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Packers vs. Seahawks: Controversial Referee Decision Gives Seattle a 14-12 Win
September 25, 2012
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Green Bay Packers 14-12 on an incredible desperation throw from Russell Wilson as time expired, but it didn't come without controversy.
Golden Tate hauled in his second score of the night after pushing off a defender. The referees reviewed the final play, but failed to make the correct call.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen gave his thoughts following the controversial finish:
Maybe that will get negotiations jumpstarted again
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 25, 2012
Mortensen's sentiment is echoed by this telling statement on Bleacher Report's Twitter feed:
What just happened?!?! The replacement refs calling it both ways. twitter.com/BleacherReport…
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 25, 2012
It's one thing to make a bad call, but at least agree on it as a crew. If you thought controversy regarding the NFL's replacement referees was hot before, just wait. This takes the cake.
Here, you be the judge:
Regardless of the questionable finish, Seattle won the game.
Scoring-wise, the first two quarters were uneventful. The Packers punted the ball on all five of their possessions, and Seattle didn't take a 7-0 lead until Russell Wilson connected with Golden Tate with 6:29 remaining in the second frame.
Green Bay's failure to score in the game's first 30 minutes had one culprit: The Seahawks brought down Aaron Rodgers for eight sacks. Chris Clemons had four by himself—in the second quarter. The Seahawks spoke to Clemons' first half via Twitter:
The 4.0 sacks by @chrisclemons91 ties a franchise single-game record set by Jacob Green, Michael Sinclair, Michael McCrary, and Darryl Tapp.
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 25, 2012
The pressure they were able to put on the Packers' signal-caller was ferocious and consistent, leaving him no room to feel comfortable in the pocket. He was able to make a few plays with his legs, but Pete Carroll's bunch kept him bottled up and helpless.
So helpless that he didn't even need Seattle's help to go to the ground:
Rodgers almost put his team on the board about halfway through the third quarter. He was able to keep a 3rd-and-5 alive with his feet before Donald Driver dropped his rocket pass in the back of the end zone. Mason Crosby hit a 29-yard field goal to put the game at 7-3, but that's one the Packers would like to have back.
Even without the score, possessing the ball for half of the third quarter was a good thing for Green Bay. Their defense turned in a solid series after Crosby's field goal, turning momentum in their direction ever so slightly.
Seattle doesn't play pretty, but they beat you up. From their self-dubbed "Legion of Boom" secondary to their tenacious front seven, their defense is the real deal.
Rodgers finished the game 26-of-39 for 223 yards. He didn't toss a touchdown, but his offensive line gave him very little to work with for most of the game. Bouncing back and controlling the second half was a tall task, but that's why Rodgers is who he is.
The Seahawks offense couldn't give their defense any help, and that was almost their downfall. Their attack was non-existent for the most part, but it luckily didn't lead to a loss.
Rookie quarterback Wilson finished 10-of-21 for 130 yards and two scores. He didn't turn the ball over, keeping his team in the game from tape to tape.
Marshawn Lynch had 98 yards on 25 carries. He picked up a few huge runs on the game's final drives, helping his team earn this nail-biting victory.
Low-scoring games are no longer commonplace in the NFL. Monday night's contest was refreshing, until Seattle's Hail Mary pass. No game should end like that, but Seattle will take the win any day of the week.
If you watched Monday night's game, you'll remember this one for a very long time.