5 Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Fly to Atlanta to Face Falcons

Injuries will loom large in Atlanta, as both the Seahawks and Falcons could be missing starters along the offensive line as well as the secondary.

Hoping to continue their string of success bouncing back from losses, the Seahawks will look to get back into the win column as they travel to Atlanta to square off with the reeling Falcons.

Struggling for the first time in 2019, quarterback Russell Wilson failed to complete 50 percent of his passes against a stifling Ravens defense last Sunday. The Seahawks mustered just one offensive touchdown and spotted their opponent 14 points on a Marcus Peters 67-yard interception returned for a touchdown as well as a DK Metcalf fumble that was returned by Marlon Humphrey for a score late in the fourth quarter.

Though Seattle held Baltimore to just 16 points, coach Pete Carroll's defense couldn't find a way to slow down dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, who consistently broke contain for big yardage as a runner. The speedy signal caller ripped off 116 rushing yards and scored a pivotal eight-yard touchdown to put the Ravens out in front for good.

After failing to defend one of the most athletic quarterbacks in NFL history, the Seahawks won't have to worry about such fears this weekend. The 1-6 Falcons will be without starting quarterback Matt Ryan and instead start 38-year old veteran Matt Schaub, who isn't necessarily known for his mobility.

Schaub, who previously started 88 games for the Texans from 2007 to 2013, has only attempted 16 passes over the past three years combined. After checking in for Ryan last week in a loss to the Rams, he completed all six of his pass attempts and threw his first touchdown pass since 2015.

Atlanta will need a vintage game from the grizzled veteran to compensate for an injury-riddled defense that hasn't been able to stop anyone this year. Despite having a defensive-minded coach in Dan Quinn, the Seahawks former defensive coordinator, the Falcons have given up more than 31 points per game this season and rank third-worst defending the pass in the entire NFL.

Heading into this intraconference battle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which five matchups will have the greatest bearing on who exits with a victory?

--Seahawks cornerbacks Shaquill Griffin and Akeem King vs. Falcons receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley: Due to their slow start, the Falcons sent Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots for a second-round pick earlier this week. But despite the trade, the team still has a dynamic one-two punch in Jones and Ridley, who have combined to produce 69 receptions, over 900 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. Though Matt Ryan won’t suit up with a bad ankle, backup quarterback Matt Schaub has a proven track record as a former starter for the Texans. This will be a great litmus test for Griffin going against the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Jones specifically, as the six-time Pro Bowler remains one of the best receivers in football and can go off any given Sunday. If there’s an area Atlanta can exploit its opponent on Sunday, it revolves around the passing game on the outside, especially with Tre Flowers unable to go with a neck injury and replaced by King in the lineup.

--Seahawks receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf vs. Falcons cornerbacks Isaiah Oliver and Blidi Wreh-Wilson: The Falcons have struggled mightily in the secondary throughout the 2019 season, surrendering 1,918 passing yards and 17 touchdowns through the air. The unit has also allowed opponents to average 8.2 net yards per pass attempt, the second-worst mark in the league. Breakdowns in coverage have been commonplace for Quinn’s defense and the situation could be worse without Desmond Trufant, who was ruled out on Friday. Lockett and Metcalf both excel as vertical threats and can create with the ball in their hands, which bodes well against a defense that has yielded 907 after the catch this year. Russell Wilson should be licking his chops with his star receivers facing reserve cornerbacks in Oliver and Wreh-Wilson.

--Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed vs. Falcons guards: Cornerback and quarterback aren’t the only positions the Falcons are in rough shape from an injury standpoint heading into this contest. The offensive line has also been ravaged by injuries, as first-round pick Chris Lindstrom remains on injured reserve and former Seahawk starter James Carpenter has been ruled out for Sunday with a knee injury. Seattle desperately needs Reed to rediscover his 2018 form to help boost a dormant pass rush that has produced just 11.0 sacks this year. Pass protection has been a persistent issue regardless who has been in the lineup up front for Atlanta and with two backups likely starting at guard in front of an immobile quarterback, the fourth-year defender should have a prime situation for a breakout game in his second week back from suspension.

--Seahawks tackles Duane Brown and Germain Ifedi vs. Falcons defensive ends Vic Beasley and Takkarist McKinley: Just as Atlanta could be without at least one starter at guard, Seattle has similar concerns at the tackle positions. Ifedi “tweaked” his knee during Wednesday’s walkthrough and didn’t practice at all on Thursday and Friday, while Brown is still listed as questionable with a bicep injury. There’s a chance both could start for the Seahawks, but assuming the worst, George Fant and Jamarco Jones would replace them. Don’t let their lack of sacks fool you – under such circumstances, Beasley and McKinley are outstanding athletes off the edge and their ability to generate quick pressure against backup tackles could neutralize Seattle’s advantages on the outside with Lockett and Metcalf.

--Seahawks linebackers vs. Falcons running back Devonta Freeman and tight end Austin Hooper: Away from Jones and Ridley, the Falcons also have a dangerous receiving weapon out of the backfield in Freeman and one of the league’s best tight ends in Hooper. Bringing down running backs after the catch has been a chronic problem for the Seahawks this year, as evidenced previously against Alvin Kamara and David Johnson. Freeman already has 27 receptions and has scored three touchdowns as a receiver, creating a matchup issue for K.J. Wright and Mychal Kendricks. Covering tight ends has also been a persistent issue and Seattle got lucky last weekend when Mark Andrews dropped several catchable passes in the rain at CenturyLink Field. The athletic Hooper already has 526 receiving yards and four touchdowns and his ability to stretch the field may be the biggest worry for defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. entering this game.