NFL Week 4 Preview: Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks (1-2) are coming into their week four matchup against the Atlanta Falcons (1-2) coming off a sluggish 13-10 win against the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle’s 2011 story has been two sided. A dead offense and a strong defense. Seattle’s offenses ranks 30th in passing yards per game and 29th in rushing yards per game. On the flip side Seattle’s defense ranks in the top 15 for both passing and rushing yards per game.
Pete Carroll’s experiment with Tarvaris Jackson has been nothing short of a failure for Seattle having scored only 30 points with almost half coming from Steven Hauschka, Seattle’s kicker. Runningback Marshawn Lynch hasn’t scored touchdown and Mike Williams hasn’t had a game with more than four receptions.
Defensively the Seahawks have a strong front seven led by defensive ends Chris Clemons and Red Bryant. Seattle’s run defense has been amongst the NFL’s best and secondary is starting to catch on. Having only given up one 100 yard receiving game in three weeks shows promise as Seattle will have to contain Julio Jones and Roddy White in week four.
Gus Bradley and Pete Carroll could have a field day against a struggling Falcons offensive line that has given up 13 sacks. Seattle is one of the most creative teams when it comes to schemes and blitz packages so look for Bradley to give Matt Ryan all he can handle.
If Seattle can get to Matt Ryan they could have a chance to pull out an up-set. Atlanta hasn’t gotten any help from runningback Michael Turner this season getting just 234 yards and one touchdown out of the former All-Pro back.
On the other side Seattle’s offensive line will also have its hands full against a strong Falcons defense led by an impeccable linebacking core in Curtis Lofton and Sean Weatherperson. Defensive ends John Abraham and Ray Edwards haven’t found much success so far this season having a combined two sacks. Expect Mike Smith to get both Abraham and Edwards involved in the game and force Seattle to become one dimensional.
For Atlanta offensively Matt Ryan will have to start fast if he has any hopes of having success throughout the game. If Ryan can get Atlanta’s offense going and out to an early lead the game could be over early. Atlanta can’t afford to let Seattle’s home field advantage come into play early because if that happens it’s going to be a long, tough day for Ryan and the Falcons offense.
Here are two key matchups to watch:
Sidney Rice vs Dunta Robinson:
Rice started his first game in week three hand had an immediate impact finishing the game with eight receptions for 109 yards. While he didn’t record his first touchdown he certainly provided a spark to an anemic offense. Seattle, and especially Tarvaris Jackson, will need Rice to have another breakout game if they have any aspirations of beating Atlanta.
He’ll be matched-up with Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson who’s coming off a neck injury so look for Rice to take advantage.
John Abraham vs Russell Okung:
Left tackle Russell Okung has been learning under fire since being drafted sixth overall in 2010 and so far hasn’t done bad but will have his hands full with John Abraham. Okung is expected to take that next step this season and containing Abraham and allowing Jackson time to throw will be a major test.
Injuries will effect both teams this week with Seahawks guard Robert Gallery out with a groin injury and Falcons will be without Jason Snelling (runningback), Jonathan Babineaux (defensive tackle) and Stephen Nicholas (linebacker). Wide receiver Roddy White is questionable but expect to play.
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons 24, Seattle Seahawks 10.
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