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
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
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
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
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
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.
