Falcons Prepare for Tough Showdown Against Seahawks’ Sturdy Defense
As the Atlanta Falcons gear up for their crucial matchup against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, the contrasting trajectories of the two teams become evident. With the Falcons sitting at 4-8 and the Seahawks boasting a 9-3 record, both franchises are led by head coaches who have previously held defensive coordinator roles. Raheem Morris returns to Atlanta, while Mike Macdonald, a native of Athens, Georgia, now steers the Seahawks.
Coaching Backgrounds and Team Dynamics
Two years ago, both teams found themselves searching for new leadership. Atlanta opted to rehire Morris, while Seattle brought in Macdonald from the Ravens, aiming to bolster their defensive strategies. Fast forward to this weekend, and it’s clear the Seahawks have established a formidable reputation on defense, while the Falcons struggle to find their offensive rhythm.
Morris is acutely aware of the challenge that awaits his team. The Falcons’ offense has faltered throughout the season, ranking 26th in the league in scoring. Compounding their difficulties is the fact that they will face a Seahawks defense that stands out statistically as the best they’ve encountered this year. Seattle ranks third in scoring defense and second against the run, allowing a mere 88.8 yards per game.
The Strength of Seattle’s Defense
Morris highlighted the significance of Seattle’s defensive front, emphasizing their ability to disrupt plays at multiple levels. “They are challenging almost on every single level,” he remarked. “They’ve got a really good front. Leonard Williams is one of the best players in our league. Obviously, they went out and got ‘D Law’ [DeMarcus Lawrence] from Dallas.”
Adding another layer of familiarity to the game, the Falcons will see defensive coordinator Aden Durde on the opposing sideline. Durde spent three seasons with Morris in Atlanta, providing insights into the Seahawks’ defensive schemes. “We’ve got a lot of familiarity with how they coach the front with Aden being there,” Morris noted. “They have a bunch of guys up there, Byron Murphy, that really play well. They’ve got Ernest Jones at the middle linebacker position, who we know really well just based off being with him out in LA, a very good football player in all rights.”
Ernest Jones: A Key Player for the Seahawks
Jones has emerged as a standout player in the heart of the Seahawks’ defense, boasting an impressive five interceptions this season. The Georgia native and former Rams player is known for his instinctual play and versatility. Morris praised Jones, stating, “He is very instinctual. He has a unique skill set to be able to drop in coverage and match routes and play different patterns. He has great hands. He is very good and skillful at blitzing when he has his opportunities.”
With Jones’s ability to disrupt plays, the Falcons must be prepared for his presence. “You’ve got to be locked and loaded to play this man,” Morris added. “He’s going to be everywhere. He’s a very instinctual player that is around the football at all times.”
Injury Concerns for the Falcons
Complicating matters for the Falcons is the status of wide receiver Drake London, who is questionable for the game after missing the last two weeks due to a PCL strain in his knee. While the Falcons traditionally rely on their running game, London’s absence places added pressure on an already limited offense. Facing a formidable Seahawks defense that can anticipate their playcalling, the Falcons may find it challenging to establish a balanced attack.
Vegas Odds and Expectations
As the Falcons prepare to take the field, the Seahawks are favored by seven points, with an over/under of 44.5. This suggests a predicted score of 26-19 in favor of Seattle, illustrating the uphill battle the Falcons face to reach the 20-point mark against such a stout defensive unit.
With the stakes high, the Falcons will need to bring their best game to Mercedes-Benz Stadium if they hope to overcome the challenges posed by the Seahawks’ defense.
