Having found their winning ways against the Atlanta Falcons in last week’s 34-14 victory, the Seahawks are looking to replicate a reap offense against the 5-2 Buffalo Bills. Here are some keys for the Seahawks to make it two consecutive wins.
MICHAEL JERRELL NEEDS ANOTHER REPEAT PERFORMANCE
Rookie Michael Jerrell started his first game in the NFL at correct tackle and held his win. Pro football focus gave Jerrell an overall grade of 50.9. Of the two grades, his pass blocking ( 58.3) was better than his run block grade (52.1). Jerrell received an A grade. In comparison, teammate Charles Cross was given a grade of 85.0. Yes, there is a wide gap between the two, but one is beginning his NFL journey while he is considered one of the best at his position. Against the Falcons, several of Ken Walker’s big runs were on Jerrell’s side, meaning the team had confidence in his ability. Head coach Miek Macdonald announced on Friday that Jerrell would get a second start despite Stone Forsythe being back from injury.
“ He has had another perfect week of practice, and the message to him is, ‘Hey, all the people who said you couldn’t play last week are the same ones saying that you’re great this week. So no offense, but the only opinion that matters is the guys that are playing next to you at this point, “ said Macdonald. “ You owe it to them to keep preparing and keep doing the things you do that put you in this spot to let us go win a football game. So everything you got is what we need again, and we’re ready to roll.'”
REPEAT PERFORMANCE FROM FRONT SEVEN
Against the Falcons, the Seahawks had nine quarterback hits. In each game, the Seahawks have hit the opposing quarterback at least six hits they have won. In their three losses against the Bills (4) hits, Giants(5), and Niners (4), they failed to reach the six QB hits mark. On Sunday, the defensive interior of Roy Robert Harrison, Byron Murphy, Jarran Reed, and Leonard Williams must win their battles and shed off blockers. In addition, Edge rushers Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, linebackers Tyrel Dodson, and recently acquired Ernest Jones IV must play complementary second run and pass defense. Jones IV was acquired this week to bring physicality and versatility to the linebacker position.
“He does a lot of things well. Talk about making tackles, staying square at the point of attack, he’s physical, said Macdonald. “ I think he plays hard—also a good blitzer off the ball. Coverage skills, I think, are pretty dang good as well”.
The front seven must play complementary football against the Bills, averaging 119 rushing yards a game. The defense will need to find a way to contain Josh Allen. Allen is averaging 25. In the Bills 34-10 win over the Titans, Allen threw for 323 yards and two touchdowns. While he rushed for just one yard on three attempts, Allen has scored three rushing touchdowns this season and is averaging 37.5 yards per game on 5.5 attempts.
RUN GAME HAS TO MAKE FOR THE ABSENCE OF METCALF
Versatile and deep-threat wideout DK Metcalf did not practice all week due to a knee injury in the Falcon’s win. There is no way to replace Metcalf’s ability to draw double teams on every play. If the Seahawks can win the early down with an efficient run game stay away from third and, long Metcalf’s absence will be minimized. An efficient run game would open up the play action and the intermediate pass game for Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Noah Fant, and Jake Bobo. Tyler Lockett is still a deep threat on the occasion. Laviska Shenault Jr is another player who could feature.
RIQ WOOLEN RETURN
The return of Riq Woolen is just in time. Allen has not thrown an interception this season and has many talent wide receivers to sling the ball to. Khali Shakir leads the team in 27 receptions, 314 yards, and two touchdowns. The Bills acquired Amari Cooper in trade with teh Browns, and caught four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in his first game with the Bills last week. TE Dalton Kincaid is also a threat, with 24 receptions for 269 yards and an average reception of 11.2 yards. Woolen, Julian Love, Devon Witherspoon, Coby Bryant, and Nehemiah Pritchett will need to stay disciplined in sticky coverage when Allen breaks out of the pocket and stay with their man
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