As the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons, they aim to solve recent issues with pass protection, revive star quarterback Sam Darnold, and limit the Falcons’ rushing attack. The Seahawks (9-3) currently sit atop the NFC West standings, while the Falcons (4-8) hope to improve their playoff chances following a disappointing season. This match is set for Sunday at 10 a.m. local time.
Seahawks’ Challenges Against the Blitz
Last weekend, Darnold faced a significant challenge when the Minnesota Vikings blitzed aggressively. He was sacked four times in the first half, contributing to a season-low of just 128 passing yards. Darnold emphasized the need for better communication and quicker decision-making under pressure.
Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak acknowledged that the blame does not fall solely on Darnold. He pointed out that communication errors and technique mistakes played a role in the offensive struggles. The team must address these issues to prevent a repeat performance against the Falcons, who also have a strong blitzing defense.
Key Players and Defensive Strategies
- Sam Darnold: The Seahawks quarterback has been effective this season but must enhance his performance under pressure.
- Atlanta’s Defense: The Falcons blitz at the second-highest rate in the league, creating challenges for opposing quarterbacks.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Leading receiver in yards through 12 games. The Seahawks hope to see a resurgence in his production.
- Bijan Robinson: The Falcons’ rookie running back is a formidable threat, currently ranking fifth in the league with 995 rushing yards.
Adjustments and Strategies for Success
To combat Atlanta’s defensive prowess, the Seahawks will need to make strategic adjustments. Kubiak indicated that rolling Darnold out could be a part of the game plan, providing him with better angles to throw and minimize the blitz impact.
Kupp, along with other receivers, has suggested that adapting route depth can create quicker opportunities. Shorter, quicker routes can help Darnold get the ball out faster, mitigating pressure from blitzing defenders.
Stopping Bijan Robinson
With ongoing injuries affecting the Falcons’ roster, including the absence of key players, Robinson remains their primary offensive weapon. He excels in outside-zone runs and is expected to be a focal point against the Seahawks’ defense, which ranks second in the league for least rushing yards allowed per game.
Seattle’s defense, led by standout players like Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy, aims to neutralize Robinson’s impact early in the game. The Seahawks have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 games, and they intend to maintain that streak.
Looking Ahead
With a robust defensive lineup and offensive adjustments, the Seahawks aspire to emerge victorious in Atlanta. A strong performance will help solidify their position at the top of the NFC West as they prepare for a challenging final stretch of the season.
This match-up holds significant implications, not just for playoff positioning, but also for the Seahawks’ continued development and efficiency as they look to enhance their overall performance.
