Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers: The Storylines

Is there drama in Saturday's NFC divisional playoff game between the Hawks and Packers? Well, the playoffs are always dramatic. But this game packs (ha!) even more of a theatrical punch. The storylines:

Conquering Hero Returns to Site of Greatest Triumphs:
Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren was once coach of Green Bay. He got the Packers to two Super Bowls, winning one--their first championship since the departure of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. There's a street named after Holmgren near the Packers' stadium. Holmgren left Green Bay after the 1998 season because he wanted to pick his own players, a privilege that he enjoyed for only a few years in Seattle. Now, just as in Green Bay, he's just a coach.

Upstart Warrior Faces Legendary Mentor:
Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was once a backup to Packers quarterback Brett Favre. Their styles aren't too similar: Favre is the gunslinging gambler who's thrown more TD passes than any quarterback in NFL history--but also, more interceptions. Hasselbeck is more of the methodical, risk-averse type. He takes risks, but not insane ones.

Upstart Warrior Returns to Site of Greatest Embarrassment:
The Seahawks have played a playoff game in Green Bay before. In 2003, they played the Packers to a tie in regulation. After the Hawks won the coin toss before the overtime period, Hasselbeck said, loud enough for TV mikes to pick it up, "We want the ball, and we're gonna score!" The Hawks didn't score--in fact, the game ended when Hasselbeck threw an interception that the Packers' Al Harris returned for a touchdown.

The game is at 1:30 on Saturday, in Green Bay. You can watch it on FOX.