The Hawks Nest: Seahawks Preview
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by SSreporters
Hard to believe this game is only 3 days away. If the Seahawks can win this, they are in great shape. They will have the stumbling 49ers at Qwest on November 12th, the hapless Chicago Bears on November 18th, and the currently JV league St. Louis Sheep on the 25th.
Matchup:
Seattle Seahawks @ Cleveland Browns
Where: Paul Brown Stadium
When: No one gives a damn if the Colts are playing at 1:15 PM PST
Why: Because the NFL said so.
TV: FOX
Commentators: Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan
When the Seahawks Have to Pass: In all likelihood, Matt Hasselbeck will have his starting receivers in Deion Branch and DJ Hackett back after their recent injuries. Look for the Hawks to utilize that 4 receiver set, with Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch, and either DJ Hackett or Ben Obomanu. Hasselbeck has thrown 11 TD's with just 6 interceptions (2 of them were dropped passes) so far. Also, notice the Hawks are using the fullback or halfback screen pass more often, and get this, it's actually working!!!! Maybe that's how Shaun Alexander can get yards. Another key is Leonard Weaver, who is also dangerous on the screens.
When the Seahawks Have to Run: The good news, the Browns defense sucks to 238 levels, the bad news, Shaun Alexander still can't run. Not a problem when you can use Maurice Morris, the speedster, and Leonard Weaver, the power runner for Seattle. The one problem for Seattle, is their constant retarded 4th and 1 stretch play. Coach Walrus must start using Matt for QB sneaks, it can't kill him. It's 36 inches!
Key offensive player: Matt Hasselbeck. If he can't go, the offense is crapola.
When the Seahawks are on defense:
- Stop the friggin 3rd and 78 plays. Jim Mora and defensive coordinator John Marshall must be out of this world if you either play your safeties 20 yards down the field, when you know there are some tackling problems, or continue to get caught by draw plays to the running back. That's the biggest flaw in their defense, and it virtually cost them the last 2 losses.
- Contain Derek Anderson. He's big, he's strong, and he's mobile. Last time a QB faced Seattle who had all 3 attributes, they messed up and lost 21-0 to the Steelers. Anderson seems to have months to throw back there, and the Hawks are one of the top sack leaders in the league this year. Expect Julian Peterson to make a large impact on that offensive line.
- Stop the run. They haven't won a single game in which one running back had for at least 90 yards. If they take out the run, then the DB's can concentrate on coverage, instead of stopping RB's from going 60 yards.
- Contain the receivers. They've done a very good job with that so far, but Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Joe Jurevicious (former Seahawk may I add), are top guns.
Key defensive players: Julian Peterson and Marcus Trufant. Both men have had great seasons, and they need to continue their performance.
Special Teams Player: Kick the ball to Nate, he will score from 98.
I'll be back tomorrow with a Browns preview and a final prediction.
