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NFL Seattle Seahawks

Creating Turnovers Will Be Crucial For Seattle Seahawks’ Playoff Run

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Byron Maxwell Seattle Seahawks Interception

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“It’s all about the ball.” If anyone has watched a Pete Carroll press conference, chances are they have heard the Seattle Seahawks‘ head coach say these words. Translation: the key to winning the game is winning the turnover battle. It means creating takeaways on defense and limiting giveaways on offense. The Seahawks have been one of the best teams in the NFL at turnover differential, and Carroll’s philosophy has helped generate wins. Seattle is 30-6 when they have the advantage in the turnover ratio since Carroll became head coach in 2010.

The philosophy was essential to the team’s success last year that ended with a Super Bowl victory in February. The Seahawks led the league with a plus-20 turnover ratio in 2013. However, the ball has not rolled in Seattle’s favor this season as much as last year, as they have only accomplished a plus-6 turnover ratio in 2014. While that’s still good for eighth in the league, it’s not up to Carroll’s or the team’s standards.

The Seahawks have the toughest schedule left of any team in the league. Additionally, three of Seattle’s five remaining opponents have a higher turnover differential. It will incredibly vital for the Seahawks to win the turnover battle in each of their games if they want to make a playoff run. At 7-4, the team is right in the mix for a Wild Card spot and is not yet out of the running for a division title.

The Seahawks have taken care of the ball about as well as last year, but the defense has been unable to create turnovers. However, the takeaways have started to come in recent weeks. That trend will need to continue for a team that depends on it.

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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