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 /

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Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second half of an NFL football game at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 14-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Avoid a slow start

The Seahawks have gotten into a bad habit this season of starting slow and letting their opponent get some early momentum. That will spell doom against an explosive offense like Atlanta’s.

If the Seahawks have to try and keep up by ditching their run game, this game will be over. They cannot afford to fall behind by multiple scores.

Seattle has trailed at halftime five times this season and are 0-4-1, but avoiding a slow start applies to both sides of the ball. The defense can’t let the Falcons get points early and the offense can’t sputter in their first few drives.

The Seahawks had to battle back from slow starts several times, including their last regular season game against the 49ers. I guarantee you the Falcons will have a better offense than San Francisco.

Seattle has zero passing touchdowns in the first quarter all season. That may need to change if they have visions of an NFC title game.

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