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The Seattle Seahawks head out to Atlanta to face the Falcons this week. Seattle comes into this matchup tied with the Los Angeles Rams at 9-3 for first in the NFC West, but the Rams currently hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Seahawks enter this game following a dominating defensive performance last week against the Minnesota Vikings, where they intercepted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer four times.
The Falcons are in the midst of a weird season and come into this game with a 4-8 record. They had a huge Week 6 Monday Night win over the Buffalo Bills but have also been shut out 30-0 by the Carolina Panthers, and they’re coming off a loss to the New York Jets. They lost quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the season two weeks ago, and he’s been replaced by Kirk Cousins, the man they paid $180 million to in free agency last offseason. They’re also expected to be without star receiver Drake London for the third week in a row.
For the Seahawks, they are finally starting to get healthy, as safety Julian Love practiced Wednesday for the first time since being placed on injured reserve in Week 9. It’s still uncertain whether he will play this week, but if he does, it will be a huge boost to this Seahawks defense.
As good as the Seahawks’ defense played last game, it overshadowed the offense’s struggles. I mentioned it in my recap, but the pass protection was not up to par at all. It was also the first game in which the offense struggled to get the ball to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but I don’t see that being an issue this game or moving forward.
A lot has been made of Seattle not being able to get the ball to Rashid Shaheed. Shaheed was acquired at the trade deadline to help open up this offense and be a deep threat, but so far he has more rushing attempts than receptions. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak used him a lot in New Orleans, so it is a bit surprising that he hasn’t been able to get Shaheed the ball now. Perhaps this is the game he breaks out in a Seahawks jersey.
As always, here are my three keys for a Seahawks win.
Stop Bijan Robinson
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said earlier this year that their offensive game plan revolves around giving Bijan Robinson the ball, and they do, in many different ways. Robinson lines up in the slot, the backfield, out wide, you name it. Robinson is one of the premier running backs in the NFL and can beat you with both his rushing and receiving ability. Especially if Drake London is out, expect Robinson to be the focus of the passing game as well. The Seahawks are going to have their hands full with Robinson and will need to contain him in order to win.
Protect Sam Darnold
As I previously mentioned, the Seahawks’ pass protection was horrible last week, and their job doesn’t get any easier against the Falcons’ defensive line. Atlanta has the third-most sacks this year, and the Seahawks must limit that to win. Darnold was sacked four times last week, and it easily could have been more. Protecting Darnold and keeping drives alive is an absolute must against the Falcons.
Execute in the red zone
Jason Myers just won Special Teams Player of the Month. That’s great for Myers, but it also means the Seahawks are kicking a lot of field goals. This has been a point in multiple game previews, and until it stops being an issue, it’s going to continue to be mentioned. The Seahawks’ offense is too talented to keep stalling out in the red zone without getting the ball into the end zone. I really hope this is the last time I have to say this, but END DRIVES WITH SIX POINTS, NOT THREE!
I expect the Seahawks’ defense to carry their momentum into Atlanta by pressuring Cousins and forcing turnovers. I’m still a bit skeptical about the offense, but I think they’ll be good enough to get past the Falcons.
Score prediction: Seattle Seahawks 28, Atlanta Falcons 13
We are in the home stretch of the season, and every game matters especially if you’re in a tight playoff race like the Seahawks. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. this Sunday in Atlanta.
