Should Seattle Seahawks Smell Blood in Water vs. Philadelphia Eagles?
The Seattle Seahawks are on a four-game losing streak as they gear up to face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lumen Field on Monday night, who themselves have had a run of poor form.
With quarterback Geno Smith still uncertain to return against the Eagles, the Seahawks would seemingly be at a disadvantage if he’s unable to play. While Drew Lock did reasonably well against the San Francisco 49ers last week, Seattle will need its starting quarterback in a must-win game.
But despite being on a four-game losing streak, Smith thinks the offense is in a good spot. Could this be a recipe for success against an Eagles defense that’s surrendering the fourth-most passing yards (259.9) per game?
“I think we’re getting better," Smith said. "I think we’ve improved in a lot of areas, and that’s something positive to see, especially late in the year, but there’s still a lot of things that we can do a lot better at. Just as always, it’s a work in progress. It’s something that we have to continue to try to strive to be better. No matter where we’re ranked or numbers-wise, we can always improve. Just working on getting better every single day and improving every week.”
The Eagles announced Sunday that they’ve made a coaching change on defense as Matt Patricia will take over play-calling duties from Sean Desai who is still within the organization. Patricia’s is an experienced defensive mind, but the Eagles defense remains in a vulnerable state. Blood in the water perhaps?
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has praised the offense's improvement over the last couple of weeks.
© Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY
The Seahawks might certainly smell blood in the water as the Eagles defense has been torched in back-to-back games. If Smith can go and overcome his “uphill battle” to play, they will fancy their chances against a wounded Philly team that will already be without start cornerback Darius Slay.
But as for the offense's improvement, where does Smith see the biggest strides being made?
“I think third downs have been a lot better the past couple of weeks," Smith said. "I thought we did a better job in the red zone at converting touchdowns and not getting field goals, and I think overall, the unit, we’re starting to get some guys back healthy. We’re starting to see that unit that we’re used to seeing out there and when we’re out there together, we can make some special things happen.”
Against Philadelphia, the Seahawks are going to need to cash in when they get into the red zone. Field goals won't be enough to overcome the Eagles, despite their recent form.
With Seattle still in the playoff hunt despite being 6-7, if there ever was a time to face the Eagles, it's now. The team is reeling off two blowout losses, they have changed defensive play-callers and Jalen Hurts is questionable with an illness.
It's all lined up for the Seahawks to take advantage and what better way to show the offensive improvement Smith is talking about by slaying the Eagles in primetime?
