerable backlash for multiple mistakes that transpired throughout the game, reaching a crescendo with the highly debated touchdown decision.

A significant segment of spectators and analysts maintain that the outcome was unfairly skewed against the Packers, with the replacement officials playing a key role in the mishap.

Aftermath and implications for the NFL

The ramifications of the “Fail Mary” were not confined to the game alone. The play proved to be a significant moment in the labor negotiations.

The public uproar over the play and the other mistakes made by the replacement officials accelerated the resolution of the dispute. The NFL arrived at a new agreement with the regular officials just two days post the game. 

Epic Meltdown: Packers vs Seahawks NFC Championship 2014

Green Bay Dominates Early

In the 2014 NFC Championship Game, the Packers built a commanding 16-0 lead, with their defense intercepting Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson four times. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Packers appeared poised to advance to the Super Bowl.

The Packers led for the majority of the game, up 19-7 with just over two minutes left. However, the Seahawks came back to narrow the gap to 19-14. After scoring, the Seahawks lined up to attempt an onside kick. 

Seattle’s Onside Kick

The Packers called for a “hands team” to recover the onside kick. Brandon Bostick (TE) was supposed to block to allow Jordy Nelson, a more sure-handed receiver, to catch the ball. However, Bostick attempted to catch the ball himself, but it bounced off his helmet and was recovered by the Seahawks’ Chris Matthews.

Following the recovery, the Seahawks scored another touchdown and completed a two-point conversion to lead 22-19.

Overtime Without Rodgers Touching the Ball

The Packers managed to tie the game with a field goal, pushing the game into overtime. However, the Seahawks won the coin toss, got the ball first in overtime, and Russell Wilson threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Kearse to win the game 28-22, securing the Seahawks’ spot in Super Bowl XLIX.

Bostick’s mistake was a significant turning point in the game, and he was heavily criticized in the media afterward. He was released by the Packers about a month after the game, and though he played briefly for other teams afterward, that moment overshadowed the rest of his NFL career.

“We Want the Ball and We’re Going to Score”

2003 Wild Card Round: Al Harris’ Pick-Six Interception

The Packers vs Seahawks Wildcard NFL playoff game took place on January 4, 2003, at Lambeau Field. This game is famously remembered for the bold statement made by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck during the coin toss at the start of overtime.

The Packers were led by quarterback Brett Favre, while the Seahawks had former Packer Matt Hasselbeck under center. The match went back and forth with both teams exchanging leads until ending regulation tied 27 each.

With sudden death overtime rules, the first team to score would advance in the playoffs. The Seahawks won the coin toss when Hasselbeck shouted, “We want the ball and we’re going to score.”

Unfortunately for Matt, things did not go as planned. His first pass was picked off by Al Harris who ran into the end zone with his “we’re #1” arm raised in the air.

Packers vs Seahawks 2007: Divisional Round Playoffs

4 years later, the Packers hosted the Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round. Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre dazzled in the 4snowy conditions, throwing three touchdown passes en route to a 42-20 Packers victory. His performance further solidified his legendary status.

Memorable Regular Season Matchups

Postseason battles between Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson

Following the retirement of Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers assumed the mantle as the Packers’ starting quarterback and continued the playoff rivalry with Russell Wilson’s Seahawks. The head-to-head history between these two elite quarterbacks, including the memorable 2014 NFC Championship Game, has been a defining aspect of modern Packers vs Seahawks matchups.

Green Bay’s Lambeau Field domination

Aaron Rodgers Vs Seattle Seahawks 2009
Image Credit: Mike Morbeck

Throughout the years, regular-season games between the Packers and Seahawks have provided countless exciting moments and memorable plays. Green Bay has enjoyed a clear home-field advantage at Lambeau Field, winning eight of their nine regular-season home games against Seattle.

Seattle’s home-field advantage at CenturyLink Field

Centurylink Field Seattle Stadium

Similarly, the Seahawks have made the most of their raucous home crowd at CenturyLink Field, winning four of their five regular-season home games against the Packers. The everlasting images of the “Fail Mary” and other key moments have contributed to the fierce rivalry between these two teams.

Notable quarterback performances

Whether it’s Favre, Rodgers, or Wilson, marquee quarterback performances have often defined Packers and Seahawks regular-season matchups. The successes and failures of these future Hall of Famers in these head-to-head games have added another layer to the competitive history between the Seahawks and Packers.

Combustible Coaching Connections

Head coaches’ shared history and rivalry

Pete Carroll Head Coach Seattle Seahawks
Image Credit: All Pro Reels

The rivalry between the Packers and Seahawks has also featured a fascinating coaching subplot. Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy and Seattle head coach Pete Carroll have matched wits multiple times over the years, with each coach looking to outmaneuver the other in their quest for victory.

Impact of coaching decisions on games’ outcomes

The impact of coaching decisions on the outcomes of Packers vs Seahawks matchups cannot be understated. From Carroll’s aggressive gambles to McCarthy’s strategic moves, these coaching chess matches have played a pivotal role in shaping the history of this epic NFL rivalry.

Packers Vs Seahawks FAQs

FAQs

What is the record between the Seahawks and the Packers?

15–9–0 (Packers – Seahawks)

The Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks have played 24 games since 1976, with the Packers winning 15 games & the Seahawks winning 9.

Who has played for both the Seahawks and the Packers?

Players who have notably played for both the Seahawks and the Packers include:

  • Eugene Robinson
  • Matt Hasselbeck
  • Dave Brown
  • Ahman Green
  • Jim Zorn
  • Matt Flynn
  • Seneca Wallace
  • Jon Ryan
  • Eddie Lacy
  • Christine Michael
  • Koren Robinson
  • Jimmy Graham
  • Derrick Mayes
  • Ruvell Martin
  • DuJuan Harris
  • Karsten Bailey
  • Jay Graham
  • Charles Jordan
  • Dan Ross
  • John Spagnola
  • Doug Evans
  • Corey Harris
  • Ryan Longwell
  • Marquand Manuel
  • George Koonce
  • Jarran Reed
  • Howard Green
  • Blair Bush
  • Colin Cole
  • Allen Barbre

When did the infamous “We want the ball” moment occur between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks?

The “We want the ball” moment occurred during the 2003 Wild Card Round. After the Seahawks won the coin toss in overtime, Seattle’s quarterback Matt Hasselbeck confidently declared, “We want the ball, and we’re going to score.” Unfortunately, he then threw a pick-six to Al Harris, resulting in a Green Bay victory.

What is the “Fail Mary” controversy in the Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks history?

The “Fail Mary” controversy occurred during a regular-season NFL game between the Packers and the Seahawks on September 24, 2012. In the final play of the game, Seattle’s quarterback Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary pass that was simultaneously caught by both a Green Bay defender and Seattle’s wide receiver, leading to a disputed game-winning touchdown for the Seahawks.

The controversial call was made by replacement referees due to an ongoing labour dispute with the regular NFL officials.

How many times have the Packers and Seahawks met in the postseason?

The Packers and Seahawks have faced each other four times in the playoffs, including the 2003 Wild Card Round, the 2007 Divisional Round, the 2014 NFC Championship Game, and the 2019 Divisional Round.

What is the postseason record between the two teams, the Packers and the Seahawks?

The Green Bay Packers currently hold a 3-1 postseason record against the Seattle Seahawks, with the Packers winning the 2003 Wild Card, 2007 Divisional, and 2019 Divisional games, while the Seahawks won the 2014 NFC Championship game.

How has the rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks developed over the years?

The rivalry between the Packers and the Seahawks has intensified due to high-stakes playoff games, controversial moments such as the “We want the ball” incident and the “Fail Mary,” and competitive matchups between the two franchises.

Which Packers quarterback led the team to a 13-3 record in the 2019 NFL season?

Aaron Rodgers, the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, led the team to a 13-3 record during the 2019 NFL season, securing a first-round bye in the playoffs and eventually facing the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round.

What was the outcome of the 2019 Divisional Round game between the Packers and the Seahawks?

The Green Bay Packers emerged victorious in the 2019 Divisional Round game, defeating the Seattle Seahawks with a final score of 28-23. The Packers’ offense, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was instrumental in the victory, and wide receiver Davante Adams played a crucial role with a stellar performance.

How has the Packers’ defense matched up against the Seahawks during their meetings?

The Packers’ defense has generally performed well against the Seahawks, notably pressuring Seattle’s quarterback and limiting the Seahawks’ rushing yards in some of their meetings. However, there were occasions when the Seahawks’ offense exploited weaknesses in the Packers’ defense, producing competitive matches throughout their history.

How do the Packers’ and Seahawks’ overall playoff records compare to each other?

The Green Bay Packers have a historically more successful playoff record than the Seattle Seahawks, with numerous Super Bowl appearances and championships. However, the Seahawks have also found success in recent years, winning a Super Bowl and making multiple deep playoff runs.

When did the Packers and Seattle Seahawks play their first NFL game against each other?

The Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks played their first ever NFL game against each other on October 10, 1976. The Packers won the game, setting the stage for a competitive and spirited rivalry throughout their subsequent meetings.

Packers Trivia - Just for Fun

Now it’s time to test your knowledge of Packers / Seahawks history. Here are one or two potentially related trivia questions for you. Be sure to look for the factoid beneath the answer.

Who was head coach of the Packers before Ray Rhodes took over in 1999?

Wrong!  The answer is Mike Holmgren.

Correct!  Mike Holmgren

Mike Holmgren was head coach of the Packers from 1992 to 1998, where he won Super Bowl XXXI. He left Green Bay to become head coach of the Seattle Seahawks from 1999 to 2008. His last role in the NFL was as team President of the Cleveland Browns from 2010 to 2012.

Which team did Ron Wolf trade a first round pick in exchange for Brett Favre?

Wrong!  The answer is Atlanta Falcons.

Correct!  Atlanta Falcons

In 1992, Ron Wolf traded a first round pick for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Brett Favre. This one move changed the trajectory of the Packers for decades, restoring a championship-winning tradition absent for 3 decades. As a Jets executive the year prior, Wolf had wanted to draft Favre but missed him by one pick. As the Packers new GM, one of Wolf’s first actions was to rescue Favre, who was relegated to a third-string backup under Jerry Glanville.