Defense, Rodgers lead Pack

Go-ahead touchdown set up by strip sack; Seattle held to 3 FGs.

GREEN BAY, WIS. — Green Bay defensive lineman Mike Daniels’ strip sack of Russell Wilson deep in Seattle territory in the third quarter set up Ty Montgomery’s 6-yard touchdown run on the next play to spark the Packers’ 17-9 win on Sunday.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 28 of 42 for 311 yards and added a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson to make it an eight-point game late in the third quarter.

Rodgers’ regular-season streak of passes without an interception ended at a career-high 251. The Seahawks defense reinforced by the return of safety Earl Thomas bottled up receivers from making many big plays and put plenty of pressure on Rodgers.

But the Packers started denting Seattle with runs or quick passes to Nelson, Randall Cobb and Montgomery in the second half, chewing up clock in the process. A 12-play, 53-yard drive that took up more than 5 minutes ended with Mason Crosby’s 40-yard field goal with 8:01 left to make it a two-score game.

Green Bay’s defense had an even better debut, especially considering how maligned it was

against the pass last season. Seattle managed just three field goals.

Ejected: Seattle cornerback Jeremy Lane was ejected after referee John Parry said he threw a punch during a scrum with Packers receiver Davante Adams.

The tussle occurred around the Packers 30 during a play in which Nazair Jones intercepted Rodgers in the first quarter. It was Rodgers’ first interception since Nov. 13, 2016, at Tennessee.

Tensions were already high. Rodgers was picking on Lane in the secondary, with Cobb whistled for taunting following a catch while being defended by Lane.

National anthem: Seattle defensive end Michael Bennett sat again during the national anthem. On the other sideline, younger brother Martellus Bennett, a tight end for the Packers, stood at the end of the line next to his teammates, but raised his right fist during the anthem.

Michael Bennett last week released a statement alleging racially motivated excessive force by Las Vegas police.

Seattle offensive lineman Justin Britt stood by Bennett again during his anthem protest. Defensive linemen Frank Clark and Cliff Avril went back to shake hands with Bennett during the anthem, then joined him on the bench.

Injuries: Green Bay linebacker Ahmad Brooks left with a concussion.

MIKE ROEMER / ASSOCIATED PRESS Ty Montgomery scores on a 6-yard run in the third quarter as Green Bay takes a 7-3 lead. The touchdown came one play after Green Bay defensive lineman Mike Daniels strip sacked Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson deep in Seahawks territory.