The quickest way to diffuse a great pass rusher is to be able to run the ball. With that you slow down the rush with the run and create some great one on one opportunities with play action. TJ Watt is great but Seattle has had the benefit of twice a years with SF and the Rams in their heyday. The Steelers are really hurting in the LB department and it looks like both Landon Roberts and safety Mikah Fitzpatrict could miss this game. Good news for the RB's and TE's. I have actually been concerned about playing the Steelers for some time, especially this time of year. As people have seen the end of the year invigorates teams that are out of the playoffs, and would like to return the favor for anyone who is not. Really this and next week could be trap games but given the fact that Seattle is not taking this lighly due to their playoff urgency and momentum, I like Seattle's chances. There's nothing like going into the wildcard weekend with a 4 game winning streak. As for turnovers look at the 49ers and Ravens game.
Mason Rudolff has had his opportunities to start in the past and just couldn't get it done. Seattle will have some current tape to look out from last week and he won't be at home this week. Welcome to Seattle Mason from all the 12's.
Seattle needs to limit the Steelers running game and make Rudolf one dimensional on the road. I understand Harris is not 100% either.
This is the third game in a row that old school Peteball is the recipe for success. We may see a lot of Michael Dickson, and as much as we love the GOAT of punters, we prefer that he keeps his duties to holding extra points for Myers. That may not be the case, and we'll have to play for field position as we did our last two wins.
Scoring 17 points on 3 possessions in the second half and scoring on 4 out 7 possessions seems like a more likely reason that we won than a punter who kicked the ball away 3 times and 1 time was from the 50.
I did see him win a game at Texas. It was unbelievable.
Tomlin remains my dream off-season Hawks move. Pete goes out gracefully and Tomlin comes in. To have a similar record to Pete since 2016 is frankly astounding when you compare the squads they both headed. Steelers performing, yet again, above expectations.
I'm trying not to think about if we do make the playoffs, but oh wouldn't a matchup Vs the Lions be something special. Based on our last few games against them it could be an all-timer (therefore it somehow becomes a 6-3 game)
If we have Witherspoon back and feeling frisky, and we get second half Geno from the Titans, plus second half Walker from the Eagles game, it should be a really good home victory.
If the Hawks have takeaways against the Steelers, they must turn them into points. When a team unexpectedly gets the ball back, it’s a difference maker IF they score with it.
6 sacks against Tennessee... we have a pass rush! Remember the 4 straight losses? This is such a better feeling, right? Playoff atmosphere and excitement building... oh yeah, the Steelers are going down! Having fun with this SSJ.
I hope to see a true running game, esp. the bigger backs, as the way to minimize Watt. Tthat includes DeeJay and hopefully McIntosh who deserves some reps, It's wise to not over rely on K9. Short passing esp. letting TEs receive instead of just block. All of which opens up explosives and minimizes tirnovers.
Nice write up Joe! Playoffs have begun ... will be a tough game. All about the ball. How will Shane, Geno and company manage? Should be interesting and entertaining as almost always is.
I am glad this game is in Seattle--that will definitely help. I hope this is another Love at FS game. With Love at FS and either Woolen or (hopefully) Witherspoon on Pickens I think the Seahawks can control that threat, and the DL can get after Rudolph.
The key is going to be if the running game can get going. A successful running game makes the Seahawks just so much better all the way around.
Very tough game, def agree that avoiding turnovers and short fields are the best way to keep Pittsburgh below 20pts. And stopping the goddam run game -- for once.
And then, Seattle needs to get at least 40% 3rd down conversions. And at least 50% TD's in the red zone. So they can score more than 20. The spread is at 41.5 so 22 for Seattle would do it. Don't think they'll score more than that if they could only get 20 against the depleted Titans.
And would sure like Waldron to design in some QB draws and QB runs. Best thing in the world to stutter a pass rusher.
Our Hawk's defense did okay after Brooks went out, causing a huge demand on Bench effort. I think the latent talent now playing post-Jamal is still finding their gears and should be much better this week. Trying to guess at what Officials will flag when trying to jar loose passes will be with us through the year. I can't help but think our tackling would improve if the rules were understandable beyond trying to read the moods of particular Refs. Our 12's will be looking to rumble and these Steelers have yet to experience the full weight of that reality. Hopefully their hand signals will be often taken for illegal motions. Maybe they practice with headphones playing loud Christmas music when it should be ear-shattering Black Sabbath. I've been told you can physically feel it, not to mention the beast quake effects from the bleachers.
Yeah ... don’t want to be overly negative on defense. But comments like the defense did well because they only gave up 17 points are not accurate.
But I’m with ya... we got the players to have a good defense. Now let’s put it all together! They can do it. Especially at home against the Steelers. Should be a great game! Would love to see some stops that don’t chew up the clock and get the offense back out there!
The quickest way to diffuse a great pass rusher is to be able to run the ball. With that you slow down the rush with the run and create some great one on one opportunities with play action. TJ Watt is great but Seattle has had the benefit of twice a years with SF and the Rams in their heyday. The Steelers are really hurting in the LB department and it looks like both Landon Roberts and safety Mikah Fitzpatrict could miss this game. Good news for the RB's and TE's. I have actually been concerned about playing the Steelers for some time, especially this time of year. As people have seen the end of the year invigorates teams that are out of the playoffs, and would like to return the favor for anyone who is not. Really this and next week could be trap games but given the fact that Seattle is not taking this lighly due to their playoff urgency and momentum, I like Seattle's chances. There's nothing like going into the wildcard weekend with a 4 game winning streak. As for turnovers look at the 49ers and Ravens game.
Mason Rudolff has had his opportunities to start in the past and just couldn't get it done. Seattle will have some current tape to look out from last week and he won't be at home this week. Welcome to Seattle Mason from all the 12's.
Seattle needs to limit the Steelers running game and make Rudolf one dimensional on the road. I understand Harris is not 100% either.
We need more TDs than FGs, but with our great OC Waldron calling the plays in the Red Zone, we get what we get!!!
This is the third game in a row that old school Peteball is the recipe for success. We may see a lot of Michael Dickson, and as much as we love the GOAT of punters, we prefer that he keeps his duties to holding extra points for Myers. That may not be the case, and we'll have to play for field position as we did our last two wins.
I rarely read seahawksdeaftblog outside of draft season but I had some extra time on my hands today.
Excellent comments! Thought you did a great job explaining your points, counterpoints, and managing a guy like Rob. Well done
I don’t know.
Scoring 17 points on 3 possessions in the second half and scoring on 4 out 7 possessions seems like a more likely reason that we won than a punter who kicked the ball away 3 times and 1 time was from the 50.
I did see him win a game at Texas. It was unbelievable.
Tomlin remains my dream off-season Hawks move. Pete goes out gracefully and Tomlin comes in. To have a similar record to Pete since 2016 is frankly astounding when you compare the squads they both headed. Steelers performing, yet again, above expectations.
I'm trying not to think about if we do make the playoffs, but oh wouldn't a matchup Vs the Lions be something special. Based on our last few games against them it could be an all-timer (therefore it somehow becomes a 6-3 game)
Keep dreaming reports are the Steelers are resigning him.
If we have Witherspoon back and feeling frisky, and we get second half Geno from the Titans, plus second half Walker from the Eagles game, it should be a really good home victory.
If the Hawks have takeaways against the Steelers, they must turn them into points. When a team unexpectedly gets the ball back, it’s a difference maker IF they score with it.
And ifs and buts were candy and nuts, what a great Christmas we would have.
What a great Christmas we had!
I think we can win without those things (see last Sunday) but it would be easier if we get these.
6 sacks against Tennessee... we have a pass rush! Remember the 4 straight losses? This is such a better feeling, right? Playoff atmosphere and excitement building... oh yeah, the Steelers are going down! Having fun with this SSJ.
I hope to see a true running game, esp. the bigger backs, as the way to minimize Watt. Tthat includes DeeJay and hopefully McIntosh who deserves some reps, It's wise to not over rely on K9. Short passing esp. letting TEs receive instead of just block. All of which opens up explosives and minimizes tirnovers.
Nice write up Joe! Playoffs have begun ... will be a tough game. All about the ball. How will Shane, Geno and company manage? Should be interesting and entertaining as almost always is.
I am glad this game is in Seattle--that will definitely help. I hope this is another Love at FS game. With Love at FS and either Woolen or (hopefully) Witherspoon on Pickens I think the Seahawks can control that threat, and the DL can get after Rudolph.
The key is going to be if the running game can get going. A successful running game makes the Seahawks just so much better all the way around.
Agree, but with a Center and R. Guard that can't block Hawks need to get help from TEs and backs
Very tough game, def agree that avoiding turnovers and short fields are the best way to keep Pittsburgh below 20pts. And stopping the goddam run game -- for once.
And then, Seattle needs to get at least 40% 3rd down conversions. And at least 50% TD's in the red zone. So they can score more than 20. The spread is at 41.5 so 22 for Seattle would do it. Don't think they'll score more than that if they could only get 20 against the depleted Titans.
And would sure like Waldron to design in some QB draws and QB runs. Best thing in the world to stutter a pass rusher.
They scored 20 points on 7 possessions in Tennessee and 57% of possessions resulted in points.
The offense played well overall and off the charts in the second half in Tenn.
More of that and we are looking at a Sb run. If the defense can step up (they played bad in Tenn: allowing 17 points on 8ish possessions)
Go hawks
Our Hawk's defense did okay after Brooks went out, causing a huge demand on Bench effort. I think the latent talent now playing post-Jamal is still finding their gears and should be much better this week. Trying to guess at what Officials will flag when trying to jar loose passes will be with us through the year. I can't help but think our tackling would improve if the rules were understandable beyond trying to read the moods of particular Refs. Our 12's will be looking to rumble and these Steelers have yet to experience the full weight of that reality. Hopefully their hand signals will be often taken for illegal motions. Maybe they practice with headphones playing loud Christmas music when it should be ear-shattering Black Sabbath. I've been told you can physically feel it, not to mention the beast quake effects from the bleachers.
Yeah ... don’t want to be overly negative on defense. But comments like the defense did well because they only gave up 17 points are not accurate.
But I’m with ya... we got the players to have a good defense. Now let’s put it all together! They can do it. Especially at home against the Steelers. Should be a great game! Would love to see some stops that don’t chew up the clock and get the offense back out there!
Go hawks!