A healthy and competitive Seattle Seahawks (5-2) team will roll into M&T Bank Stadium looking to snap the Baltimore Ravens ( 6-2) three-game win streak. It will not be an easy task for the Seahawks who are near full health.
“It certainly feels like that. This week, so many guys on the practice field and guys fighting for reps, which was great. This was the first time we felt like that in a long time. “ Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll during Fridays after practice press conference. “It would be like if you came off a bye or something like that, you would feel really good. We feel like we got a big boost from the guys that are out there battling. No time like the present.”
Health is one bonus to taking on a talented, well-coached team that is fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball.
“I said it earlier in the week, this is a really challenging matchup. Even getting through the week, now we’ve done it all and done the plans in all phases, it’s still a really big challenge because these guys are so good at everything. It’s going to really call on us to be at our best, and that’s a great thing. Hopefully we’ll be able to pull this thing off and get a great win out there.”
OVERCOMING PRESSURE
If the Seahawks are to have a successful day against the Ravens the offense will need to run the ball effectively to offset the Ravens stifling pressure on quarterbacks. The Raven’s defense is ranked 12th allowing an average of 99.9 yards per game which is offset by its number three ranking in the pass game. The Ravens lead the league in sacks with 31 and are no. 6 in QB hits.
THE DEFENSE HAS TO PLAY ITS BEST GAME
Offensively the Ravens run game is ranked no. 3 and is averaging 143 yards per game. On Sunday the Seahawks will have to stop Ravens running back Gus Edwards and find a way to contain duel-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“I think the biggest thing is that. I think they put a lot on his ability to run the ball, but I think where he’s grown the most is just his ability to make the pass. I feel like he’s always been a good passer, but it’s gotten better over the years, and I think before when he used to kind of escape, he would look to run, but he’s looking to pass and he’s dangerous in the run. “ Bobby Wagner said earlier in the week. “I think he’s equally as dangerous in the pass and it’s going to be one of our tougher matchups to be able to contain him and not let him just do whatever he wants.”
CONSISTENCY WILL BE KEY
If the Seahawk’s defense can continue to bring pressure into the backfield the team’s, chances of winning the game greatly increase. In last week’s 31 to 24 wins over the Arizona Cardinals Jackson was sacked four times for minus 19 yards. The key will be to keep him in the pocket. The Seahawk’s defense has held the last four opponents to under 21 points. The one trend that needs to change is Geno Smith throwing five interceptions in the last three games.
HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPETITION
| 2023 REGULAR SEASON | SEAHAWKS | RAVENS |
| Record | 5-2 | 6-2 |
| Total Yard Gained | 2,343 | 2,806 |
| Total Offense ( NFL Rank) | 334.7(16) | 350(11) |
| Rush Offense | 107.1(19) | 143.1(3) |
| Pass offense | 227.6 (15) | 207.6 (19) |
| Points Per Game | 24.0(11) | 25.3 (7) |
| Total Yards Allowed | 2,318 | 2,212 |
| Total Defense | 331.1(160 | 276.5(2) |
| Rush Defense | 96.9 (8) | 99.9 (12) |
| Pass Defense | 234.3(22) | 176.6(3) |
| Points Allowed/ Game | 19.7 (11) | 15.1 (1) |
| Possession Avg. | 27:47 | 30:56 |
| Sacked/Yds.Lost | 14/115 | 20/106 |
| Sacks Made/Yds.Lost | 26/173 | 31/265 |
| Interceptions By | 6 | 8 |
| Penalties/Yds | 51/430 | 49/457 |
| Punts/Avg | 24/51.1 | 36/46.8 |
| Turnover Differential | +(T11) | +1(T13) |
TEAM LEADERS
2023 STAT LEADERS
| SEAHAWKS | RAVENS | |
| Rushing | Kenneth Walker III 516 (117-4.4-6) | Gus Edwards 426 (105-4.1-5) |
| Passing | Geno Smith 1,645 (22-151-9691.1) | Lamar Jackson 1,767 (227-160-9-3-101.0) |
| Receptions | Tyler Lockett 35 (370-10.6-3) | Zay Flowers 44(461-10.5-1) |
| Scoring (Non kicker) | Kenneth Walker III 36 | Mark Andrews 36 |
| Sacks | Boye Mafe 5.0 | Justin Madubuike 6.5 |
| Int | Tre Brown 2 | Geno Stone 5 |
| Punting | Michael Dickson 51.2/45.3 net (10 In 20) | Jordan Stout 48.1/39.6 net (17 In 20) |
| Kicking | Jason Myers 58 (14/18 FG,16/16 PAT) | Justin Tucker 60 (13/16 FG,21-22PAT |
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