Seattle Seahawks: To rest or not to rest, that is the question
The Seattle Seahawks have their playoff position set as they head into the 2018 regular season finale. Should they rest some of their starters for the game?
Sunday the Seattle Seahawks face the lowly Arizona Cardinals to close out the 2018 regular season. With the NFC’s fifth seed locked down and a playoff game looming against Dallas, I guess the question would be should the Seahawks rest the starters for this game? They already know that they are facing the Cowboys at Jerry World next weekend. In effect, this game is meaningless in the standings.
This 12 thinks Seattle should most definitely sit running back Cris Carson. Over the last few weeks, number 32 has gotten the bulk of the workload and has shown that he is a little banged up, so he would benefit from taking this week’s game in as a spectator. The Seahawks should feature J.D. McKissic for most of the game and maybe even give Rashaad Penny some carries.
As far as the rest of the offense goes Doug Baldwin needs rest this game as he has been dealing with some lingering injuries. Russell Wilson should start the game and at least play into the third quarter (unless he is getting hit early and often) before he is pulled for Brett Hundley. Then there is the offensive line. The line should be starting because they will have hungry pass rushers coming after Wilson. This will give them a preview of a much improved defensive line Dallas is sporting as of late.
On the defensive side of the ball for the Seattle Seahawks. K.J. Wright should sit this game because they will need him next week. Besides, Austin Calitro has played fairly well in his place most of the season. Bobby Wagner will start, that is just his work ethic. Shaquill Griffin will be facing Christian Kirk from Arizona, consider it additional prep time to get ready for the Dallas Cowboys receiving crew, especially Amari Cooper. You can never have too many man coverage reps.
So it is my opinion that most of the Seahawks first team on both sides of the ball should start this game to keep their momentum going.
Next. 12s still waiting to exhale. dark
As we have seen in the past, it doesn’t always go well for NFL teams that sit their players because they have locked up a playoff spot. That strategy seems to mess with their timing. Not to mention they become rusty at the basic fundamentals of the game. By the time the starters get everything figured out, it’s too late. It’s my opinion that most of the starters start in this game unless things get a little bit too chippy between the teams.