Previewing Seahawks game with the Patriots.

The Seahawks will travel east for their first big road trip of the year when they take in the New England Patriots. Both franchises have changed coaches, are under new regimes, and have a chance to start the season 2-0  with a win on Sunday.

SIMILAR  IDENTITIES

 Both teams used a bruising ground game and tenacious defense to record a week one victory. The Patriots ‘ Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 120 yards and scored a touchdown on 25 rushing attempts. Ken Walker also eclipsed the century mark, rushing for 103 yards and scoring a touchdown on 20 carries.

DEFENSIVE PRESSURE

Both teams ‘ interior defensive lines played a critical role in their wins.  Keion  White had  2.5 tackles for the Patriots, while the Seahawks’ Leonard Williams had four quarterback hits and two tackles.

THE DEFENSIVE LINE CONTINUES ITS SUPERIOR PLAY.

Against the Broncos, the Seahawks interior, which includes Byron Murphy III, Jarran Reed, Leonard Williams, and edge rushers  Dre’mont Jones and  Boye Mafe, was rated as the fifth unit in week one by Pro Football Focus with a 73.0 score. Above the Seahawks defensive line were the Las Vegas Raiders #4  ( 75.9), Los Angeles Charges #3 ( 76.4), Detroit Lions #2 (85.0), and Pittsburgh Steelers at No.1 with an 89.5 score.

DISCIPLINES PRESSURE

   In addition to Williams’ big numbers was the play of  Derick Hall, who had two quarterback hits, and Tyrel Dodson, who was all over the field as a linebacker.   More impressively was Boye  Mafe, who had one sack and two quarterback hits.

  If the defensive line and linebackers can continue to create pressure up front against the Patriots’ run game and make it one-dimensional, the Seahawks will stand a perfect chance of winning. In their win over the Bengals, the Patriots rushed for 170 yards. Rhamondre Stevens had most of the rush yards, with 25 carriers for  120 yards and one touchdown.


A CLEAN START ON OFFENSE

While it is improbable that the Seahawks could start any worse than they did against the Broncos, another sloppy start by the offense would make life difficult against a well-disciplined Patriots team.  A clean start means good run blocking and passing blocking by the offensive line.  A  clean start by the offensive line would give Geno Smith time to get the ball to  DK Metcalf and Jaxson Smith-Njigba. The two combined for five receptions for 48 yards and zero touchdowns. Tyler Lockett was the only Seahawks wide receiver to record over five catches in the game.

ZACH CHARBONNET FACTOR

Running back Ken Walker III did not practice all week and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game. All week, the coaches and players were adamant about their confidence in Zach Charbonnet if Walker III could not play. Charbonnett had eight carries for just eight yards but did manage to find the endzone on a 30-yard reception. Charbonnet’s ability to run inside and outside is similar to WalkerIII. His ability to catch the ball in the flat brings an extra dimension.

HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPETITION

2024 REGULAR SEASONSEAHAWKSPATRIOTS
Record1-01-0
Total Yard Gained304290
Total Offense ( NFL Rank)304.0 (15)290.0 (19)
Rush Offense146.0 (9)170.0 (6)
Pass offense158.0 (20)120.(30)
Points Per Game26.0 (T13016.0 (27)
Total Yards Allowed231.0224.0
Total Defense231.0 (6)224.0 (3)
Rush Defense99.0 (12)70.0 (3)
Pass Defense 133.0 (4)154.0 (12)
Points Allowed/ Game20.0 ( T12)10.0 ( T2)
Possession  Avg.28:4634:03
Sacked/Yds.Lost2/131/1
Sacks Made/Yds.Lost2/63/10
Interceptions By20
Penalties/Yds6/415/40
Punts/Avg5/48.25/50.0
Turnover Differential+1)T9)+2( T3)
   

2024 STAT LEADERS


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