Quickly: Sundell, because the Cardinals' IDL is said to be their strength; Emmanwori because somebody has to stop the TE; Brissett, because he is said not to handle pressure well; Shahid because we need field position from our special teams and to install fear in their DBs; and Kenneth Walker because this would be a lovely game to (ahem) run up the score on the ground.
The Cardinals are averaging a 2.6 points margin in their losses and 7.33 points in their wins. I expect another close game. Here are the 5 key players for the Seahawks I see:
- Anthony Bradford: Will he be able to keep Walter Nolan and company at bay? I anticipate Sundell will be tested as well.
- Byron Murphy: This should really go to the entire DL but since we are selecting players, I just went with Murphy. The Cards OL is allowing the 7th worst pressure rate allowed and we will need to make Brissett uncomfortable, as SSJ pointed out. As per our previous games, the pressure will start with the DL.
- Ken Walker: The Cardinals are giving up 123 yards per game on the ground in their last 3 games. I think there is an opportunity for Walker to go off this Sunday which should take some pressure off of the Cards pass rush and also open up our passing game.
- Ken Woolen: He will need to keep his solid play up with Jobe out. He has the size and speed to shut any of Arizona's receivers down and I think we will need that from him.
- Jason Meyers: Can't afford to pooch any kicks this game.
Arizona is going to have to choose between JSN or our RBs. They can't help their backup CBs without playing softer against the run. If I were them, I would make Seattle prove it on the ground and try to keep it close in the first half. KK has already proven that he's going to create explosive plays through the air heavy/condensed personnel groups. Make him, the OL, and Walker prove they can grind out long drives. I think they can, and that K9 will have the game we've been waiting for from him.
Emmanwori/Bryant/Thomas vs. McBride. McBride is so obviously their best matchup advantage that I would assume he'll be Arizona's focal point. Who's going to be able to stop him? Emmanwori is probably our best physical matchup, but is he ready?
Yikes! Jarran Reed on IR, with D Young on IR as well. Peli will see more action. Maybe Morris too. Cody White on the roster, and Ricky White as well. Maybe see him on returns some. This could be the game JSN sees better than 15 targets and gets 200 yards. If Horton and Kupp are out, Shaheed will be tested to see how well he can recall KK’s system. Cody White will have to play another good game. I expect he’ll be WR3 in the worst case scenario for the wounded WR room. Arroyo might see more targets too, if Barner is out. This is the week for K9 to step up.
“If he wants to pressure the Seahawks into paying him before they have to, he has to keep players like Sweat from pressuring Darnold when he wants to.”
This was a well-crafted summary sentence. Poetic and accurate.
Starting AZ cornerbacks Will Johnson and Max Melton are super important in their absence. JSN really could have a Rose Bowl kind of day, especially if Shaheed is as dangerous as we think he is.
I'm looking at the trenches...we didn't pressure much in first go around? Why was that? I'm going to guess we do better but who knows. The right side of the o line...especially Bradford vs Walter Nolen. Nolen didn't play in the first game. Abe Lucas, while mostly doing OK, hasn't been perfect and certain match ups have been more difficult. I'm watching that right side...closely.
I wonder if the lack of pressure had more to do with keeping Kyler Murray within the tackles, since that’s where he is weakest. Given Brissett’s difficulties when under pressure, I would expect to see our defense focus more on generating pressure, than containment. I expect that will involve both the D line and other defenders rushing.
- Brissett, for the reasons you mentioned. Can he take the heat when the Seahawks bring the pressure.
- Tyrice Knight - He needs to stay disciplined, and make his tackles. He also needs to get to his drops in pass coverage. I'm not expecting EJ to play.
- Shaheed - Why not just jump right in and make a few explosives right out of the gate?
- K9 - Gotta keep the Cardinals pass rush honest, and Ken has to get just enough productivity to force them to play the run honestly.
- Bryant - time for a pick and a forced fumble in the same game. With Love out, he needs to continue his consistent play.
Also look for Emmanwori to be used to keep McBride honest. Brissett has his security blankets, and we need to keep his favourite one away.
Quickly: Sundell, because the Cardinals' IDL is said to be their strength; Emmanwori because somebody has to stop the TE; Brissett, because he is said not to handle pressure well; Shahid because we need field position from our special teams and to install fear in their DBs; and Kenneth Walker because this would be a lovely game to (ahem) run up the score on the ground.
The Cardinals are averaging a 2.6 points margin in their losses and 7.33 points in their wins. I expect another close game. Here are the 5 key players for the Seahawks I see:
- Anthony Bradford: Will he be able to keep Walter Nolan and company at bay? I anticipate Sundell will be tested as well.
- Byron Murphy: This should really go to the entire DL but since we are selecting players, I just went with Murphy. The Cards OL is allowing the 7th worst pressure rate allowed and we will need to make Brissett uncomfortable, as SSJ pointed out. As per our previous games, the pressure will start with the DL.
- Ken Walker: The Cardinals are giving up 123 yards per game on the ground in their last 3 games. I think there is an opportunity for Walker to go off this Sunday which should take some pressure off of the Cards pass rush and also open up our passing game.
- Ken Woolen: He will need to keep his solid play up with Jobe out. He has the size and speed to shut any of Arizona's receivers down and I think we will need that from him.
- Jason Meyers: Can't afford to pooch any kicks this game.
Arizona is going to have to choose between JSN or our RBs. They can't help their backup CBs without playing softer against the run. If I were them, I would make Seattle prove it on the ground and try to keep it close in the first half. KK has already proven that he's going to create explosive plays through the air heavy/condensed personnel groups. Make him, the OL, and Walker prove they can grind out long drives. I think they can, and that K9 will have the game we've been waiting for from him.
Emmanwori/Bryant/Thomas vs. McBride. McBride is so obviously their best matchup advantage that I would assume he'll be Arizona's focal point. Who's going to be able to stop him? Emmanwori is probably our best physical matchup, but is he ready?
Yikes! Jarran Reed on IR, with D Young on IR as well. Peli will see more action. Maybe Morris too. Cody White on the roster, and Ricky White as well. Maybe see him on returns some. This could be the game JSN sees better than 15 targets and gets 200 yards. If Horton and Kupp are out, Shaheed will be tested to see how well he can recall KK’s system. Cody White will have to play another good game. I expect he’ll be WR3 in the worst case scenario for the wounded WR room. Arroyo might see more targets too, if Barner is out. This is the week for K9 to step up.
“If he wants to pressure the Seahawks into paying him before they have to, he has to keep players like Sweat from pressuring Darnold when he wants to.”
This was a well-crafted summary sentence. Poetic and accurate.
Well done, sir!
Starting AZ cornerbacks Will Johnson and Max Melton are super important in their absence. JSN really could have a Rose Bowl kind of day, especially if Shaheed is as dangerous as we think he is.
I'm looking at the trenches...we didn't pressure much in first go around? Why was that? I'm going to guess we do better but who knows. The right side of the o line...especially Bradford vs Walter Nolen. Nolen didn't play in the first game. Abe Lucas, while mostly doing OK, hasn't been perfect and certain match ups have been more difficult. I'm watching that right side...closely.
I wonder if the lack of pressure had more to do with keeping Kyler Murray within the tackles, since that’s where he is weakest. Given Brissett’s difficulties when under pressure, I would expect to see our defense focus more on generating pressure, than containment. I expect that will involve both the D line and other defenders rushing.
My five would be;
- Brissett, for the reasons you mentioned. Can he take the heat when the Seahawks bring the pressure.
- Tyrice Knight - He needs to stay disciplined, and make his tackles. He also needs to get to his drops in pass coverage. I'm not expecting EJ to play.
- Shaheed - Why not just jump right in and make a few explosives right out of the gate?
- K9 - Gotta keep the Cardinals pass rush honest, and Ken has to get just enough productivity to force them to play the run honestly.
- Bryant - time for a pick and a forced fumble in the same game. With Love out, he needs to continue his consistent play.
Also look for Emmanwori to be used to keep McBride honest. Brissett has his security blankets, and we need to keep his favourite one away.