The Seahawks take on Washington at home on Sunday with a slight edge over the Rams for the NFC West division lead. How willRussell Wilsonand company fare against Washington’s defense?
The Seahawks offense, despite no running attack, had its best game of the season in itsepic shootout with Houstonlast week. Russell Wilson put the team on his back, using his arm and his legs to will Seattle to victory. His receivers made plays downfield, sure, but it was Wilson’s game and he was up to the task.
For an encore, Wilson and company will face a good defense in decline with Washington coming in suffering frominjury problemsand losses in three of their past four games.
Through the first four weeks, Washington looked like a complete defense, but injuries to Matt Ioannidis,Bashaud Breeland,Montae Nicholson,Mason Foster, andJonathan Allenhave taken their toll.
Star cornerbackJosh Normanand edge rusherRyan Kerriganare both healthy for Washington, providing matchup problems for the Seahawks still-adjusting offensive line and wide receivers. D.J. Swearinger, the best safety Washington has had since the late Sean Taylor, will also play. Expect Darrell Bevell to move go-to guys likeDoug BaldwinandTyler Lockettaround to avoid coverage by Norman, who will primarily stick to his side of the field, much like how the Seahawks keepRichard Shermanon one side.
More fromEmerald City Swagger
- Seattle Seahawks: To rest or not to rest, that is the question
- Washington State Football: What you need to know for 2018 Alamo Bowl
- Washington Basketball: 3 takeaways from Huskies win over Sacramento St.
- Seattle Seahawks: 12s still waiting to exhale
- Seattle Seahawks: 4 Takeaways from 26-23 Loss to the 49ers
Washington has also struggled against scrambling quarterbacks this season, dropping games to Kansas City’sAlex Smithand Dallas’Dak Prescott. Bevell has gotten away from option plays for Wilson, but expect Russell to tuck and run for at least a few first downs on Sunday.
Another interesting matchup will be new starting left tackleDuane Brownagainst Kerrigan, Junior Galette, and the rest of Washington’s defensive line. It will be interesting to see if Washington coach Kyle Shanahan and his offensive staff attempt to send edge rushers or even blitzers at Brown or possibly around the other side, where they might have better matchups againstGermain Ifediat right tackle. Once again, despite facing a banged-up defense, the Seahawks o-line will have its hands full, even withBrown now in the fold.
Next: Seahawks Week 8 Round-Up
This profiles as a game the Seahawks should win at home, but look for Washington’s defense to keep Seattle close.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations