Packers jump out to early 7-0 lead on Seahawks after Matthews’ forced fumble

Clay Matthews has had a quiet season for the Green Bay Packers, but he made arguably the biggest play of his season on the first play from scrimmage in Thursday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Matthews’ forced turnover led directly to a Packers touchdown, giving them a 7-0 lead just 1:14 into the game.

On first-and-ten following Mason Crosby’s opening kickoff, Russell Wilson handed off to Chris Carson, who ran over the right side of the Seahawks’ offensive line. Clay Matthews made a diving strip on the football, knocking it onto the ground where Tramon Williams was able to scoop it up.

It only took three plays from the 30-yard line for the Packers to take the lead. On first down, Aaron Rodgers ran a bootleg to the left and hit an uncovered Jimmy Graham on a cross for a 13-yard gain. An 8-yard cutback run by Aaron Jones set up a second-and-two. Rodgers tossed to Jones off right end, and he scampered untouched into the end zone for an eight-yard touchdown.

Following that play, the Packers’ defense then forced a three-and-out on the Seahawks’ second drive. Stay tuned for further updates here at APC.