Packers Edge Seahawks in Final Preseason Tune-Up Before Lions Showdown

The Green Bay Packers concluded their exhibition slate with a decisive 20-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, drawing 71,819 fans to Lambeau Field in a match that would have fans familiar with the greenbay meme energy—calm, controlled, and focused on the task ahead. With the roster deadline looming Tuesday at 3 p.m., Green Bay now pivots toward its Week 1 confrontation against Detroit on September 7, where the stakes shift dramatically from preseason experiments to genuine NFL competition.

Opening Dominance Sets Tone

The Packers wasted little time establishing control. Their opening possession itself showcased Green Bay’s command of the field—compiling six first downs and amassing 100 total yards in just the first quarter. The numbers told a lopsided story: Green Bay ran 20 offensive plays while Seattle managed only nine. The Seahawks’ output was anemic by comparison, managing a single first down and negative-3 passing yards.

This early onslaught reflected the Packers’ sharp preparation, even with eight preferred starters—including starter quarterback Jordan Love—sitting out the game. Malik Willis orchestrated the offense in Love’s absence, while Seattle deployed backup No. 3 quarterback Jalen Milroe for all quarterbacking duties with all of its starters held out.

Breakthrough Performances Define the Victory

Second-year linebacker Tyron Hopper emerged as the defensive star, producing a multi-impact performance that caught the attention of linebackers coach Sean Duggan. On consecutive Seattle possessions, Hopper forced critical turnovers. His blitz up the middle allowed Brenton Cox to strip-sack Milroe, recovered by end Kingsley Enagbare. Moments later, as Milroe crossed the goal line on fourth-and-goal, Hopper punched the ball free again, with cornerback Kevin King recovering.

“It’s a lot to do with confidence,” Duggan noted. “He knows what he’s supposed to do, he knows where he’s supposed to fit. He’s a big, physical guy who plays faster and more free now. When he hits you, he’s going to knock you back.”

Hopper capped his dominant showing with a sack for minus-3 yards on fourth-and-2.

The Packers’ offensive execution shined during a 14-play, 96-yard touchdown march punctuated by Willis’s mobility. Running the read-option effectively, Willis gained 6 yards on a critical fourth-and-2 conversion, then escaped linebacker Drake Thomas for a 13-yard gain. Willis finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs.

Rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden showcased his potential with a sensational 39-yard reception, working against cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett on an underthrown Willis pass. Golden adjusted downfield and made a spectacular catch at ground level—the kind of athletic play that suggests depth at the position.

Green Bay’s defensive line generated consistent pressure, totaling five sacks. Linebacker Quay Walker disrupted Seattle’s opening drive immediately, while defensive end Deslin Alexandre added a 4-yard sack. The front seven’s overall effectiveness forced three Milroe fumbles and dictated tempo throughout.

Offensive Stalls and Coverage Lapses

Not everything proceeded flawlessly. Willis’s opening possession ended poorly when he threw into triple coverage down the seam intended for Malik Heath, with safety Ty Okada intercepting the underthrown pass—a decision that reflected poor field vision rather than execution failure.

Green Bay’s offensive rhythm collapsed in the third quarter, managing just one first down and 20 total yards. This lull suggested the need for continued refinement in situational football and play-calling consistency.

On defense, cornerback Corey Ballentine—competing for his roster spot—surrendered an 18-yard touchdown reception to wideout Cody White, a coverage breakdown that coaching staff will certainly address during final roster evaluations.

Health Concerns Cloud the Victory

The win carried a concerning moment when Seattle wide receiver and punt returner Jake Bobo and Packers cornerback Tyler Hall collided catastrophically on a Green Bay punt. Whelan’s short punt forced Bobo to venture upfield, where Hall was blocking downfield against Corey Ballentine. The two players struck each other hard; both remained prone for several minutes before departing. Bobo eventually jogged off, while Hall limped away with an apparent right leg injury—an unsettling visual regardless of preseason context.

Supporting Contributions

Will Sheppard added a 3-yard touchdown reception from Taylor Elgersma. Corey Ballentine recovered a fumbled punt despite his later coverage issues. Punter Daniel Whelan averaged 57.5 yards per punt, suggesting reliability in that special teams department.

The Packers’ comprehensive approach—rotating depth, evaluating roster candidates, and executing core systems—provided sufficient answers with one meaningful question remaining: Can Detroit be slowed after the September 7 kickoff?