Seattle Seahawks face a pivotal challenge against blitz-heavy Falcons in playoff race
As the NFL season approaches its critical juncture, each game takes on added significance, especially when they pit teams from the same conference or division against one another. The Seattle Seahawks, sporting a 9-3 record, are set to take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14, a matchup that, on paper, seems favorable for the visitors. Atlanta has struggled recently, losing six of its last seven outings and finding itself without its starting quarterback. The Falcons stand on the precipice of playoff elimination.
Conversely, the Seahawks are riding high with one of the league’s most formidable defenses and an explosive passing offense. They are also in contention for the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC. However, the circumstances surrounding this game present a potential trap for Seattle, particularly with fierce competition in the NFC West.
The Falcons’ potential threat
Despite their recent struggles, the Falcons should not be underestimated. All three of the Seahawks’ losses this season have come against NFC opponents, underscoring the volatility of intra-conference matchups. The Chicago Bears, who share the best record in the league, have an impressive conference record of 6-2, while the Los Angeles Rams trail closely behind Seattle with a 4-3 conference mark. Consequently, a win against Atlanta is crucial for the Seahawks as they look to maintain their footing in the playoff race, especially with a rematch against the Rams looming in Week 16.
While the Falcons’ offense has faltered, they still boast one of the league’s top running backs, Bijan Robinson, who has accumulated 995 rushing yards at an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. Moreover, Kirk Cousins, despite being 37 years old, remains a capable playmaker who can exploit defensive lapses. However, the primary concern for the Seahawks lies with Atlanta’s defense, which ranks second in the league for blitzing frequency at 36.7%, trailing only the Minnesota Vikings.
Preparing for the blitz
Seattle’s quarterback, Sam Darnold, recently shared insights on preparing to face the NFL’s second-most aggressive blitzing team just one week after contending with the top-ranked Vikings. Darnold highlighted the intelligence of the Falcons’ blitzing schemes, emphasizing the need for quick decision-making.
“The key against blitzes is understanding when to be hot, which means throwing to the designated outlet receivers quickly and getting the ball out,” he noted.
As the Seahawks gear up for this crucial contest, the combination of Atlanta’s defensive strategy and the high stakes of the playoff race creates a compelling narrative. With both teams vying for vastly different outcomes, Seattle must navigate this potentially treacherous terrain with precision and focus.
