Line: Seahawks -4
Key players for Seattle: Russell Wilson (QB), Chris Carson (RB), Carlos Hyde (RB), Greg Olson (TE), Will Dissely (TE), D.K Metcalf (WR), Bobby Wagner (ILB), K.J Wright (ILB), Jamal Adams (SS)
Opening kickoff: The Patriots hit the road for their first road game of the season as they battle the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. The Patriots are coming off of a 21-11 win over the Miami Dolphins while the Seahawks beat the Falcons in Atlanta 38-25.
The Patriots and Seahawks are meeting for the 19th time. The series is tied at 9-9. The first meeting between the two teams was in 1977. The two teams played 12 times between 1980 to 1993 but they have only played five times since including the Super Bowl. The last time these two teams met was November of 2016. The Seahawks beat the Patriots 31-24 on Sunday Night Football.
3 Offensive Keys
1. Keep pounding! Cam Newton gives the Patriots an added dimension. A running quarterback. Defenses have to account for him in the running game. The Patriots can take a similar approach to last week in terms of running the football and put pressure on Seattle to stop the run early.
2. Get the passing game going: Seattle gave up 450 yards passing last week. The Patriots must find away to throw the football more consistently. Whether it’s play-action or straight drop back, the Patriots must find a way to throw the ball against a vulnerable secondary.
3. Offensive line must handle their different looks: The Seahawks do a lot of different things with their fronts and movement. They play wide five techniques and twist their ends and tackles. The Patriots offensive line must be able to handle all of the different looks they are going to get while playing fundamentally sound. They cannot have breakdowns.
3 Defensive Keys
1. Rush Contain Wilson: The Patriots need to find a way to get inside pressure on Wilson while containing him and keeping him in the pocket. They cannot allow him to get outside on naked bootlegs or zone read running plays. The Patriots cannot allow Wilson to improvise and break contain on unscripted plays either.
2. Gilmore on Metcalf: Another week, another receiver the Patriots need to match up Stephon Gilmore on. Metcalf is big and explosive after the catch. Gilmore needs to be physical with him at the line and when playing the ball. He cannot allow him to get position and win one on one jump ball situations.
3. Gap integrity against the run: Seattle is a zone running team. Their offensive line is athletic and moves well laterally. The Patriots front seven must play gap integrity and not over play gaps and give up cut back lanes.
Prediction: Seahawks 24 Patriots 17: I think this will be a good game but I just don’t think the Patriots can consistently contain Wilson and the offense will struggle to score points against a good Seattle front.