By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Three keys to a Seahawks win over the Panthers

The Seattle Seahawks have been playing complementary football across all three units: the offense moves the ball when needed, the defense, in a similar fashion, has stopped teams when needed, and the special teams, led by Rashid Shaheed, have been a game-changer. With two games left in the regular season, the Seahawks are looking to win out and secure the number one position in the NFC and home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs.  The first obstacle standing in the Seahawks’ way is the Carolina Panthers.

MORE NEXT MAN UP MOJO

The Seahawks have deftly dealt with injuries this season, and that trend will need to continue on Sunday. Josh Jones will start his second game at left tackle for the injured Charles Cross. Cross has not practiced all week, according to the Seahawks’ hybrid injury report. One of the practices was a work-through, and the Seahawks submitted an estimate practice report per league rules. In the Seahawks’ overtime win over the  Rams. Jones played all 68 offensive snaps and received a 75.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, which was the third-highest grade of an offensive player.

 TY OKADA BACK IN THE LINE UP

Safety  Coby Bryant injured his knee in the Rams game and has not practiced all week and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

Head coach Mike Macdonald will have no reservations inserting Ty Okada for  Bryant. Okada has started nine games this season and has filled in for Julian Love when he was out with a hamstring injury.  Okada is a having a breakout season, setting career highs in solo tackles ( 7 vs Saints ), total tackles ( 9 vs Texans and Saints), sacks (1 vs. Texans and Saints), interceptions (1 vs. Commanders), and fumble recoveries (1 vs. Vikings).

“ It’s one of those things where look, he wasn’t playing when he first got here, and he acted the same, and then he’s trying to make the team, and he acts the same. He then makes plays in the preseason and he acts the same. He fills in, and he acts the same,’ said  Macdonald .”He starts, and he acts the same. Coby (Bryant) and Julian (Love) are healthy and he’s not playing, and he acts the same. Coby’s not playing, now he’s playing again, and he acts the same. You love that. A lot of our guys are like that, but Ty’s (Okada) been in that situation. He’s been ready to go.”

If both players continue to perform when called on the Seahawks will stand a good chance of winning the game.

CAN THE RUN GAME BE A FACTOR

Ken Walker rushed for an even 100 yards and a touchdown against the Rams. It was the second time this season Walker rushed for over 100 yards; the other occasion was 105 yards in week two against the Steelers. His 55-yard TD run helped Walker hit the century mark. Walker had 11 rushing attempts and fellow running mate  Zach Charbonnet had 9 attempts for 32 yards. The important number to keep in mind is 25. That is the number of rushing attempts the offense has against the Rams. In their last six games, the Seahawks have averaged 26.6 attempts per game.

“I thought he ( Walker )  obviously had a really good game against the Rams and just continues to be a great player for us and just a great teammate. It’s really that simple,’ said Macdonald when asked to assess  Walkers performance in the Rams game

The Panthers’ defense is allowing 119.5 yards per game, which ranks 19th in the league. A successful day would see the Seahawks closer to 30 attempts. In the six times they have had 30 or more running attempts, they failed to read the century mark just once. In week two against the Saints, the Seahawks rushed for 87 yards on 33 carries and two touchdowns.

CAN  THE  INTERIOR MAKE LIFE DIFFICULT FOR BRYCE YOUNG?

The Seahawks’ defense will be facing another good running team in the Panthers.  Running back Rico Dowdle has rushed for 1,007 yards and six touchdowns, and leads the Panthers’ rush attack, which is averaging 123.9 yards per game and ranks 11th overall. 

“ They’re committed to the run game, and they find ways to get them to it in the pass game. He’s a really good player. He can catch out of the backfield. In the run game, he’s decisive, heavy and elusive,” Macdonald said of  Dowdle. “He wins after contact, and he sees it really well. Overall, he’s just a really good player. They’ve got a good scheme and a good offensive line. It’s all of the above.”

Leonard Wiliams, Bryon Murphy, Jarran Reed, and DeMarcus Lawrence will need to continue their ability to stop the run and open up rush and pass lanes for Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Maye. Derick  Hall received a one-game suspension and will sit out the game.

 If the Seahawks’ interior can stuff the run, and for third and long, it could be a long day for Panthers QB Bryce Young.  Young has thrown for  21 touchdowns and can move the chains with his feet. The key is for the Seahawks to win the early down.

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