Seattle weaknesses that Atlanta should exploit
1. In the last two games, they have shown their susceptibility to the blitz. Russell Wilson is not as effective scrambling from speedy linebackers or DB's as bigger DE's. Both the Rams and Skins were able to pressure him consistently and he wasn't able to burn either team on a regular basis. I would hazard a guess that he wasn't able to find anyone underneath because his receivers aren't getting much separation. I'm not sure if they have the personnel, but if the Falcons can dial up consistent pressure with 5 or 6, it could be a long day for the Seattle offense.
2. Aside from a few huge days this year, Seattle can't generate consistent pressure. Clemons getting hurt at the end of the Washington game is not helping anything as they had to bring in rookie Irvin in the LEO. He has been great in the sack category, but is ONLY asked to rush the passer in 2nd and long and 3rd down situations. Seattle plays 330 lb Red Bryant at DE in base to 2-gap and help in run support, relying exclusively on Clemons and coverage to pick up sacks on 1st down and 2nd and short situations. They generate zero pressure from the inside in the same situations, so Matt Ryan could be throwing from a very clean pocket next Sunday.
3. The Seahawks have been gashed in the run game a few times this year. Before RG3 re-aggravated his knee, everyone saw how effectively Washington was able to run both inside and out against the Hawks. This is mainly attributed to the LB corps with Wagner still adjusting to the NFL. Outside, Seattle has been better than in recent years with better speed on the outside and the CB's (when not in fist fights) helping in run support, but playing Red on the edge is a liability at times in this situation. I also don't know this for sure, but I think Red Bryant is battling injury, as I saw him get blown off the line of scrimmage a few times against the Skins.
For the Atlanta game, Michael Turner is a complete bum and won't get 50 yards on the ground, but Quizz could be a factor in the screen game or running outside the tackles. Atlanta won't be picking up much chunk yardage on the outside, so exploiting Seattle's linebackers with Quizz and Gonzo is their best shot at finding consistency on offense.
2. Aside from a few huge days this year, Seattle can't generate consistent pressure. Clemons getting hurt at the end of the Washington game is not helping anything as they had to bring in rookie Irvin in the LEO. He has been great in the sack category, but is ONLY asked to rush the passer in 2nd and long and 3rd down situations. Seattle plays 330 lb Red Bryant at DE in base to 2-gap and help in run support, relying exclusively on Clemons and coverage to pick up sacks on 1st down and 2nd and short situations. They generate zero pressure from the inside in the same situations, so Matt Ryan could be throwing from a very clean pocket next Sunday.
3. The Seahawks have been gashed in the run game a few times this year. Before RG3 re-aggravated his knee, everyone saw how effectively Washington was able to run both inside and out against the Hawks. This is mainly attributed to the LB corps with Wagner still adjusting to the NFL. Outside, Seattle has been better than in recent years with better speed on the outside and the CB's (when not in fist fights) helping in run support, but playing Red on the edge is a liability at times in this situation. I also don't know this for sure, but I think Red Bryant is battling injury, as I saw him get blown off the line of scrimmage a few times against the Skins.
For the Atlanta game, Michael Turner is a complete bum and won't get 50 yards on the ground, but Quizz could be a factor in the screen game or running outside the tackles. Atlanta won't be picking up much chunk yardage on the outside, so exploiting Seattle's linebackers with Quizz and Gonzo is their best shot at finding consistency on offense.
