Sunday, November 26, 2006

Facing Another Angry Team...on Their Turf

Last week, the Pack had to face -- at home -- an angry Patriots team which was coming off two straight losses. The result: an embarrassing Packers' loss. Monday night, the Pack has to face a Seahawks team -- away -- coming off an embarrassing loss to San Francisco. Not only that, but starting QB Matt Hasselback returns from five weeks off due to his MCL injury. RB Shaun Alexander also returns to help give the Seahawks a boost.

The Pack, on the other hand, go into the game with QB Brett Favre at less than 100 percent. According to what the coaches are saying, Brett's passing feel is back following the injury to his elbow. But who knows? Combine that with his aching ankles and sore groin and...? In the past, Brett usually followed a poor performance or injury with a great game. Let's hope that pattern continues Monday night. Right tackle Mark Tauscher is still out and Chad Clifton will play, but also is not 100 percent. Linebacker Nick Barnett is out with his broken hand, despite thoughts earlier in the week that he'd be able to play with a "club" on the hand. Nope. Maybe next week. Abdul Hodge gets the start in his place, and he himself is just coming back off injury. Defensive lineman Aaron Kampman is doubtful as well.

What this all translates into is a 9-point spread in favor of Seattle as of this writing. The Pack needs a win to stay in second place in the NFC North, or they fall behind the ViQueens. All things considered, the Pack should beat the spread. But a win may be harder to come by.