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.

In regards to your first point, the Falcons have done a nice job against some teams disguising blitzes and lining up in some odd formations that have really confused QBs. I would love to think that with two weeks to gameplan (only knowing your opponent for one week of that of course) that Mike Nolan would be able to come up with something.

The Falcons D certainly isnt the best around, but they are far better than they have been in years past.

I think Matt Ryan is going to be all over Gonzo. Dirk calls a conservative game that helps his QB move the chains and have success. They pick their spots when they want to attack. I expect a good game plan from Atlanta.

On defense I saw the redskins have the OLB play the RB on the read option and they had the SS close enough to go for the QB and stop him at the LOS. I wouldn't say Reed Doughty was quite in the box but he was in the playing field. It worked.

Originally Posted by C-Gold

I think Matt Ryan is going to be all over Gonzo. Dirk calls a conservative game that helps his QB move the chains and have success. They pick their spots when they want to attack. I expect a good game plan from Atlanta.

On defense I saw the redskins have the OLB play the RB on the read option and they had the SS close enough to go for the QB and stop him at the LOS. I wouldn't say Reed Doughty was quite in the box but he was in the playing field. It worked.

Ya I saw this as well and forgot to mention it. Washington just demonstrated a way to beat the read-option for now. Crash your DE to stop the RB and bring a DB or OLB down to get the QB. If ATL does this, maybe it gets exploited by a quick out to the TE or slant to a WR. I think ATL has to do this to stop the read-option, but I think if it's properly prepared for by Seattle, bringing someone from your back-7 down to spy the QB is a recipe for getting burned with how effective RW is throwing the ball on the run.

Seattle had trouble with that zone blocking scheme

Originally Posted by Big Bear

Seattle had trouble with that zone blocking scheme

And in those situations, I think it's the responsibility of your front 4 to collapse running lanes, your DE's to contain, and your LB's to step up and make plays. Seattle HAS been gashed at some point in this chain of responsibility, and I think ultimately it falls on the young LB's.

Originally Posted by MobFade

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.

You make pretty valid points. Your first two points are valid....however the last isn't. Seahawks are still pretty stout against the run, and lets not forget they kept Alfred Morris well under 100 yards today. The Falcons can't run the ball.....period. I'd be surprised if Turner and Quiz combined for more than 80-90 yards.

But yes, our ability to get pressure on the QB with our front four has been a problem as of late, especially on the road. Now with Clemons possibly out, it could become an even bigger problem. RG3 had all day to throw up until he got nicked up. And I agree, RW has to work on his pre-snap reads, and learn to hang in the pocket.

Should make for a good game. A lot of the Falcons strengths on offense play into the strengths of the Seahawks though. Then again, the Seahawks match up pretty well with everyone because of their balanced attack.

Should be a good game.

Bottom Line, If Clemens is out and Seattle doens't get any pressure on Matty Ice, ATL WRs will eat those "physical" corners alive

Sherman,browner,thomas will have a field day in the secondary Sunday. Seahawks will adapt ..Seahawks will hit them in the mouth ..their run game and read option will give atlanta fits...

Originally Posted by Speedy88

You make pretty valid points. Your first two points are valid....however the last isn't. Seahawks are still pretty stout against the run, and lets not forget they kept Alfred Morris well under 100 yards today. The Falcons can't run the ball.....period. I'd be surprised if Turner and Quiz combined for more than 80-90 yards.

But yes, our ability to get pressure on the QB with our front four has been a problem as of late, especially on the road. Now with Clemons possibly out, it could become an even bigger problem. RG3 had all day to throw up until he got nicked up. And I agree, RW has to work on his pre-snap reads, and learn to hang in the pocket.

Should make for a good game. A lot of the Falcons strengths on offense play into the strengths of the Seahawks though. Then again, the Seahawks match up pretty well with everyone because of their balanced attack.

Should be a good game.

I think all 3 of my points are valid. The Seahawks have been middle of the road in terms of run defense this year. Now I'm not going to argue that Seattle hasn't had a top 5 defense overall, but the first game against SF and the first quarter against Washington has shown a weakness in their LB'ing corps against the run AT TIMES. Both of these examples come against top rush offenses when they run non-standard (for them) blocking schemes. San Francisco burned Seattle with the trap play when they had been dominating man-blocking, and Washington gashed them with the stretch when they expected the option.

I don't think that Atlanta will be able to capitalize on this weakness as Atlanta does not have a mobile quarterback, nor do they run anything exotic in their run game, but I think they COULD scheme Seattle with Quizz to get something going.

Very intriguing match up. Atlanta is going to have to blitz and take some chances leaving guys on an island to generate pressure. Russ and those WR's are going to have to make some plays down field

In spite of all of this, I still think Seattle edges Atlanta in a shootout ... something like 28-24. It's going to come down to converting on 3rd down and in the red zone, and the turnover battle (just like every other playoff game).

I think Matt Ryan throws for 300, mostly to Gonzo and Roddy, as well as some after the catch yardage to Julio on slants and bubble screens. Michael Turner does nothing in this game outside of 1 or 2 runs for 8+. Quizz has a couple plays outside to convert first downs, but doesn't break off anything big. Gonzo goes 8 for 80 and Roddy is 6 for 100. Julio goes 5 for 50. Look for their 3-receiver to have a decent game as well.

As for the Hawks, I think RW does his standard 15-23 200 yards 2 TD, 50 Rush Yards. Marshawn gets his, going over 100 and the Seahawks revert to their regular season form converting in the RZ and on 3rd down.

Just heard that Clemons might have torn his ACL, so if you like Seattle, wait til they get to +3.

If it's true that Clemons tore his ACL, look for Seattle to sign someone like Ray Edwards (cut from ATL) to come in on 3rd down.

Clemons might be the most underrated DE in the NFL, not only being a sack artist but being stout against the run. Irvin has only been asked to sack the QB all season, and has amassed 8 sacks as a result, but he doesn't have the size or experience of Clemons. This is a 1.5 point swing for Seattle, and should no doubt bring them to +3.

Agree. Who is more physical than Roddy and Julio? You cant check these guys at the LOS.

I could see it playing out like that. A close game could go either way.