NFL 2014 Schedule Announced; Packers vs Seahawks in Game 1

After weeks of anticipation, the 2014 NFL schedule was finally released. The opening game on Thursday night (September 4, 2014) will feature the Green Bay Packers against the defending champions Seattle Seahawks. Other premier matchups were also revealed for the first week of the new schedule, such as the Indianapolis Colts facing off against runner-up Denver Broncos.

The Packers last battled the Seahawks during the regular season on September 24, 2012, with the Packers losing 14-12. The Seahawks won by a highly controversial play later on called the "Fail Mary" touchdown during the final moments of the game. During that play, Russell Wilson made a difficult pass which was declared by replacement officials as a touchdown reception.

Mike McCarthy, coach of the Green Bay Packers, said that they will not be fazed by the upcoming game, in a report by ABC News. He said, "This game won't be about the past. It will be about the 2014 Green Bay Packers. It's the third straight season the Packers have traveled to face the defending Super Bowl champions." He added that it is a huge opportunity for the NFL team.

The Packers previously played in the opening game of the season in 2011 and they will use the experience to take advantage. As the on-the-road team, they expect challenges during the match. McCarthy plans to boost their focus while at training camp and during the preseason to improve overall play.

According to CBS Sports, the Seahawks-Packers game will be the first of four premier games during the kickoff weekend. The Denver Broncos will be up against Indianapolis on the following Sunday on September 7, 2014. The New York Giants will face the Detroit Lions on Monday night. Afterwards, the San Diego Chargers will battle Arizona Cardinals. Other highly anticipated games in the upcoming NFL season include the San Francisco 49ers versus the Chicago Bears in Week 2 andthe Miami Dolphins versus the Oakland Raiders during the London games.