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K.J. Wright Will Be X-Factor For Seattle Seahawks In Week 8

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K.J. Wright Seattle Seahawks

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Seattle Seahawks starting middle linebacker Bobby Wagner was having a terrific 2014 season before going down with a turf toe injury in a Week 6 home loss to the Dallas Cowboys. With Wagner out, K.J. Wright has slid inside from his usual outside linebacker spot. He had a solid game last week when he recorded nine tackles in a loss to the St. Louis Rams. It will be essential for the fill-in middle linebacker to have a good game in Sunday’s tilt with the Carolina Panthers (3-3-1) if the Seahawks want to come away with a road win. Wright has plenty of experience as he’s started at outside linebacker for the Seahawks since he was drafted in 2011. He will be Seattle’s x-factor on defense in Week 8 as they look to get their first win in three games, and there are a couple reasons why his presence is important.

One of the first things that a defense has to do when they play the Panthers is to control quarterback Cam Newton. Newton is one of the most athletic and dynamic signal-callers in the NFL, and he’s capable of single-handedly taking over a game with his arm or his legs. The Seahawks have done a good job of containing him the last two meetings against Carolina and have limited his impact on each game. But that was with Wagner starting inside, so Wright will have big shoes to fill this weekend. It’s vital that Wright stays disciplined and keeps track of Newton throughout the day. The winner of that matchup may well win Sunday’s game.

Another thing that Wright will have to do well is cover the middle of the field. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, his lanky frame allows him to cover tight ends, though he’s struggled in that area a bit this year. He’ll have a tough job on Sunday covering Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, who is one of the best at his position and one of Newton’s favorite targets. Olsen leads his team in receiving and he’s a solid route runner with great hands, so Wright will have to be at his best if he wants to win this matchup.

The Seahawks’ defense has had some holes this season, particularly in the middle of the field, so Wright’s success this week could go a long way towards restoring confidence in this team. Replacing Wagner is no easy task, as he’s become one of the better middle linebackers in the league. But if anyone on Seattle’s roster can do it, it’s certainly K.J. Wright.

Connor Frederickson is a Seattle Seahawks Writer for www.RantSports.com. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @cfredrun or add him to your network on Google.

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