Seahawks X-Factors Who Could Make a Difference in Week 8
After a tough bout with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the Seahawks slid their way to a 20-16 loss and a 5-2 record.
Looking to rebound quickly, Seattle will head to Atlanta to face the struggling Falcons, who have lose five straight games. Despite the difference in wins, the Seahawks need to be prepared to gut out a closer than advertised win against a desperate team trying to save coach Dan Quinn’s job. But with the possibility of facing an injury-ravaged secondary, offensive line, and backup quarterback Matt Schaub, coach Pete Carroll and company should be expected to right the ship.
As we approach the midway point of the 2019 season, here are three X-factors to watch as the Seahawks travel to Atlanta.
Offensive X-Factor: DK Metcalf
Coming off of the tough game last week against the Ravens, Metcalf has to be chomping at the bit to put a costly fumble behind him and this is the week to do so. Starting cornerback Desmond Trufant has been listed as out for Sunday’s contest, weakening an already thin depth chart in the Falcons secondary. That leaves Isaiah Oliver on Tyler Lockett, which could mean big opportunities for Metcalf against reserve cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson. With the Falcons struggling to limit explosive pass plays, the Seahawks will likely have plenty of opportunities to exploit the secondary with deep shots on play action pass plays. This plays into the physically gifted Metcalf’s hands. His greatest strength continues to be the ability to run past opponents on deep routes. Additionally, the big bodied receiver has yet to unlock his potential as a red zone threat. If he and Wilson are able to get on the same page on the fade route, the receiver will add another weapon to his repertoire and will continue to give defensive coordinators nightmares.
Defensive X-Factor: Jarran Reed
Another spot that the Falcons have struggled to stay healthy has been in the interior of the offensive line. Former Seahawk first-round pick James Carpenter and rookie first round pick Chris Lindstrom are listed as out for this week, with the latter still on injured reserve. This is the perfect opportunity for Reed to have his first breakout game of the season as he gets back into playing shape after returning from suspension last week. Although he was in for 85 percent of Seattle’s snaps against Baltimore, Pete Carroll expected a bit of rust. But the Seahawks are going to need him to produce as he did last year, when he registered a career-high 10.5 sacks. The kickstart could be this week’s matchup. Regardless of who is at quarterback for the Falcons, neither Matt Ryan nor Matt Schaub has the prowess to escape the pocket. If either quarterback intends to buy time, it will be by stepping up to evade the edge. The opportunity is there for Reed to collapse the pocket as well as shoot the gap defending the run. Devonta Freeman has only managed a miniscule 3.5 yards per attempt, and with Reed and Poona Ford battling against an injury-marred offensive line, those struggles should continue. This will be a great opportunity for the Seahawks defensive line to start playing to its potential.
Special Teams X-Factor: Jason Myers
The stat sheet indicates Myers has struggled thus far. Yet, context shows the 29-year old kicker has been put in some difficult positions by the Seahawks this season. He has made eight out of 11 field goal attempts so far, with two of those misses coming over 50 yards. His latest 53-yard miss last week happened in horrid weather conditions, while the other 58-yard miss happened at Heinz Field, where kickers tend to struggle from long distance. I believe that the Seahawks will have plenty of opportunities to move the ball against a poor Falcons defense and finishing drives with touchdowns will be the goal. But this could also be a good game for Myers to make a few field goals without worry of the elements and get his confidence back.
