The Seahawks host the Houston Texans on Sunday looking for their fourth win in a row. Who will win this matchup of exciting quarterbacks and stout defenses?
TheSeahawksface a challenge at home this week in the Houston Texans, who, at 3-3, sit in third place in a very win-able AFC South division. A road win for Houston would be a huge lift for a team that has already lost its defensive starJ.J. Wattfor the season and returns offensive tackleDuane Brownfrom a holdout this week.
The focus for the Seahawks defense will of course be on rookie quarterbackDeshaun Watson, who just may wellpossess the skillsto fight through the Legion of Boom. ReceiverDeAndre Hopkinshas resurrected himself this season after dealing with replacement-level quarterback play last season and is once again one of the better wideouts in the league. Hopkins will likely be shadowed byRichard Sherman, but look for the Texans to move Hopkins around and try to find a matchup in the Seahawks secondary Watson and company likes.
The Seahawks secondary looks better than ever with the emergence of rookie cornerbackShaquill Griffin. Griffin gave up some plays early in the year, but recently he’slooked exactly like Sherman, and not just because of the similar jersey number and the dreadlocks. In his last two games, he’s seen 19 coverage targets and allowed only 9 catches for 75 yards. He’s only allowed one touchdown in coverage all season and has batted down six passes total. The Texans will probably keep testing him to avoid Sherman.
The Texans had a scary pass rush coming into the season, but after losing both Watt andWhitney Mercilus(a perfect name for an NFL defensive end), Houston defensive coordinatorMike Vrabelwill have to mix in some blitz packages to confuse the Seahawks offensive line. Mercilus and Watt were placed on Injured Reserve after sustaining injuries on the same drive three weeks ago against Kansas City. Houston does still have former first-overall pickJadeveon Clowney, but he was mostly non-existent in the Texans’ last game against Cleveland. Look for the Seahawks to try and (finally) establish their run game against Houston. Watt was probably even more disruptive against run plays in the past, and without him,Eddie LacyandThomas Rawlscould find some running room.
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Okay, now for the elephant in the room. Houston owner Bob McNairsaid, “We can’t have the inmates running the prison,” at a meeting between some NFL owners and players this week, causing Houston players to considerboycotting practice today. Houston coachBill O’Briencame out in support of his players doing whatever they damn well please before NFL games (see the Bill of Rights, US Constitution, Amendment 1 for more information). But there still has to be some residual anger on the part of the Houston players. Be on the lookout for more Texans than normal taking a knee during the National Anthem this Sunday, joiningMichael Bennettand probably several other Seahawks.
Score Prediction:The Texans will play the Seahawks tough on the road, but in the end their injuries on the defensive line allowRussell Wilsonand the running attack to put up enough points to take over first place in the NFC West. 31-20.
Next: Seahawks Sign DE Freeney
Injury note: Seahawks centerJustin Brittwill be a game-time decision versus Houston. Glass-tendoned running backC.J. Prosiseis out.
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