For the first time in a month, the Seahawks have a legitimate shot to win a football game. That might be surprising to read, knowing the defending NFC champs are coming to town and the Seahawks are nursing a four-game losing streak. What you may not know is the Eagles have a defense that actually ranks lower than the highway known as the Seahawks defense.

They allow more points (28th in the NFL), a higher passer rating (30th), fewer sacks (21st in sack rate), more 3rd down conversions (dead last, 32nd), more red zone conversions (30th), and so on. Pete Carroll may have played the long game in letting assistant Sean Desai leave Seattle for Philadelphia this offseason just for this moment of revival.

The Eagles have allowed 33+ points in their last three games. Their pass defense ahs been a challenge for much of the year, but their run defense has fallen apart lately. They have allowed 138+ rushing yards in each of their last four games after allowing only one team to rush for over 100 yards in their first nine games.

Seattle, meanwhile, has found something on offense the last two weeks. They only scored 16 points against the 49ers, but that total would have been higher with Geno Smith at the helm. They are getting rid of the ball more quickly and finding ways to involve D.K. Metcalf more explosively. They put up 35 points against a Cowboys defense that allowed just six points to the Eagles offense.

They will need the offense to put up points in this game to win, and they should have a chance to do that. The Seattle defense has been hemorrhaging yards and points, and faces another powerful offense this week. Jalen Hurts and crew have not been as productive lately, scoring 21 points or fewer in three of the last four games. Nobody will mistake the Seattle defense for the Cowboys, 49ers, or Chiefs. Still, I like the odds here of the Seahawks defense responding to being called out by Pete Carroll and possibly changing some personnel. They will need their best player in Devon Witherspoon, whose availability is in question.

If Smith and Witherspoon are available, Seattle has a good shot to win this game. If they are not, the odds swing to the Eagles.

The way this works: Each offense will be pitted against the opposing defense and compared on an array of key statistical attributes based on their respective rank in the NFL. The tables that follow show the rank of each unit for each of these categories. 

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Seahawks Offense vs Eagles Defense

Eagles key advantages on defense

The Eagles have a talented defensive line, with good rushers on the edge and strong interior players. They have not, though, been as dominant as either the 49ers or Cowboys in pressuring the passer. They have been great against the run until recently, and Seattle has struggled to get anything going on the ground.

Seahawks key advantages on offense

The Eagles secondary has struggled. They traded for Kevin Byard, a Pro Bowl safety, but it has not solved the problem. Their corners, a strength last season, have become punching bags among Eagles fans. Metcalf has had some huge games against the Eagles in past years. He could have another if Smith is able to play. Seattle has climbed to 6th in the NFL in explosive passes, and the Eagles are 31st in defending big plays through the air.

Eagles Offense vs Seahawks Defense

Eagles key advantages on offense

Philly can attack a defense in multiple ways. They have been less effective on the ground than in recent years. Part of that is due to Jalen Hurts nursing some sort of knee injury. Still, their offensive line is among the best in football. They often go for it on 4th down and are the best short yardage team in the league. Seattle will need to be excellent on 1st and 2nd down to have a chance of getting off the field.

A.J. Brown has been one of the best receivers in football this year. Don’t be surprised if Seattle looks to Michael Jackson to try and matchup as he is the more physical corner on the roster.

Seahawks key advantages on defense

Hurts has a tendency to hold onto the ball for too long and take sacks. Seattle has the corners to make Hurts delay his release and allow the rush to get home.

Special Teams

Outside of kicking field goals, Seattle has an advantage on special teams.

Be sure to tune into Real Hawk Talk Wednesday night!

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