Seattle Seahawks: 3 Keys to Beating the Atlanta Falcons

By Nick Lee | Jan 13, 2017

Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 4

Dec 4, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) breaks through Carolina Panthers defenders during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Rush for at least 100 yards

The map for success for the last several years for Seattle has clearly been to pound the defense with the run game. We saw that come to fruition with their undressing of the Detroit Lions last week.

The Seahawks are 4-2 this season when running for 100 yards or more. They have shown that can win without much of a run game if need be.

Two examples are the 33 rushing yards they gained in the win vs. the Buffalo Bills and the 66 yards against the New York Jets. However, this is not the preferred way to win games, especially in the playoffs.

History shows that a strong run game travels better than a pass-first attack. However, this will be in the comfy Georgia Dome, so we could see just about anything offensively.

If the Seahawks want to control this game, it will be by feeding Thomas Rawls at least 15 times – Seattle is 3-0 this season and 8-1 overall when Rawls gets 15 carries or more. They will hopefully get to at least 100 yards and open up the rest of the offense.

Home/Seattle Seahawks