I don’t want to hear about getting an opponent’s best shot. Save the injury excuses and the talk about a quieter-than-normal CenturyLink Field. If the Seahawks want to start showing this season can be more than mediocre, it starts today with a convincing and complete victory.
OFFENSE: What I want to see
- Continued commitment to the running game in the form of 25+ carries
- Christine Michael’s first explosive play
- Paul Richardson getting free behind the defense
- Continued expanding role of Kevin Norwood
- Luke Willson building on his last catch
- Russell Wilson over 8.0 yards per attempt
- At least two pass attempts over 20 yards downfield
- Over 50% on third downs
- Over 75% on red zone
The offense has the tools to be efficient and effective, but they have lost some of their explosion with the parting of Percy Harvin. Christine Michael and Paul Richardson represent the most explosive athletes left on that side of the ball. The team can be good without either one becoming a big-play threat, but the offense cannot be great without it. I’m looking forward to seeing the new 285 lb fullback as well.
DEFENSE: What I want to see
- Scoreless first series. Scoreless first quarter
- Derek Carr looking uncomfortable in the pocket, either due to pressure or lack of options
- Under 4.0 yards per carry
- A recovered fumble (for the love of all that’s holy…grab the dang ball!)
- Tharold Simon tested and triumphant
- A defensive score or the offense setup with a short field
- Kevin Pierre-Louis looking like he belongs
- No more than one drive longer than 60 yards
- Under 30% on third downs
- Over 50% on red zone
Every team went scoreless on their first drive against the Seahawks defense last year. Two of seven teams have already scored on their first drive this year. Time for that to stop.
Every team went scoreless on their first drive against the Seahawks defense last year. Two of seven teams have already scored on their first drive this year.
Defenses always play better with swagger. Seattle is in the process of trying to regain theirs. A suffocating performance against a rookie quarterback at home would help, even if nobody outside the stadium would pay much attention. The Seahawks defense needs to remember that feeling of dominance. Their last two games we good by many measures. This game needs to be good by every measure.
