NFL Seattle Seahawks

Pressuring Eli Manning Is Key To Seattle Seahawks’ Week 10 Win

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The Seattle Seahawks (5-3) and New York Giants (3-5) have both had up-and-down years going into Sunday’s matchup in Seattle. While neither team leads their division, the season is only halfway over and a lot can change in the last eight weeks. The Seahawks are favored in this game, but if they want to avoid an upset, they’ll need to stop a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Eli Manning.

The Giants have struggled as of late, losing three straight. But Manning is not the reason, as he is enjoying one of his better years. The 11-year veteran has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns to only five interceptions. With star receiver Victor Cruz out for the rest of the year, rookie Odell Beckham Jr. and tight end Larry Donnell have emerged as the most dangerous threats for the Giants’ signal-caller. The one thing Manning doesn’t do well is evading defenders when the pocket collapses. Fortunately for him, the Seahawks have had a hard time getting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks for the majority of the year. In recent weeks, however, Seattle’s pass rush has gotten going at times.

The fact is Manning typically performs poorly when opposing defenses pressure him, as do most pure pocket-passing quarterbacks. So if the trio of Bruce Irvin, Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril can get in the backfield and make Manning uncomfortable, it’s hard to see the Giants being able to move the ball effectively. On the flip side, if the Seahawks are unable to pressure New York’s quarterback, the defense could be on the field a lot on Sunday.

Manning is perfectly capable of tearing apart Seattle’s secondary if he gets in a rhythm. He tends to be a streaky player, so it’s important keep him off balance. It’s the job of Seattle’s pass rush to keep him off his rhythm by dialing up creative blitzes that he won’t recognize at the line. If they do their job, the Seahawks should win this game. If they don’t, the Giants may be able to outscore the defending champions.

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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